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Scotland County representative in Congress met with miltary leaders to talk about improvements at Laurinburg-Maxton Airport.

U.S. Rep Larry Kissell welcomed Brigadier General Norman Ham, Commander of the 440th Airlift Wing at Pope Field, to discuss post-BRAC adjustments and recent accomplishments at Pope Field.

Kissell also used the meeting as an opportunity to discuss the potential for upgrades at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport to allow it to accommodate heavier military aircraft use.

“It’s an honor to spend time with Brigadier General Norman Ham and Airmen of the 440th Airlift Wing to discuss issues important to the Eighth District,” said Kissell. “I’m proud of the work being done at Pope Field and I appreciate them taking the time to provide updates on their initiatives, and the challenges they face in connection with BRAC. I was also eager to reiterate my support for military investment in the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport to allow for increased military use. This project is important to the people of our region, and I’m glad General Ham was receptive.”

Ham provided Kissell an update on Wing activities, including deployments, exercises, inspection and awards. They also discussed manpower and retention. Kissell, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, was also joined by Chief Master Sergeant Jeffrey Roeder, Major Lisa Reaver, and Air Force Reserve Officer Tim Welter.

The 440th Airlift Wing is a total force initiative with two planes stationed in Afghanistan 365 days a year. The Wing includes 1,400 Reservists and 400 full-time civilians. The 440th Airlift Wing is responsible for movement of the XVIIIth Airborne Corps out of Fort Bragg in order to respond to crises as they arise around the globe.

“The 440th Airlift Wing are ready to go at anytime, to anywhere in the world,” Kissell said. “Their rapid response and strategies provide life-saving services to men and women in uniform across the globe. I thank Brigadier General Ham, Chief Master Sergeant Jeffrey Roeder, Major Lisa Reaver and Air Force Reserve Officer Tim Welter for their continued service to our nation.”