George Allen tours defense distribution facility

George Allen brought his Virginia Voices tour to the Shenandoah Valley where he visited Tactical and Survival Specialties.

Established in 1980 by retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Bill Strang, TSSi is a leading provider of tactical and specialized operational equipment to the U.S. Armed Forces and Special Operations community, federal, state and local law enforcement, and disaster recovery professionals. TSSi’s primary concern is the looming $500 billion defense cuts currently scheduled to begin Jan. 2, 2013 under the Washington deal reached last summer.

“Tactical and Survival Specialties is a small business built to help support the important missions of our troops at home and abroad,” said Bill Strang, Founder, President and CEO of TSSi and retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer.  “I’m concerned that Washington is placing jobs at risk with defense cuts that not only affect our military but also defense contractors like TSSi and the jobs and economy in Harrisonburg that we support. The uncertainty over these cuts hinders our ability to plan, invest or hire people. I’m glad to know George Allen is committed to making our military a priority and reversing these defense cuts.”

On the tour, Allen observed TSSi’s distribution center where the company provides kitting and integration solutions for military, law enforcement and first responder use. Allen also met TSSi employees, nearly half of whom are veterans.

“It’s inspiring to see the creative, important work of men and women dedicated to supporting our armed forces with state of the art equipment,” said Allen. “TSSi  is another example of small businesses that could be hurt by Washington’s failures.  The looming $500 Billion defense cuts from last summer’s failed deal is placing our military members, national defense and Virginia jobs at risk.

“Unlike my opponent, I do not believe it was ‘the right thing to do.’ I aim to provide the leadership and political will in Washington to reverse these devastating cuts that could adversely affect our military readiness, families and jobs throughout Virginia.  Our men and women in the armed forces should never be used as a bargaining tool to raise taxes on small business owners and cause even more job losses.”