This is written in regards to homeland security.

We could use military bases here for training. We have direct access to the Pacific Ocean. Military ships could be at sea within one hour or sooner. We could have a protected harbor — the largest protected harbor between San Francisco on the south and Seattle on the north. We already have an established airport that could be enlarged for larger military aircraft. We already have an established metal mill in Reedsport, which could be increased tenfold to supply the building of the bases and at the same time equal good paying jobs for our area.

For every student who enters our public schools and has a parent or guardian in the armed forces, the federal government or Department of Defense could contribute a certain amount of money to our school districts.

Homes would be purchased or rented, as would apartments. Thousands of jobs would be created via the industries that are here and added. Our channel and harbor worries would be over because of the many military ships based here, the Army Corps of Engineers would have to keep the channel and harbor open. The infrastructure of our cities, counties, roads and emergency personnel would be taken care of by the increase that would come as a result of having military bases in our community.

None of this is going to happen without the complete cooperation of managing entities of both North Bend and Coos Bay and the surrounding communities.

Remember, even though it doesn’t feel like it, we are at war. We most likely will be for the rest of our lives. There is a saying, “Those who hesitate are lost.” If it is expected that our federal government will take notice, we must speak as one entity.

Joseph Shukoff

North Bend