At Tuesday’s City Council agenda meeting, councilwoman Luvertha August proposed a resolution supporting the efforts of Fort Polk Progress, which is trying to stave off cuts at the Army post in Vernon Parish.

“I’m hoping the word gets out to other municipalities in Calcasieu Parish, civic and social organizations and any individuals who wish to participate in either a letter-writing campaign or as we’re doing, setting up a resolution in support of Fort Polk not reducing its troops,” August said.

She said troop reductions could hurt the region and the state and that the group can’t succeed without community support.

That backing helped keep the Army from slashing troop numbers by 3,500 at Fort Polk in 2012; it lowered the figure to 240. In 2013, the Army studied a potential loss of over 5,000 troops at Fort Polk and cut only 252.

“This time the Army suggested even a larger number, which I understand will impact not only the hospital there, but go all the way to the post office,” August said.

“Even though we’re not close to Fort Polk, we do feel the ripples of the economy and everything else that it has to offer the state.”

Eligha Guillory, assistant city administrator, said efforts to garner local support for Fort Polk Progress are in motion. He said the city is playing a role in the group’s letter-writing campaign.

From 8 a.m. until noon Saturday, residents can sign the city’s letter, which will be on a table set up on the first floor near the entrance of the Lake Charles Civic Center exhibition hall.

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Online: www.fortpolkprogress.com.(American Press Archives)