U.S. Senator Thom Tillis stopped by Camp Lejeune on Thursday to meet with service members and their families.
 
The goal of Tillis's town hall was to discuss on-base living conditions.
 
Many families attended the event to express concerns about mold, Hurricane Florence damage, inconsistent home contracts, unsafe trees and a lack of communication between maintenance workers and the families.
 
Officials estimate approximately $3.7 billion is needed to fix the damage on Camp Lejeune.
 
Tillis said the issue is about more than just living conditions - it affects how the troops fight for the country.
 
"It's also a very dangerous distraction for men and women in uniform; that's why we have to view this as a readiness issue," he explained. "This isn't just about mold in a house, that by itself is important. But it's about the safety and security of their family while what we want them to focus on is the safety and security of this nation."
Several Lejeune High School students also attended the town hall to discuss a proposal to change the name of Lejeune High School.
 
Tillis said he personally believes the high school name should not be changed, but the community should find another way to honor Walter Jones.
 
He asked people to raise their hands if they want the school's name to change. Not a single hand went up in the air.

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