Senator Gallivan Welcomes Chair of Veterans, Homeland Security & Military Affairs Committee to WNY

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) welcomed Senator Thomas D. Croci, (R-C-I, Sayville) Chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs to Western New York Wednesday.  During his visit, Croci toured the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park and the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

“It was a pleasure to have Senator Croci here to see firsthand a true Western New York treasure,” Gallivan said.  “The Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park is a remarkable facility which pays tribute to the brave men and women who have served and currently serve in our armed forces.  As Chair of the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, Senator Croci was also interested in learning more about the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and its role in national defense.”

In visiting the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, Gallivan and Croci toured several decommissioned U.S. Naval vessels, including a cruiser, USS Little Rock, a destroyer, USS The Sullivans and a submarine, USS Crocker.  They also met with park Executive Director Colonel Patrick Cunningham and members of the Board of Directors. 

In Niagara Falls, Gallivan and Croci were joined by Senator Robert Ortt (R-C-I, North Tonawanda) in a tour of the 107^th Airlift Wing.  They were briefed on the capabilities of the MQ-9 Reaper, a program which will allow airmen to fly remotely-piloted aircraft all over the world.  Col. Robert Kilgore, Commander of the 107^th, also discussed how the mission will help sustain the base, which is a major employer in the region.