Military Growth Series

WHQR Military Coverage:
Ohio Congressman Calls Marine Response 'Inadequate" (4/10/2008) NC National Guard Soldier Killed in Iraq (4/08/2008) NC Tries to Lure Military Contractors (2/20/2008) Military Traffic to Increase on Highway 17 (1/23/2008) Task Force Addresses Military Growth (1/16/2008)

Growing the Homefront

Stories from North Carolina's Expanding Military

Whether it takes the form of hundreds of soldiers returning from Iraq... thousands of new Marine recruits at Camp LeJeune... or millions of dollars in contracts, the military is rapidly increasing its footprint in North Carolina. This month, WHQR looks at how that expanding presence affects lives, changes communities, and shapes the economy in southeastern North Carolina.

Accomodating Returning Parents

The 82nd airborne division is returning home to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. It’s a special homecoming because, for the first time since World War Two, the entire 82nd Airborne Division was deployed. But in a scene played out in military families across the country, Mom or Dad’s return can wreak havoc on the family’s daily routine, particularly when it comes to school. So Ft. Bragg and the surrounding school districts are working together to allow students time to bond with their loved ones, without the worry about a few missed days. To listen to the story, click here.

Turning the Military Presence into Military Spending

When you talk about where the military puts its personnel, North Carolina ranks 4th out of the 50 states. But when you talk about where the military spends it's money, the state comes in 26th. Now a number of new organizations are trying to change that by helping North Carolina companies win more federal contracts and grow the military's economic footprint in the state. To listen to the story, click here.

Growing The Force Around Camp LeJeune

The United States Marine Corps is in the middle of what it calls the "202K Plus Up," an effort to boost the ranks to 202,000 by 2011. Camp LeJeune is expected to expand by almost 12,000 Marines and another 9,000 family members. To prepare for them, county and city leaders are working with the base to help the region adjust to its sudden growth. To listen to the story, click here.

Past WHQR Military Coverage

Celebrating with NC's Military Families

As families throughout the region join together during the holidays, those in the military face special challenges to stay close. In a three-part series, WHQR looks at the organizations, institutions, and friendships that sustain those who serve, and their families. Celebrating the holidays in wartime.

WHQR Public Radio | 254 N. Front Street - Wilmington, NC 28401 | Phone: (910) 343-1640 | whqr@whqr.org

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