This partnership between Raytheon Aircraft...Wichita State University…the City of Wichita…and Wichita area schools...again shows how this community pulls together to help people. The Wichita Aerospace Transition to Teaching Program will not only benefit laid-off workers right now...but it will benefit the children attending our schools for generations to come.

I am pleased to announce that the City of Wichita is committing $100,000 to the Aerospace Transition to Teaching Program. The $100,000 contribution comes from Workforce Investment Act funds governed by the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas. David Norris is the chair of the Workforce Alliance...I'd like to acknowledge him now.

The money will be given in the form of direct scholarships to assist laid-off aviation workers who want to permanently redirect their careers into the teaching profession.

This program is one of many innovative...proactive efforts launched in our community in recent weeks to help our friends and neighbors who find themselves in need.

The events of September 11 and other economic conditions are taking a toll on Wichita's aerospace industry. I believe in the long-run that toll will be far less damaging than many predicted...but there is no doubt that for the time being there is an urgent need for our community to pull together and show what we are made of...

I am very proud that is happening on many fronts. Individual citizens...government agencies...educational institutions...charities...and the business community...are responding to the call for unity and assistance made as part of the Economic Response Initiative.

I congratulate Raytheon and Wichita State University for this program. It not only meets the need for worker re-training, but it targets the increasing problems caused by an on-going shortage of teachers.

The skills...guidance...and support out-of-work aerospace workers will receive through this transition to teaching program will not only give these talented individuals a new career...but it gives hope and creates optimism about the future.

The terrorists who attacked this nation in September targeted symbols of our nation's strength and success. The mission was clearly intended to intimidate our nation...weaken its resolve...and scare our citizens. The aftershocks of the attacks are a shaken economy...lay-offs...and a fear of the future.

The acts of terrorism and the aftershocks of a weakening economy cannot be allowed to break our spirit. Our economy may be bruised… but it is not crippled. We are strong-willed and we are resilient. The damage done to the economy is healing quickly because we as a community have not wavered in our determination to succeed...and we have not walked away from our neighbors in need.

The helping hand this program and others in the Economic Response Initiative give to those affected by this economic downturn strengthen all of us. We will come out of this troubling period stronger and better than ever...and we will have a new group of talented, enthusiastic teachers helping and guiding future generations.