Texarkana Chamber Tours Red River Army Depot, Highlights Regional Impact

The Texarkana Chamber of Commerce was recently taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of Red River Army Depot (RRAD), guided by General Manager Jamie Bass. The exclusive visit offered the Chamber staff an up-close look at the depot’s role in military vehicle maintenance and its broader impact on the area economy.

The tour covered key operations across the huge RRAD campus, where military vehicles are fully dismantled, rebuilt, repainted, and prepared for deployment. A process that spans the entire lifecycle of military vehicle readiness.

Chamber President and CEO Robin Hickerson praised the depot as a cornerstone of both national defense and the local economy. She noted the skill and dedication of the RRAD workforce and its vital role in keeping military operations moving forward.

RRAD employs thousands of people across multiple disciplines, including logistics, mechanics, engineering, administration, safety, and public services. With its own police, fire, and public works departments, the depot operates as a self-sustaining facility, making it one of the most efficient and secure installations of its kind in the country.

Chloe Wardlaw, Director of Communications for the Chamber, described the visit as eye-opening, calling the depot an unmatched engine of performance and productivity.

General Manager Jamie Bass said he was proud to showcase the mission and capabilities of RRAD, emphasizing the essential contributions of the depot’s workforce, many of whom are local residents with deep ties to the Texarkana community.

The Chamber said it looks forward to continuing its partnership with RRAD and supporting the critical work that strengthens both national security and regional development.

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