[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 68 (Thursday, May 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                              BIG RED ONE

                                 ______


                            HON. PAT ROBERTS

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 1994

  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to associate myself with the 
following remarks from Senator Bob Dole, regarding the 1st Infantry 
Division, the ``Big Red One'' based at Fort Riley, KS, and the 
Senator's salute to Gen. Joe Robles, commander general of the 1st 
Infantry Division, who is retiring after 28 years of service to his 
country on June 1 of this year. The Big Red One's history includes D-
day, which American veterans and their European counterparts will 
remember in Normandy, France in the days ahead. I thank General Robles 
and the people of the Big Red One for their dedication to their 
country.

                 [Floor statement of Senator Bob Dole]

                        Salute to General Robles

       Mr. President, on June 1, 1994, Major General Joe Robles, 
     commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division--the Big Red 
     One--will retire after more than 28 years of service. I would 
     like to take a moment to recognize this outstanding leader 
     and to thank him for his dedication and sacrifice to the 
     Army, to Kansas, and to the Nation.
       While growing up, Joe Robles never dreamed that he would 
     make the Army a career, much less command a division. General 
     Robles never went through ROTC or attended West Point; he was 
     drafted into the Army in 1966. He received his commission 
     through artillery officer candidate school in Fort Sill, OK, 
     and worked his way up through the ranks. His service in the 
     Army has taken him from Korea to Fort Knox; from Vietnam to 
     Germany and from Southwest Asia to Kansas. General Robles has 
     never forgotten what it's like to be an enlisted man, and 
     because of that, General Robles has always been able to 
     identify with his soldiers. I have been impressed by his 
     constant concern for his soldiers and their families.
       While commanding the Big Red One, General Robles has added 
     to the division's long and illustrious history. As the 
     division commander, he has ensured that the 1st Infantry 
     Division stands ready to preserve our freedom and advance the 
     ideals of democracy. As post commander, General Robles has 
     worked extremely well with the people of Kansas, building a 
     strong relationship with the communities around Fort Riley.
       As Major General Robles turns over command of the 1st 
     Infantry Division and Fort Riley, I am certain that he will 
     be missed by those who have served with him. I wish him, his 
     wife, Patricia, and his children all the best as they embark 
     together on new endeavors.
                                  ____


                   [Floor Statement of Senator Dole]

                         1st Infantry Division

       Mr. President, as we look forward to the commemoration of 
     the 50th anniversary of D-Day and the invasion at Normandy, I 
     want to take a moment to recognize the contributions of one 
     of the finest divisions in the U.S. Army, the 1st Infantry 
     Division, the Big Red One, headquartered at Fort Riley, 
     Kansas.
       Formed in 1917, the Big Red One was the first American unit 
     to go overseas in World War I, the first to enter combat with 
     the Germans, and the first to invade Germany itself. Since 
     those early days, the division has continued to serve our 
     country with honor and distinction.
       On June 6, 1944, the Big Red One was the first unit ashore 
     at Omaha Beach on the Normandy coast. The 1st Infantry 
     Division's successful assault punched a hole in Hitler's 
     ``Fortress Europe,'' and began the liberation of Europe and 
     the end of the Third Reich.
       The division's long history of service and sacrifice 
     continued through Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. In 1965 
     the Big Red One was the first division-size unit deployed to 
     Vietnam, where its soldiers honorably served until 1970. 
     During the gulf war, the Big Red One was the first division 
     to breach Iraqi defenses. In less than 100 hours the division 
     attacked through 260 kilometers of enemy held territory and 
     defeated elements of 11 Iraqi divisions.
       Throughout its history, the soldiers of the 1st Infantry 
     Division have always exemplified courage, dedication, and 
     sacrifice. Through their service, the Big Red One has 
     advanced the cause of freedom and protected the ideals on 
     which our Nation is built. No doubt about it, they have 
     always lived up to their motto: ``No mission too difficult, 
     no sacrifice too great. Duty first.''
       As the senior Senator from Kansas, I am proud to have this 
     unit based at Fort Riley, in my home State. As we commemorate 
     the historic events of 50 years ago, let us also express our 
     thanks to the soldiers and families of the Big Red One for 
     all they have done for us.

                          ____________________