Adams Statement on Trump Administration's Move to Shortchange National Guard Service Members
May 19, 2020
"the move would threaten benefits and shortchange the men and women working to protect us."
Charlotte– Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement on the story,first reported by Politico, that the Trump administration plans to end National Guard deployments on June 24, one day before many National Guard Service Members qualify for benefits.
"From floods and hurricanes to COVID-19, our National Guard is always ready and always there during a disaster. After everything they've done for us during this pandemic, we should be there for them," said Congresswoman Adams."Thousands of service members, including more than 900 National Guard service members from the Tar Heel State, have been activated to respond to COVID-19. President Trump's plan to terminate their deployments in the middle of a crisis is yet another irresponsible decision that will make it harder to fight the pandemic. Finally, the move would threaten benefits and shortchange the men and women working to protect us."
In May, the North Carolina National Guard noted the following successes:
- Partnering with Team Rubicon, a veteran disaster relief service organization, to distribute food to the local community at the Second Harvest Food Bank Southeast in Fayetteville.
- Distributing food and milk to veteran and military families in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The "Veterans helping Veterans" military-themed food distribution was coordinated by Orange County Social Services.
- Assisting the North Carolina Emergency Management, Department of Health and Human Services, and food distribution at the Providence Kitchen to help support COVID 19 relief efforts.
- Assisting Action Pathways Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina transport and distribute food in Raeford. In addition to hauling 30 pallets of food to the distribution site, 30 SMs directed cars through the parking lot, and loaded them with boxes of food.
- Candling (checking for freshness) and inspecting eggs for distribution. They are supporting the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC in Winston-Salem.
- Conducting warehouse operations to include the distribution of personal protective equipment in central North Carolina.
- Assisting food distribution operations at Northside Elementary School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Volunteers take the food and distribute it to disadvantaged children who do not have access to their daily free or reduced school meal programs.
Congresswoman Alma Adams represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee.
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