Sen. Cruz: From Lackland to Fort Hood Texas Remains a Pillar of Strength in Americas Defense and Strategic Objectives

Tours Fort Hood visits with Soldiers and receives update on operations and training occurring on base and around the world Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. (KILLEEN Texas) U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today concluded his statewide Texas Defends America tour with a visit to Fort Hood. There he visited Soldiers and received an update on operations and training occurring there and around the world. Following the tour Sen. Cruz held a media availability. Still photos and video of the tour may be viewed here.

It is an honor to visit with the outstanding Soldiers stationed here at Fort Hood" Sen. Cruz said. America is well served by the training and operations that occur within III Corps Fort Hood and its ability to rapidly deploy and redeploy the 1st Cavalry Division. The community in Killeen supports Fort Hood with excellence and is an embodiment of Texas values. I am grateful for the good work being done here each and every day. From Lackland to Fort Hood Texas remains a pillar of strength in Americas defense and strategic objectives."

The FY19 NDAA included over 30 provisions secured by Sen. Cruz that will ensure the continued success of Texas military communities and address the United States national security interests. Additionally the bill provides $9.6 million in funding for supply support activity and prepares Armored Brigade Combat Teams for deployments to Europe such as 1^st Brigade 1^st CAV Division who is deployed there now. Furthermore the bill states that Active Protection Systems (APS) for the M1 Abrams tank Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles are vital to our future Armored Brigade Combat Teams and our ability to defend against potential adversaries. A provision was included to upgrade the Armys M1 Abrams tank with Israels Trophy Active Protection System (APS). Earlier this year Sens. Cruz and John Cornyn (R-Texas) penned a letter to Secretary of the Army Mark T. Esper urging the Army to consider both Fort Hood and Fort Bliss to host the Armys 2nd Brigade 4th Infantry Division following the units conversion from an Infantry Brigade Combat Team to an Armored Brigade Combat Team.