Furlough Looming, 122 Fighter Wing Impacted

In the event of sequestration nearly 800,000 U.S civilian employees might be furloughed. The move is an attempt to cut $1.2 trillion in federal spending, requiring the pentagon to slice $46 billion from its budget during the current fiscal year. 

  
Locally, the 122nd Fighter Wing is feeling the impact of a possible furlough. 

The looming spending cuts would impact 200 military technicians locally the at 122nd fighter wing.  Meaning they won't get paid one day of the week for a span of 22 days.   

Colonel David Augustine of the 122nd fighter wing is just one of the 80,000 civilian workers nationwide fearing sequestration. 

"We have 200 technicians out here that wear the military uniform daily so it would potentially impact each and every one of us," said Augustine.

If the furlough happens, the 122nd Fighter Wing would have to get used to some new cost cutting measures. 

"The impact of the Department of Defense is not just to furlough technicians; it's actually to reduce flying hours in the air national guard which will impact our ability to fly," said Augsutine.   

"As a National Guard technician my position would be one of those that would be impacted by the furlough," said Captain  Rebecca Metzger,  administrative officer, 122^nd Fighter Wing. 

Metzger says even if furloughed, it would not impact the wings dedication to protecting the country.

"We are always there we are always ready and we will get around it and make it work despite the impact," said Metzger.