BRAC by quotes

BRAC talk from Clovis this weekend:

“I am proud to be a U.S. citizen — to have the freedom to be able to approach the government and the Pentagon and tell them that they might be wrong. A lot of countries would not be so accepting.”

— Cathy Haynes, Clovis city commissioner on how the BRAC regional hearing inspired feelings of patriotism

“The real heroes are the men and women of the armed forces who give us the freedom to speak like we did today — to unite and say this is wrong, don’t close Cannon.”

— Randy Harris, Committee of Fifty member addressing the crowd gathered at the Marshall Junior High football field after the hearing

“The Department of Defense, like everyone else, is capable of making mistakes.”

— Sen. Pete Domenici, R.-N.M. at Friday’s regional hearing

“This is a poor state. You should know that. But we have not been poor in spirit when it comes to wanting to help the military of the United States.”

— Domenici, to BRAC commissioners

“If you don’t put in the right information, you get the wrong answer.”

— Domenici, asking commissioners to re-evaluate information about Cannon received from the Defense Department

“We felt that because the military supports our business we should turn around and support them.”

— Rosie Carrera owner of a local restaurant who watched the regional hearing from the 16th and Pile Church of Christ

“It was a passionate presentation.”

— Clovis resident Alfred Anderson of Friday’s regional hearing

“I’m unhappy that more of our citizenry didn’t show up. That building (16th and Pile Church of Christ) should have been full. People were more comfortable to sit at home and watch the hearing, but we needed warm bodies here.”

— Clovis resident Linda Ivey on Friday’s turnout

“I grew up in Clovis and I lived here all my life. I know, through the years, how important Cannon is. We only have this one chance to show them (commissioners) physically how much Cannon means to the community.”

— Teena Volker

“You can’t capture all that is important with sterile numbers.”

— Commissioner Philip Coyle to Cannon backers at the regional hearing

“We have friends at Cannon ... I enjoy the planes. I don’t know what I’d do if I looked up and didn’t see them.”

— Delores Eichenberger, Clovis resident of 61 years

“I wanted to be a future teacher. With all those jobs leaving, I wouldn’t be able to find a job.”

— Gloriane Ortega, recent Eastern New Mexico University graduate who had plans to stay in the area, but said she may have to move elsewhere if Cannon closes

“You saw them waving their flags, welcoming you — thousands of patriotic Americans who have dedicated their lives to Cannon, strengthening its value to the military.”

— Gov. Bill Richardson, on Cannon’s supporters

“Basically, the economic impact is so devastating that (Clovis) might not survive.”

— Richardson, to BRAC commissioners

“There were already people out walking around (at 3 a.m. Friday). I was looking for media, mostly, but I couldn’t believe there were people already here.”

— Janice Brown, who lives near Commerce and Pile streets, on early-morning arrivals associated with the BRAC hearing

“It’s hard to put in perspective, when you’re standing in your little spot with your little sign. But I feel proud to be here.”

— Sharon Cavett of Portales, who joined about 1,000 others to form a human “Keep Cannon” sign