Other Places: A Letter From A Resident Near Holloman AFB, N.M.
TF Note: A lesson to be learned about possible sonic booms by those of us in Tucson.
Dear Tucson Forward,
I support Tucson Forward in their effort opposing the F-35 as people try to protect their environment, properties, and even their health.
I along with others oppose the placing of the F-35 in our area of NM for some of the same reasons as the people in AZ. Holloman AFB, NM is one of the places on the list for receiving the F-35. Our community and other neighboring communities in NM continue to be negatively affected by a mission placed here that is neither appropriate nor compatible for the area. I am speaking of the F-22 Raptor. The F-22 is in the beddown process at Holloman AFB, but has already negatively affected the life of many people. Our quality of life continues to be affected due to the F-22 mission that involves sonic booms, significant pollution unlike anything I have ever seen since living in the area for many years. In the past there were hundreds of aircraft in the area that didn’t produce the type of pollution being generated by considerably less F-22’s. The F-22 is also a loud 5th Generation Aircraft which doesn’t belong over the public. The F-22 is being allowed to go supersonic over populated areas because airspace was enhanced over our homes, public and private property. Furthermore, the AF didn’t conduct an Environmental Impact Statement for this major project that included enhancing their airspace and creating a training range over our homes and communities allowing for supersonic missions among others. An Environmental Assessment was done in which they found “No Significant Impact.” The EA done also appears to be very flawed with discrepancies within. Most people in our area are still not aware of what has taken place and how because of the lack of disclosure involved relating to what the AF and FAA have been allowed to do. The leaders in this area also have not taken a stand on behalf of concerned citizens. A project, which would affect tens of thousands of people, the environment, and much wildlife and companion animals, should have included an accurate and comprehensive EIS, but it didn’t happen. There have been times when we have had exposure to a dozen or more sonic booms within several minutes. The experience of even one explosion type boom is very negative experience and when they create multiple booms, the effects are even worse. Not only do these booms shake our homes, but us also. People including children have experienced various effects due to the sonic booms taking place including earaches, headaches, nosebleeds, neck and back pain, and other pain and problems from being startled and frightened. Companion animals are also suffering. Windows have shattered and blown out of structures. Complaints and concerns also appear to go ignored when reported to Holloman AFB, mine included. Conveniently, the EA states that sonic booms are not allowed over Holloman AFB, NM and the maps relating to the mission show that also.
With all this in mind, opposition to the F-35 that may be coming to Holloman AFB, NM, will continue to be a major area of concern for some of us. We know, firsthand, what effects the F-22 mission is having on the public and how our concerns continue to go ignored regardless of the impact to the public. If the F-35 is located here, it too will be going super sonic over our homes and our great communities and the loud noise associated with the aircraft will greatly impact the people and our quality of life especially now that the airspace enhancements have been done making our communities not the safe haven they once were. I believe concerned people will be treated in much of the same way as the Air Force, leaders, and the FAA are treating us now in regards to our concerns over these questionable military activities over populated areas. Here also some people are considering their legal rights in the matter involving the F-22 and F-35.
We have a right to be concerned, as do the citizens in AZ. Lastly, I sent an editorial to the AZ Republic on this issue in support of the people opposing the F-35 in AZ, but I don’t believe it was ever published from when I had checked.
Sincerely,
Dory Schuster
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