SC military base task force hires coordinator

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The panel named to help ensure that military bases in South Carolina don’t suffer in a possible new round of defense budget cuts has hired an executive coordinator.

The State newspaper reported (http://bit.ly/NMYcU0) the South Carolina Military Base Task Force has hired a former commander from Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter to lead the effort.

Retired Maj. Gen. William Holland is a former commander of 9th Air Force based at Shaw.

Holland will coordinate the efforts of the state’s military communities. He also will help educate lawmakers and the public on the importance of the military in South Carolina.

Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom says Holland previously worked with the Sumter Base Defense Committee.

He replaces Brig. Gen. George Patrick, who became the state’s Deputy Commerce Secretary last year.

___

Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com