NATINAL GUARD ASSISTS BOTH REGION AND NATION

For the second year in a row, the 1140th Engineer Battalion, headquartered in Cape Girardeau, has been spared the congressional budget ax.

That's good news for Southeast Missouri.

We understand the need for a reduction in defense spending. The Cold War has ended, and the U.S. must reduce its staggering deficit. But Congress must not forget that the National Guard still has a role to play in America's defense. The Guard's active and exemplary role in the Gulf War illustrates this point.

The National Guard also plays an important role in disaster assistance in Southeast Missouri. In our region, Guard units were called upon to dig out stranded families during the Blizzard of 1979. Over the years, troops have assisted families ravaged by Mississippi River flooding or devastated by tornadoes. The units are on call in case an earthquake erupts along the New Madrid Fault. Their duties have been as important as rescuing people in danger, as mundane as delivering Meals On Wheels during bad weather.

The good news is that the 1140th has again been spared. The bad news is that the Pentagon has proposed cutting more than 3,300 Guard, Army Reserve and Navy Reserve positions in Missouri as part of a nationwide reduction in the size of the military forces. That's one in every five National Guard and reserve positions in our state.

The shortsightedness is that the National Guard provides a cost-effective military presence. The Guard and military reserves' expertise were well demonstrated during the Gulf War.

Southeast Missouri owes its thanks to Maj. Gen. Charles M. Kiefner, the state's adjutant general, who recommended that the 110th in Kansas City be deactivated instead of the 1140th battalion. Elimination of the 110th will still leave a National Guard presence in Kansas City, which would not be the case here.

If the battalion were closed, seven Southeast Missouri towns would lose a National Guard presence, including Jackson, Sikeston, Portageville, Charleston, Perryville, Fredericktown and Farmington. Only Cape Girardeau would retain a presence as the 135th Engineer Group is also headquartered at the Cape Girardeau armory.

These Guard units are important to Southeast Missouri, not only in disaster relief but in economic impact as well. These units pump valuable dollars into these communities, many of which have been particularly hard hit during the current economic slump.

Unfortunately, a cloud hangs over the "celebration." The reprieve of the 1140th doesn't mean the battalion won't be targeted for cuts in future years. As such, Missouri congressmen, senators and voters must keep carrying the Guard's banner. Sen. Christopher Bond deserves particular praise for leading the fight against Guard cuts.

The National Guard and reserves have helped many Southeast Missourians in time of need. Now, it's our turn to lend a hand of support to these "weekend warriors."