Assemblyman who represents Stratton Air National Guard Base urges Governor to do what 7 other states have and issue Executive Order arming service members so they can save lives
In the wake of the terrorist attack killing four Marines and a Navy sailor in Chattanooga Tennessee and increased threats by the terrorist group ISIS to kill American service members, Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville) today is calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to issue an executive order to arm all New York National Guard members.
Currently, seven governors have authorized their state National Guard units to be armed. Those states include: Florida, Texas, Indiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Wisconsin.
The 112th Assembly District, which Tedisco represents, includes the Stratton Air National Guard Base and its 109th Airlift Wing, as well as the Navy Operational Support Center which has 8 Navy Reserve units – both located in Glenville.
“I’m calling on the Governor to use his authority as Commander in Chief of the New York National Guard to issue an executive order and arm our National Guard members to protect the lives of civilians and our brave service men and women,” said Tedisco.
“Make no mistake, ISIS and other terrorists who hate America and despise our freedoms are now targeting our military here at home. We have an obligation to ensure our armed forces and our civilian population are protected,” said Tedisco.
“Would we send our brave and courageous heroes to war without weapons of protection? War has come to our shores and our service members need to be armed. While the President and Congress should allow our active duty service members to be armed, we don't need permission from the federal government to make this happen for New York’s reservists -- nor should we wait for federal action. The Governor can and should do this immediately,” said Tedisco.
###