Ohioans know that our state has a long history of stepping up to help those in need. The Youngstown Air Reserve Station and the 910th Airlift Wing stationed there carry that legacy with pride, helping deliver aid and assistance to communities across the country.

Whether it was Hurricane Katrina or the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, YARS stepped up to support relief efforts for those who needed them most.

While people outside the Mahoning Valley may know YARS for its relief efforts, the people in the area know how important it is to the surrounding communities. This station provides hundreds of jobs for both military and civilian personnel and contributes millions of dollars annually to the local economy through contracts and investment. YARS has shown that it is a critical part of our homeland security, national defense and local economy, which is why I have been such an ardent supporter of the base.

As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I have worked tirelessly to direct federal dollars from the defense budget back to the district. Recently, YARS began transitioning to its new C-130J airframe, a major upgrade that required updating the surrounding infrastructure.

I led a letter, along with my colleagues from the Ohio congressional delegation, to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, urging him to finalize funding for a new fire station that could accommodate these new aircraft. This was a project I have been advocating for since 2024. We ultimately secured

$25 million for it through the Department of Defense.

This project’s value is exponential, as it prioritizes the safety of our service members, supports aircraft critical to our national security, and pumps millions of dollars into the local economy through construction contracts and employment.

SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL AIRPORT

It is also important to note that supporting the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport), which hosts YARS, is another critical component to supporting our troops and national security. In a Feb. 7 article, Anthony Trevena, Western Reserve Port Authority executive director, said, “If the runways aren’t repaired to FAA standards, they could close or shorten them… we wouldn’t have an air base.”

As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, I secured $5 million for runway rehabilitation at YNG in the Fiscal Year 2026 bill, which was signed into law earlier this year. This project ensures that YNG can continue to contribute to the local economy and fulfill its important role as the host of YARS.

While I take great pride in securing federal funding for infrastructure projects in the district, I have also fought to support our veterans and service members in all facets of life. The airmen stationed at YARS are an integral part of our community, and they deserve to be properly compensated.

This past year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which I voted for, included multiple provisions to improve our service members’ quality of life. This sweeping legislation provided a 3.8% raise, expanded access to child care and upgraded barracks and family housing for our troops.

I know how important YARS is to our local economy and national defense, which is why I have made it a priority to secure federal funding and advance policies that support our service members.

This work is not finished, and I will continue to work in Congress every day to ensure YARS and our troops have what they need to keep our country safe. When we invest in our military, everyday Americans reap the benefits.

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce has represented Ohio’s

14th District since 2013. It includes all of Trumbull County.