[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO SOUTH DAKOTA NATIONAL GUARD 57TH TRANSPORTATION DETACHMENT

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, it is with a great sense of pride that I 
rise to pay special tribute to Capt. Andy Gerlach, Pfc. Jess Berg, 
Specialist Travis Nelson, Sgt. Alan Kludt, Sgt. Glenn Nordemeyer, 
Specialist Fred Emmetsberger, Sgt. Jim Aarstad, and my nephew 
Specialist Steve Pressler. These eight dedicated South Dakotans are 
members of the South Dakota National Guard 57th Transportation 
Detachment. Today, they will return to South Dakota after having been 
the only Guard unit from South Dakota called to serve as part of the 
peacekeeping mission in and around Bosnia. The 57th Transportation 
Detachment was called to active duty in December 1995 with the primary 
responsibility of supporting rail operations in Bamberg, Germany. The 
57th coordinated the movement and transportation of military personnel, 
materials, equipment, and supplies to Bosnia.
  Mr. President, all South Dakotans are proud of these eight 
outstanding guardsmen. As a Vietnam veteran, I have deep respect and 
high admiration for these young men. I am sorry I cannot be in 
Brookings, SD, personally to welcome them home and see them reunited 
with family and friends. The men of the 57th have done their duty to 
their country with professionalism and dedication. South Dakotans 
always have been ready to answer their country's call to duty. The men 
of the 57th are a shining example that Americans stand ready to defend 
the interests of their Nation and their values. I am confident the 57th 
will continue to serve South Dakota and our Nation in an equally 
outstanding manner in the future.

                          ____________________