[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 86 (Thursday, June 30, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 INACTIVATION OF THE 44TH MISSILE WING

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, the following is the text of remarks I 
intend to give at a dinner honoring the inactivation of the 44th 
Missile Wing in Rapid City on Sunday, July 3, 1994:

       I am pleased to be here this evening to join you in 
     honoring the 44th Strategic Missile Wing. The 44th has made 
     the philosophy of ``Peace Through Strength'' a reality. The 
     brave men and women of the 44th have served our nation with 
     distinction for over 32 years. I extend my sincere thanks to 
     them and to their families. We can never underestimate the 
     important contributions of supportive family members. I am 
     sure the American people also would like to extend 
     appreciation for their many years of dedication and 
     vigilance. The distinguished service of the men and women of 
     the 44th Strategic Missile Wing represents of their 
     commitment to keeping America safe and free. Clearly, their 
     contribution to the national security of our country has been 
     great.
       The Cold War began on August 29, 1949 when the Soviet Union 
     tested its first atomic weapon. The world entered an era of 
     global instability, with communism challenging our most 
     cherished democratic ideals. America responded to the 
     challenge with the policy of containment and nuclear 
     deterrence. For forty years, this policy served this nation 
     as the primary means of ensuring our national security and 
     protecting fundamental freedoms--values Americans hold so 
     dear. The 44th Strategic Missile Wing played a crucial role 
     in maintaining peace throughout the Cold War. Our policy of 
     deterrence was successful--not only as a result of superior 
     technology but also the superior spirit and commitment of 
     each individual in the 44th Missile Wing.
       The 44th Strategic Missile Wing, along with the development 
     of the Minuteman weapons system, served our country during a 
     period of great international tension. From 1962 to 1994, the 
     44th Missile Wing sustained our national security. Their 
     nationally distinguished service has been recognized through 
     numerous prestigious awards--and I will take this opportunity 
     to personally congratulate Colonel Roscoe Moulthrop, the Wing 
     Commander and the staff of the 44th Missile Wing who are to 
     receive the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award later this 
     month. You are a great credit to yourselves, your families, 
     this community, the State of South Dakota, and the United 
     States Air Force.
       The revolutions of 1989 and the ensuing collapse of the 
     communist empire in Eastern Europe were precipitated by 
     America's commitment to a strong national defense--the key 
     component of which was powerful nuclear deterrence. The 
     outstanding individuals who served in the 44th Strategic 
     Missile Wing, through their dedication to the principles of 
     freedom, encouraged these remarkable changes in the world--
     changes which none of us ever dreamed we would witness in our 
     lifetimes. I agree wholeheartedly with what former President 
     Bush once said: ``. . . there is no higher honor than to 
     serve free men and women; no greater privilege than to labor 
     . . . beneath the Great Seal of the United States and the 
     American flag.''
       Thank you again for your commitment, your service, and your 
     love for this great country and the principles for which it 
     stands.

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