Actually it was built AT Meridian (versus elsewhere in MS) because SEN
Stennis' hometown of DeKalb was right up Highway 39 from the base. Made
it
easier for him (and - occasionally - REP "Sonny" Montgomery) to get back
to
their constituents on weekends.

Well, if you're going to slice pork, you want to do it close to home. Sonny
wasn't in Congress when this deal was made. As it turns out, Meridian's
location makes it quite useful as a training station. No TRACOM base is as
thoroughly unencroached (even Kingsville has to observe quiet hours). MOA's
in three quadrants (I think it'll be 4 before the year is out). A handy OLF
and unlimited access to Key field (10,000 feet these days). Biggest problem
is it's a social wasteland for the bachelors who come here (albeit pretty
good for those with families).

As an aside, the "Congressman for Life" has given up his consulting business
inside the beltway and is fully retired. 85 IIRC and looking quite frail,
living in the local Cadillac quality retirement home. Good friend and a
great guy, one of the last gentleman politicians. Anyone who has cashed in
on their GI bill education over the last couple decades have a fella named
Montgomery to thank. There were many in congress who could have cared less
about those who grabbed the dirty end of the stick in service of their
country. A fitting legacy.

John X