By Antonio Gil Morales Past National Commander
American GI Forum of the U.S.
Recently Gov. Rick Perry hailed the aerospace and defense industry for its contribution to the strength of the San Antonio economy as he spoke to area industry leaders.
To Veterans the aerospace and defense industry is key for creating jobs and keeping the Texas economy growing. Texas has for many years been one of the best states for Veterans to live in. As more veterans move to Texas jobs need to be created. Texas is doing well with the aerospace industry growing in Texas. Well known companies like Boeing Lockheed Martin and about 2000 aerospace companies call Texas home. In San Antonio alone there are 13 aerospace companies that have created almost 9000 jobs and have contributed about 1.46 billion to the areas economy. It could be said that its an industry that in 10 years may triple or quadruple.
With the continued growth of one of the worlds premiere companies; the Boeing Company is adding 400 new jobs to provide refurbishment of the worlds newest and most technologically advanced aircraft the 787 Dreamliner elevating San Antonios role as a world leader in defense and aerospace technology. And represents another milestone in the successful redevelopment of Kelly Air Force Base now called Port San Antonio. It is clear that Texas has never been a greater part of Boeings vision for the future than now.
Boeings local center has been certified to work on the aerospace giants long-anticipated commercial 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The start date for that work is uncertain. Michael Wright program director for the KC-135 and the KC-10 program at Boeing said that work is likely to add 400 jobs to the more than 1800 people Boeing employs locally. He expects the aircraft to complete flight tests and get to San Antonio soon. We have a great future and were going to be here a long time" Wright said.
The new work at Port San Antonio represents not only Boeings commitment to Texas but it is also Texas commitment to ensuring the opportunities for the future are generated right in Texas. Working with state leaders city officials and the folks at Port San Antonio the Boeing Company found friendly allies in their efforts to make Texas the home of their maintenance repair and overhaul Center of Excellence" Governor Perry recently told a panel of industry leaders.
San Antonio is a military center and a place many veterans choose to live when they complete their tours or retire. This makes San Antonio home to many Veterans and many military families. Veterans who because of their military training are better prepared for many of these jobs can fill many of these aerospace jobs that Boeing will create.
Military training will serve many but for the high technology high paying jobs more than the training received in the military will be needed. It will require a higher standard of education. With Boeings commitment to helping our Veterans and with Texas colleges and universities expansion of opportunities in engineering and computer science and with the Texas Veterans Tuition programs our Veterans will be able to train learn and become part of those individuals preparing for a much better future through this industry.
Because we are able to train our returning Veterans we will add a reliable workforce able provide the talent the security these jobs call for and the experience of knowing what is needed for our national defense. More importantly is keeping our defense jobs at home where they belong. Veterans need jobs and companies like Boeing are looking for what our Veterans provide a talented experienced and reliable workforce that will ensure their economic growth.
Once again American based aircraft and aerospace industry will prove that outsourcing defense contracts to foreign-based companies is a bad policy that deprives thousands of our returning warriors of a rewarding employment opportunity. Lets keep America strong by training and hiring our very own veterans. Lets protect the future of Texas by assuring the Boeing Company and the aerospace industry that they have found the resources talent and reliable workforce to grow in Texas and to keep those jobs in America.
