News Room

07/01/2008: Ric Killian, NC House Representative, Visits NC Troops

The Honorable Ric Killian, NC House of Representatives (R – 105), member of the North Carolina House of Representatives Homeland Security, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee, traveled to the Middle East recently to visit members of the 145th Security Forces Squadron, Charlotte. The Squadron’s deployment supports the global war on terror.

Brigadier General Iwan B.Clontz, JFHQ-NC Air Component Commander, and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Friend, 145th Security Forces Commander, escorted Killian on the trip. Lt. Colonel Friend said that this visit marks the first time a North Carolina legislator has visited deployed troops in theatre.

While visiting the North Carolina airmen, Killian immersed himself in the events that make up the daily life of the deployed. Killian, a former active-duty Army officer and Army Reservist, participated in the troop’s morning PT formation run, and then had breakfast with them. Later, he toured the base area facilities, visited defensive fighting positions on the installation and participated in demonstrations of various security systems.

Killian, General Clontz and Lt. Colonel Friend received various briefings on the area, and an update on theatre operations. They also met with Major General Rhett A. Hernandez, senior Department of Defense representative in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and discussed strategic area issues.

Killian’s talks with the front-line troops revealed needs and concerns that he plans to bring back to the NC General Assembly and Military Affairs Committee. He plans to introduce legislation that will assist the deployed and their family members.

Killian wrapped up his visit with the deployed members of the 145th Security Forces Squadron with an Awards Ceremony. He presented the Squadron a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the North Carolina General Assembly. General Clontz awarded North Carolina Achievement Medals.

Lt. Colonel Friend remarked that the trip was a significant morale booster for his troops, and that they were very honored that a legislator came all the way to Saudi Arabia to meet with them, and discuss their concerns, mid-deployment.

02/07/2008: News on the I-485 Road widening issue with Ric Killian. Click here to read the article.

01/23/2008:

            On 23 January 2008 members of The Concerned Bikers Association/ABATE of NC presented the Patriot Statesman award to Representative Ric Killian (Mecklenberg) , the Republican Freshman Chair. This award was presented to recognize his exemplary testimony in support of Motorcyclists' Issues during legislative committee meetings and in the House Chamber.

            An avid motorcyclist himself, Representative Killian knows the issues facing motorcyclist on NC's highways and has provided his staunch support and, sound advice in CBA/ABATE's efforts to educate his legislative colleagues. "Too frequently, our elected officials are recognized only when they have displeased their constituents. Our membership wants to publicly acknowledge the efforts of legislators who work with us on important issues", said Doc Ski, Legislative Director for CBA/ABATE of NC.

            According to Doc Ski, "This past legislative session was especially important to bikers in North Carolina. By sharing his, personal experiences with his legislative colleagues, Ric Killian helped North Carolina lawmakers better understand the important role of motorcycles in the transportation network." Doc Ski added, "During deliberations in the House Transportation Committee, Representative Killian provided his unsolicited testimony in support of the Exemption for Motorcycles at malfunctioning traffic signals (SB 1359). His remarks helped his colleagues to understand the dangers faced by a motorcyclist trapped at an intersection with a malfunctioning signal, and proved instrumental in helping this bill to pass thee critical committee deliberations."

            In receiving the award, Representative Killian thanked the group for their involvement in NC's legislative activities and, for the many contributions The Concerned Biker's Association makes in our state.