Central Missouri News

Congressman Alford (MO-04) has announced the establishment of a Military Advisory Committee, consisting of experienced military advocates from Missouri's Fourth Congressional District. The committee's purpose is to provide expert advice and influence the shaping of the annual National Defense Authorization Act.

The committee includes representatives from Whiteman Air Force Base, Fort Leonard Wood, and the broader Missouri defense community. Among the notable members are General Frank Grass, former Chief of the National Guard Bureau and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Charles Williams Jr., former Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

Congressman Alford expressed his gratitude for the committee's formation, stating, "I'm honored to receive the counsel of several members of the Missouri defense community to provide advice on national security issues. I'm committed to being the voice for Missouri's Fourth Congressional District, and this Military Advisory Committee will help me fulfill that goal as I represent Missouri defense assets."

The committee members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Dorsey Newcomb, Executive Director of the Leonard Wood Institute and Sustainable Ozarks Partnership, and Joe Driskill, Senior Advisor to Fort Leonard Wood, are among those who will contribute their knowledge to the committee.

Other committee members include Greg Frencken, President of the Whiteman Leadership Council, Suzanne Taylor, Member of the Strategic Deterrent Coalition and Executive Director of the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, Randy Alewel, retired Missouri Army Guard Brigadier General and owner of Alewel Meats in Warrensburg, and Mark Riselli, retired Colonel of the USAF and former 509th BW Maintenance Group Commander at Whiteman Air Force Base.

The establishment of the Military Advisory Committee signifies Congressman Alford's commitment to representing the interests of Missouri's defense assets. With the expertise and guidance of these experienced professionals, he aims to ensure that the voice of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District is heard in matters of national security.

Media inquiries for Congressman Alford should be directed to Austin Higginbotham at Austin.Higginbotham@mail.house.gov.