Today, Niagara Falls welcomed Department of Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. A number of WNY politicians including Rep. Kathy Hocul, who invited the Secretary of Defense to visit the base, discussed new missions with the Secretary, who said he is committed to working with Western New York's congressional delegation in pursuing a new mission.

"After listening to our presentation, I was delighted to hear the Secretary's commitment to maintaining the base. Secretary Panetta's visit to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station gave him the opportunity to see the base and its value firsthand and to understand the vital role the base plays in protecting our regional and national security," Rep. Hochul said. "I look forward to continuing to work with the Secretary and my colleagues, as well as the leadership of the base, to preserve the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station."

Rep. Hochul, is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

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