Governor Rell:  New Council Will Advise Governor on

Defense Issues Important to Connecticut

                Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the formation of the Connecticut Military and Defense Advisory Council.  The council will provide Governor Rell with technical advice and assistance on issues related to military bases, homeland security, defense industries and the quality of life of service members in Connecticut.

            “The advisory council will be a source of ideas and advice on strategies for Connecticut to continue to support our national security community,” Governor Rell said.  “The council will also help sustain and improve communication between the State and its valued military residents.  I am committed to supporting our military and defense institutions as well as our military families in every possible way. I look forward to the valuable counsel this advisory group will provide.”

The council’s membership will include leaders in the State’s defense and homeland security presence.  Members are appointed by the Governor and serve voluntarily, for indefinite terms and without compensation.

Justin Bernier, Executive Director of the State’s Office of Military Affairs, will chair the council.  Other members will include: 

·        Commanding Officer of Submarine Base New London;

·        Superintendent of the United States Coast Guard Academy;

·        Adjutant General for the Connecticut National Guard;

·        Commissioner of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;

·        Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development;

·        President and CEO of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association;

·        President of the Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut;

·        Commander of the American Legion Department of Connecticut;

·        Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Connecticut; and

·        A senior service member from a Connecticut-based Reserve unit.

More than 16,500 service members – active duty and reserve component – call Connecticut home.  Thousands more out-of-state residents are stationed at Connecticut military facilities. 

“The council includes members from across the armed services community and it will work especially hard to develop partnerships and strategies intended to support Connecticut’s men and women in uniform,” the Governor said. “The formation of this group is another way we can demonstrate our commitment to our service families and our commitment to making sure that we help and support them by identifying and addressing their needs.”

            Defense is one of Connecticut’s largest economic sectors.  The U.S. Department of Defense projects it will make more than $10 billion in direct purchases and pay in Connecticut in 2008 – more than just two other states when measured in per capita dollars.  The council will advise the Governor on ways to maintain and increase good-paying defense jobs in the State.

            The council will also advise the Governor on opportunities to improve the military value of defense facilities in Connecticut, particularly the nation’s largest submarine base at Groton.  Groton, which has been targeted in past federal base closure rounds, contributes to the state approximately 15,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in annual economic activity.

            The first meeting of the council is expected to be held in September.