This is an email I received from Senator Patrick Leahy in response to my emailed concern about the affects of the F35s on my children (ages 5 and 10), who’s school is under the flight path in Williston. Due to Covid-19, their class is spending much more time outside, and the F35s flying overhead are painfully loud.
Dear Mrs. Montague:
Thank you for contacting me about the F-35. I appreciate hearing your concerns. Our communities are very important to me, and I always work in Washington for their betterment. I supported the basing of the F-35 because I believe the Vermont Air National Guard betters our communities.
After several years of reduced flying, the Vermont Air National Guard has begun to return to its normal training schedule, which traditionally has involved flights in the morning and early afternoon. I understand that the noise is particularly noticeable as Vermonters remain at home during the COVID-19 crisis. And with the decline of commercial flights and road traffic, the sound stands out more than usual, even though training has been within the promised parameters in the Environmental Impact Statement.
Generations of Vermonters have supported the Vermont Air National Guard through many aircraft with many different sounds, because the unit’s presence in our community changes it for the better. Whether it’s the Guard’s role supporting STEM education in our schools, or recently deploying their engineers to build an Alternate Health Care Facility in just a matter of days to support our response to COVID-19, or the fire department’s emergency response for the entire airport and support for local fire departments, the Vermont Air National Guard is part of the community. They are a fighter wing— one of the best—and the F-35 is the future of Air Force fighter wings. The Vermont Air National Guard that we know and count on is now a part of that future, and I know that Vermonters, during this crisis and otherwise, are proud to call them our fellow Vermonters.
Thank you again for reaching out to me. Please keep in touch.
Sincerely,
PATRICK LEAHY
United States Senator
MY RESPONSE (Set 3, 2020)
Dear Senator Leahy,
Thank you for your response. I am confused about some of your statements, so if you could answer them, I'd greatly appreciate it.
1. Has there been monitoring of the noise of the airport that can confirm the accuracy of the EIS? It's my understanding that the airport director, Gene Richards, has only lately applied for funding to monitor the noise. If you know of some other noise study that is going on, please let me know. Also, it's my understanding that the EIS predicted that much of the land around the airport would become "incompatible with residential use", including much of my town, Winooski. When you say the planes are operating within the "promised parameters" of the EIS, it means to me that they are, in fact, delivering as promised and are too loud for those of us who leave near the airport.
2. I can appreciate the work of the Guard Engineers to build an emergency Alternate Health Care Facility, but I'm confused about what that has to do with the F-35s. It is my understanding that alternate missions, different to the F-35s, would be much more compatible to the area around the airport, and would still allow the Guard to practice in the area.
3. I don't believe I am simply "noticing the planes" more. I believe you are gaslighting me. They are loud. Louder than a plane should be in a residential area- as predicted by the EIS.
4. Could you please address how my children's school can deal with the noise?
5. Do you have a plan to address the hearing damage of those of us who live, work and learn close to the airport?
Warm wishes,
Cara Montague
(I have not received a reply from Senator Leahy as of now.)