IV 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 699 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 30, 2009 Mr. Graves (for himself, Mr. Luetkemeyer, Mrs. Emerson, Mr. Moore of Kansas, Ms. Jenkins, and Mr. Cleaver) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services RESOLUTION Expressing the appreciation of Congress for the service and sacrifice of the members of the 139th Airlift Wing, Air National Guard.

Whereas the 139th Airlift Wing (AW), Air National Guard has its roots in the formation of the 180th Bombardment Squadron (Light), which was one of the first federally recognized Air National Guard units in the United States; Whereas the 180th Bombardment Squadron deployed in support of the Korean War in December 1951; Whereas in 1976 the unit was redesignated as the 139th Tactical Airlift Group (TAG); Whereas in 1990 the 139th TAG assisted in troop deployment during Operation Desert Storm; Whereas in 1992 the unit was redesignated the 139th Airlift Group (AG); Whereas between 1992 and 1996 the 139th AG supported humanitarian operations in Bosnia, Sarajevo, Africa, and Haiti; Whereas in 1995 the unit officially became known as the 139th Airlift Wing; Whereas between 1998 and 2004, the 139th AW supported military operations alongside North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces as part of Operation Joint Forge in Europe; Whereas in 2002 the 139th AW deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan; Whereas the 139th AW hosts the world renowned Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center (AATTC); Whereas NATO air forces utilize the AATTC in support of training operations; Whereas in 2008 the Headquarters United States Air Force General Officers’ Steering Committee approved a Total Force Integration Initiative designating the AATTC a blended unit of Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Regular Air Force members; Whereas in 2008 the AATTC was designated the Mobility Air Forces Tactics Center of Excellence; Whereas in 2005 the 139th AW assisted with disaster relief efforts in response to Hurricane Katrina; Whereas in December 2007 the 139th AW was enlisted to support efforts in response to a devastating ice storm that struck Northwest Missouri; and Whereas the 139th AW has a tremendous positive economic impact in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas, accounting for nearly 2,500 civilian and military jobs: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)recognizes the exemplary service and sacrifice of the members of the 139th Airlift Wing and their families; and (2)commends the members of the 139th AW and their families (and all of the other members of the Armed Forces who have served, or who are currently serving, in support of United States military contingency operations) for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States.