Military

“We’re going to do whatever it is that we need to do to be the most military-friendly state in the United States,” North Carolina Gov. Michael F. Easley told the state’s Military Affairs Commission this week… “I had a long talk with Gen. Shelton months ago,” Easley said. “We have a good resource. When you have the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he can tell you right where to go. There’s not a door he can’t open.”
-Cost surveys favor most; 8/3/02 Virginia Pilot

“We want a comprehensive plan to make this the most base- and deployment-friendly state in the United States,” he said… “If [the bases] are an industry, we want to be industry-driven,” Merritt said. The state should take the same pains to keep and help expand bases as it does for more conventional businesses, he said. The governor’s office also wants to bring more military suppliers to the state.
-State studies bases worth; 2/4/03 Raleigh News and Observer

“This is a time we have to stand up and make sure we show our support for them,” he said. “North Carolinians are doing more than their fair share.” “I’ve been to the military bases, and I care very deeply about them,” “I think the fact that you’re fighting a war is a pretty good excuse,” he said.
-Easley launches plans for helping military families; 4/10/03 Raleigh News and Observer

“These are true war heroes,” said Gov. Mike Easley, who welcomed the airmen home. “It will come to light over some period of time what they’ve done. It’s a lot.”
-Airforce fighter jets, Navy ships return home; 4/23/03 Associated Press

N.C. Gov. Mike Easley said, “Attracting quality military industries is a part of our economic development strategy.”
-Plant will bring high dollar jobs; 7/29/03 Charlotte Observer

“This is the time to ask all North Carolinians to not only express their gratitude for Sgt. Bobby Franklin’s service but to pray for his family, his wife, his son and his daughter,” Easley said.
-NC Guard suffers combat death; 8/23/03 Raleigh News and Observer

“The members of the National Guard and Reserve could not protect our state and our nation without the support of their employers,” the governor said in a statement. “I urge North Carolinians to thank the businesses and other organizations who employ our citizens in uniform for the sacrifices they make on
behalf of us all.”
-Under the Dome; 11/11/03 Raleigh News and Observer
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