Schools and National Guardsmen and women on Fort Riley were visited Monday by politicians that may be able to improve
their areas of work.

Representative Lynn Jenkins and U.S. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Howard Mckeon.. they say they wanted to learn first hand about the rapid growth facing schools on Fort Riley and to find out what the military needs the most.

Rep. Mckeon says, "Glad to be here with Rep. Jenkins..she invited me down here months ago. Being able to see what these national guards troops are doing ...saving us money is great."

The A Team which stands for Advanced Turbine Engine Army maintenance....employs members of the Air National Guard and Army National Guard ....part of their mission is to rebuild M-1 Abrams tank engines which can cost about half a million dollars. Dollars Rep. Lynn Jenkins is trying to get.

Rep. Lynn Jenkins says, "I think theyre doing a wonderful job for the military and taxpayer. We tried to focus on the areas where we need the most help. Funds not available will have go to Washington and see what we can do to help."

"Rebuilding tank engines which improves lifetime of the engine is great thing. Most of our discretionary dollars are going toward our national defense not enough but what they do here make dollars go long way," says Rep. Mckeon.

This was Mckeon's first visit to Fort Riley... and he says it wont be the last.