Senator Murray Secures Funding to Build New Chapel Center at McChord Air Force Base for Service Members and their Families

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray
(D-WA), a senior member of the Military Construction Appropriations
Subcommittee, announced that she has been able to steer $10.4 million in
federal military construction funding back to Washington state to help build a
new chapel for service members and their families at McChord Air Force Base.
Currently, chapel activities are conducted in three deteriorated, substandard
World War Two-era buildings so close to the McChord flight line that they are
exposed to 65-decibel noise levels and airfield odors.

“Our service members deserve better than dilapidated,
outdated facilities,” said Senator Murray. “Especially at a time
when the strain and uncertainty of separation is so trying, we need to give
service members all the support we can. Second rate facilities won’t cut it and
we can’t wait for bureaucrats in Washington D.C. to finally respond to the needs of service members in our own
backyard. I’m proud to fight for a facility that will allow our men and women
in uniform to access religious and social services in a setting worthy of their
service.”

“Spiritual fitness is one of the four pillars of
a Comprehensive Airman Fitness Program and critical to the readiness of our
Airmen,” said Colonel Kevin J. Kilb Commander of the 62nd Airlift
Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. “These funds help dramatically increase
the quality of the spiritual care we not only provide our Airmen, but also
their families.  It will truly be a spiritual multiplier for our entire
McChord community and we are most appreciative of the continued outstanding
support.”

The new McChord Chapel Center would enhance the quality
of life for many on base by providing a materially improved facility located
away from the flight line and closer to the base community center and
dormitories.  The Center would provide worship and support services to
service members and their families.

The funding, first announced today by Senator Murray, is
now included in the Fiscal Year 2011 Military Construction Appropriations Bill.
The funding was requested by base leadership and will fully fund construction
of the Chapel Center. The funding was passed through the full Senate Military
Construction Appropriations Committee today.