Phoenix Protesters Confront Yuma Military 3-26-08 Photos and Audio

NEWS RELEASE Arizona State Senate 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007
Senator Amanda Aguirre, D-24 (602) 926-4139
March 18, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. ARMY YUMA PROVING GROUND TO SPONSOR
MILITARY EQUIPMENT EXHIBIT AT ARIZONA STATE CAPITOL ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26
STATE CAPITOL, Phoenix - U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, located in Southwest Arizona outside the city of Yuma, is holding “Yuma Proving Ground Legislative Day” on the state capitol grounds in Phoenix on Wednesday, March 26. The large exhibit is being held to enable state officials to learn about the proving ground’s significant national defense role and $424 million annual economic impact.
The event will feature a variety of military equipment and weapon systems in use overseas and multiple colorful photo exhibits that show the many aspects of the proving ground’s mission. Equipment on display will include armored vehicles, artillery, technologies used to defeat roadside bombs, unmanned aircraft, mortars, inert ammunition, and more.
“This will be excellent opportunity to get close-up views of some of our newest military equipment and personally meet with subject matter experts,” said Col. John Bullington, Yuma Proving Ground commander. “The work performed at the proving ground saves American lives and directly contributes to the national defense.”
Photo and computer displays will portray the many aspects of Yuma Proving Ground’s multiple missions that extend from the humid jungles of Central America, across the Arizona desert, to the freezing cold temperatures of Alaska’s interior. Detailed exhibits will show the aerial and ground weapons testing at Yuma Proving Ground and the innovative partnerships established with academic institutions and private firms in Arizona, including universities, General Motors Corporation and Arizona Public Service.
“The economic contribution of the proving ground to Southwest Arizona and the entire state amounts to over $400 million,” said Senator Amanda Aguirre, who helped arrange for the exhibit. “And it grows each year.”
Representative Theresa Ulmer, who also represents Yuma, is amazed by the quantity of work performed at the proving ground. “Nearly every weapon system used by our ground forces goes through testing at Yuma Proving Ground, with nearly 100 systems undergoing tests at any single time. It’s a remarkable place and a true oasis in the desert.”
The exhibit will be available for viewing during the hours 9:00 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. on the Senate lawn the state capitol, 1700 W. Washington Ave., on March 26. The public as well as media and all other interested parties are welcome. For further information, contact the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground Public Affairs Office at (928) 328-6533 or email: ypgpao [at] conus.army.mil
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Note to media:
You are welcome to attend this event. It will provide you an excellent opportunity to speak to weapons experts and get close up looks at cutting edge military systems like the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle currently protecting troops in Iraq, the armored Stryker Fighting Vehicle, parachute systems, at least two unmanned aircraft, the newest howitzer in use with American forces, and much more. Contact the Yuma Proving Ground Public Affairs Office for more details at (928) 328-6533/6189/6143 or email at the address listed above or: chuck.wullenjohn [at] us.army.mil Lunch will be provided.
Additional Media Contact:
Jeanette Tejeda de Gomez
Director of Communication and Constituent Services
Senate Democratic Caucus
602-926-4477 * jtejedadegomez [at] azleg.gov