Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Reaffirms Unwavering Support for Red River Army Depot Amid Strategic Review

Editor’s note…Several dozen Hempstead County residents are employed by Red River Army Depot…In addition to what it means for the regional economy, RRAD affects our local economy in Hempstead County…

TEXARKANA, USA — The Texarkana Chamber of Commerce proudly reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the Red River Army Depot (RRAD) as the U.S. Army evaluates the depot’s future under a recently announced strategic directive.

While the Department of the Army has tasked leadership with assessing what it terms “redundant capability at RRAD,” the Chamber is focused on constructive engagement and proactive solutions to ensure RRAD continues to thrive as a cornerstone of both national defense and the regional economy.

“Although this is a critical time for our region, we believe RRAD is well-positioned to emerge stronger than ever,” said Robin Hickerson, President & CEO of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce.

A Legacy of Leadership and Impact

Since its founding in 1941, RRAD has stood as a symbol of American strength and regional pride. Its establishment was led by the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce under the guidance of Robert Maxwell, whose leadership brought essential defense infrastructure and jobs to the area. Longstanding community partners like Offenhauser & Co. Insurance, which supported the early development of RRAD and the Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant, underscore the depth of local investment in this critical installation.

Today, RRAD remains the Army’s Center for Industrial and Technical Excellence (CITE) for tactical wheeled vehicles—maintaining and overhauling critical assets like the HMMWV, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and MRAPs, while supporting joint force readiness across multiple branches of the military.

In 2023 alone, RRAD contributed more than $1.6 billion to the regional economy and supported thousands of jobs across Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

In recognition of its contributions, RRAD was honored as the “Large Business of the Year” at the 2025 Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration, reinforcing its enduring impact on the community.

The Chamber’s Commitment to Action and Advocacy

The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee initiative is actively collaborating with federal, state, and local leaders, military stakeholders, and the business community to ensure decision-makers understand RRAD’s unmatched capabilities, strategic value, and deep community support.

“This is a time for unity, not panic,” Hickerson added. “We’ve weathered challenges before. With focus and collaboration, we believe RRAD can grow into an even more dynamic force for our region and our nation.”

The Texarkana Chamber of Commerce encourages residents and businesses to remain engaged, informed, and optimistic as we work together to protect and promote this vital asset.