In the News

Abilene, Texas — The effects of the government shutdown will be felt at Dyess Air Force Base. Colonel Brandon Parker, the commander of the 7th Bomb Wing, said “this will be a difficult time for both our civilian personnel as well as our military and their families.” On Saturday, Parker detailed what the shutdown means for Dyess. The biggest impact -- paychecks. Military personnel are not subject to furloughs which means anyone on active duty will continue to report for duty and carry out assigned duties. But, they will not be paid for any work after Jan 19. until a deal is reached. If that does not happen before Feb. 1, USAA has announced it will offer an interest-free payroll loan to its military members. Congressman Jodey Arrington, who's 19th Congressional district includes Dyess and Abilene, said “my heart goes out to them. " "We are doing everything we can to negotiate and pressure the Democrats and even shame them to come back to the table and release the hostages that are the Dyess personnel and the other men and women on bases around the country," Arrington said. Civilian personnel will be furloughed except "those that are essential to national security and safety," according to Parker. "I am as disappointed as the (civilian personnel) are," Arrington said. "In many ways, the government is not making good on a pledge and promise to them.” Arrington said the shutdown will also "disrupt maintenance. It will disrupt operations (and) training." http://ktxs.com/news/abilene/dyess-air-force-base-impacted-by-government-shutdown