Former U.S. representatives Tom Davis (R-Va.) and Owen Pickett (D-Va.) have been tapped to lead a new statewide military commission.

Last week, Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) established the Governor's Commission on Military and National Security Facilities in response to Defense Secretary Robert Gates's decision to shutter the Joint Forces Command, a military installation employing more than 6,000 in Hampton Roads.

Members of the commission have yet to be named.

McDonnell sent a letter to President Obama on Tuesday asking him to overrule Gates's decision. Members of Virginia's congressional delegation and the mayors of Suffolk, Norfolk and Virginia Beach also have sent letters opposing the closure.

Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Reps. Randy Forbes (R), Glenn Nye (D), Bobby Scott (D) and Rob Wittman (R) hosted a roundtable discussion in Suffolk on the closing.