[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 147 (Tuesday, November 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         NATIONAL EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF THE GUARD AND RESERVE DAY

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, in the 10th Congressional District of 
Michigan, which I have the privilege to represent, the personnel at 
Selfridge Air National Guard Base have served in the defense of the 
United States for over 77 years.
  Selfridge is one of the Nation's oldest and most historic military 
installations. It is named after Lt. Thomas Etholen Selfridge. 
Lieutenant Selfridge was the first military officer to pilot a heavier-
than-air, engine-driven aircraft. While flying with Orville Wright on 
September 17, 1908, Lieutenant Selfridge, unfortunately, became the 
first officer to meet his death in powered flight. Wright survived only 
after a lengthy stay in the hospital.
  Pilots began training at Selfridge Field only 2 weeks after it was 
activated as a military installation in 1917. This was just 3 months 
after the United States entered World War I. In 1947, when the Air 
Force became a separate service, Selfridge Field became Selfridge Air 
Force Base. It had grown from a 640 acre leased parcel of land to a 
permanent 3,600 acre base.
  In 1971, the base was transferred to the Michigan Air National Guard 
and received its current name. It is the home of many diversified 
units. Team Selfridge takes pride in being the only reserve forces base 
to have permanently assigned units from all five of the uniformed 
services: the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and the Coast Guard. 
The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard also have units at the 
base.
  Earlier this month, on November 5, 1994, the 927th Air Refueling Wing 
paid tribute to the employers who support its Reserve and Guard 
employees. The 927th, which arrived at Selfridge in 1963, has depended 
on the flexibility and support of local employers for nearly 32 years.
  National Guard and Reserve forces comprise almost half of our 
Nation's defense capability and are essential to national security. 
These citizen-soldiers train vigorously and stand shoulder-to-shoulder 
with their active duty counterparts in order to be ready to meet the 
Nation's call at a moment's notice.
  Even though it has caused them financial and organizational strain, 
in times of need, employers have often subordinated their company 
interests to those of the Nation. Civilian bosses and supervisors of 
Reserve component soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have continued 
to pledge their active support. Thanks to their commitment, our 
National Guard and Reserve members have been able to fulfill their 
military missions.
  Our National Guard and Reserve forces will play an even greater and 
more diverse role in the times ahead. It is through the vital support 
of America's employers that the National Guard and Reserves will be 
able to continue to bolster the Nation's security.
  November 5, 1994 should be remembered as National Employer Support of 
the Guard and Reserve Day. As a measure of our thanks, we celebrate the 
significant contributions of our National Guard and Reserve employers. 
I urge my colleagues and all Americans to join me in honoring employers 
of National Guard and Reserve members; and I encourage the American 
people to express their gratitude to these employers for their 
extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of our Nation.

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