FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2025

Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Reaffirms Unwavering Support for Red River Army Depot Amid Strategic Review

TEXARKANA, USA — The Texarkana Chamber of Commerce proudly reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the Red River Army Depot (RRAD) as the U.S. Army evaluates the depot’s future under a recently announced strategic directive.

While the Department of the Army has tasked leadership with assessing what it terms “redundant capability at RRAD,” the Chamber is focused on constructive engagement and proactive solutions to ensure RRAD continues to thrive as a cornerstone of both national defense and the regional economy.

“Although this is a critical time for our region, we believe RRAD is well-positioned to emerge stronger than ever,” said Robin Hickerson, President & CEO of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce.

A Legacy of Leadership and Impact

Since its founding in 1941, RRAD has stood as a symbol of American strength and regional pride. Its establishment was led by the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce under the guidance of Robert Maxwell, whose leadership brought essential defense infrastructure and jobs to the area. Longstanding community partners like Offenhauser & Co. Insurance, which supported the early development of RRAD and the Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant, underscore the depth of local investment in this critical installation.

Today, RRAD remains the Army’s Center for Industrial and Technical Excellence (CITE) for tactical wheeled vehicles—maintaining and overhauling critical assets like the HMMWV, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and MRAPs, while supporting joint force readiness across multiple branches of the military.

In 2023 alone, RRAD contributed more than $1.6 billion to the regional economy and supported thousands of jobs across Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

In recognition of its contributions, RRAD was honored as the "Large Business of the Year" at the 2025 Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration, reinforcing its enduring impact on the community.

The Chamber’s Commitment to Action and Advocacy

The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee initiative is actively collaborating with federal, state, and local leaders, military stakeholders, and the business community to ensure decision-makers understand RRAD’s unmatched capabilities, strategic value, and deep community support.

“This is a time for unity, not panic,” Hickerson added. “We’ve weathered challenges before. With focus and collaboration, we believe RRAD can grow into an even more dynamic force for our region and our nation.”

The Texarkana Chamber of Commerce encourages residents and businesses to remain engaged, informed, and optimistic as we work together to protect and promote this vital asset.

May 15, 2025

City Urges Congressional Support for Red River Army Depot

For Immediate Release:

TEXARKANA, TX- The City of Texarkana, Texas recently passed a resolution urging Congress and the U.S. Department of Defense to protect and support the Red River Army Depot (RRAD), a cornerstone of both national defense and the regional economy. The move comes in response to federal discussions on potential significant workload reductions which could threaten the depot’s continued operations.

Red River Army Depot, located in Bowie County, serves a vital role in maintaining, repairing, and overhauling tactical military vehicles and equipment for the U.S. Army, other branches of the military, and foreign military partners. Unlike many federal installations, RRAD is financially self-sustaining, operating without annual appropriations from congress, generating revenue through its services.

City of Texarkana, Texas Mayor Bob Bruggeman emphasizes that preserving RRAD means protecting both national security and thousands of local livelihoods.

“The Red River Army Depot is not only crucial to our national security, but it also drives our regional economy,” said Mayor Bob Bruggeman. “We stand united in our support of RRAD and call on Congress to recognize its value and protect it from any future cuts or closures.”

According to the Texas Comptroller’s Office, RRAD generates an estimated $1.6 billion in annual economic impact across Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Loss or reduction of RRAD’s operations would weaken military readiness and have a devastating impact on thousands of employees, families, and businesses who rely on its continued success throughout the Four States Region.

In a show of growing regional solidarity, the cities of Wake Village, Nash, and New Boston, Texas—as well as Bowie County—are currently considering the adoption of similar resolutions to reinforce the importance of RRAD to the area.

The resolution passed by city council urges congressional delegations from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma to advocate for policies that protect RRAD’s mission and workforce. It also encourages the Department of Defense to recognize RRAD’s unique, cost-effective operational model as a model of military efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

Use this letter to show your support for Red River Army Depot:

Your Name

Your Address

City, State, ZIP Code

Date

The Honorable [Congressional Leader’s Name]

Office Address

City, State, ZIP Code

Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name],

As a proud citizen of Texarkana and a firm believer in the strength and resilience of our nation, I write to express my unwavering support for the Red River Army Depot (RRAD)—a cornerstone of American readiness, innovation, and economic security. The recently issued guidance on the National Defense Strategy affirms what many of us already know: "This is a time of great danger, but we will meet it."

Red River Army Depot is uniquely equipped to help us meet it. Located in Northeast Texas, within 16 miles of Texarkana and the Arkansas border, RRAD plays a vital role in national security by maintaining, repairing, and overhauling tactical military vehicles and equipment for the U.S. Army, other military branches, and international partners. It is one of the few federal operations that is financially self-sustaining generating its own revenue and contributing to military readiness without adding to the national debt. Its success directly supports the Defense Department’s goal of modernizing acquisitions and spurring innovation across the defense industrial base.

Red River Army Depot – Key Facts

• RRAD houses 16 major tenant activities, including a Defense Logistics Agency’s Distribution Center, which is a central region hub for the storage and distribution of supplies for all of DoD.

• Texarkana College provides on-site leadership training at RRAD and access to its Center for Advanced Manufacturing to support certifications and licensing requirements for mission readiness.

• The depot operates with private-sector efficiency, scaling its workforce based on customer demand while staying focused on delivering operationally ready equipment to warfighters around the world.

• RRAD has received over millions state and local support through the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program to expand advanced manufacturing, including 3D printing in partnership with Texas A&M University–Texarkana, logistics support in partnership with the TexAmericas Center, and the purchase of training equipment through Texarkana College.

• Additional support includes a $32 million investment in a new Wastewater Treatment Plant and community support for a $498 million Regional Water Treatment Plant through the Riverbend Water Resources District.

• Beyond its military value, RRAD supports over 3,200 direct jobs (including tenant personnel) and generates an estimated $1.6 billion in annual economic impact based on the 2023 Texas Comptroller’s Report.

• Approximately 75% (2,651 employees) reside in Texas, supporting over 6,921 total jobs (direct and indirect) and contributing $329 million in disposable income within the state.

• Approximately 20% (707 employees) reside in Arkansas, supporting over 1,845 total jobs and contributing $87.8 million in disposable income. Less than 5% (under 141 employees) reside in other states including Oklahoma and Louisiana, supporting 369 total jobs and contributing $17.5 million in disposable income.

Our community has never shied away from service to this nation, and we will not start now. The people of Texarkana and the surrounding region stand ready to answer the call, just as we have for generations.

As our country moves forward in implementing the 2025 National Defense Strategy, we as a community are committed to supporting RRAD and its proven, cost-effective, impact to our nation’s security. Our community stands ready to accept new challenges as the missions for RRAD expands and evolves.  I respectfully urge you to champion its preservation and expansion, and to stand against any effort that would undermine its continued success. America’s strength lies in the capabilities of places like Red River—and in the people who serve there with skill, purpose, and patriotism.

Thank you for your leadership and your service to our nation. Together, we will meet the challenges of our time with resolve and vision.

Sincerely,

Your Full Name