National Guard faulted for Virgin Islands conference

June 27, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) - The head of a taxpayers' group is criticizing National Guard leaders for holding a meeting this week in the U.S. Virgin Islands despite a huge budget shortfall.

Keith Ashdown of Taxpayers for Common Sense says it sends the wrong signal at the wrong time. He says it implies the bosses aren't taking funding shortfalls as seriously as they should. The National Guard has a $47.5-billion deficit in its equipment accounts.

The conference, called "Guarding Paradise with Culture and Spice," began Monday and ends today. It includes presentations on strategic matters, but also plenty of time for golf and the beach. Spouses are along at taxpayer expense.

A Guard spokesman says such gatherings help fine-tune critical working relationships among state leaders and senior officials in Washington.

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