[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 66 (Thursday, May 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S5346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 351st MP COMPANY FOR ITS ROLE IN BOSNIA-HEREZOGOVENIA

 Mr. MACK. Mr. President, I would like to take a few minutes to 
welcome home the 351st MP Company who recently returned from Bosnia on 
April 3, 1998. The President sent our service men and women to Bosnia 
in an effort to bring peace to the region. I think it is appropriate to 
recognize the important and extensive contributions of our Reserve 
Forces without whom this extended mission probably would not have been 
possible.
  The 351st, consisting of 182 personnel, primarily from the City of 
Ocala, FL, was mobilized on August 19, 1997 and ordered to Bosnia under 
the command of Captain Keith Holmes. Prior to their departure, the unit 
underwent extensive training at both Ft. Benning, GA and Ft. Polk, LA, 
before being sent to Bosnia-Herzogovina. In Bosnia, the unit was split 
between two base camps, Eagle Base and Bedrock, located in Tuzia 
valley.
  While in Bosnia, the 351st participated in operation Joint Guard. The 
operation's major focus was to provide a stable environment for 
implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP). The 
351st conducted numerous peacekeeping missions, which included: area 
presence patrols, weapons storage site inspections, quick Reaction 
Force duties on Eagle Base, and protective services for numerous senior 
U.S. Army officers, culminating with the President of the United States 
during his visit to Bosnia.
  In leaving their families and their jobs, the men and women of the 
351st have endured personal sacrifice and demonstrated their deep sense 
of duty to their country. It is only through the recognition and use of 
reservists as an integral part of our total force structure that the 
United States has been able to demonstrate its commitment to peace and 
security in Bosnia. And, through this commitment, the United States has 
made possible the promise of safety and hope of reconciliation to the 
people of this troubled region.
  In its role, the 351st has served as a shining example of the 
indispensable role of Reservists in our Armed Forces. Reservists who 
answered the call of duty when their country asked them to serve have 
my deepest respect and gratitude. Accordingly, it gives me great 
pleasure to welcome home the 351st MP Company and thank them for a job 
well done.

                          ____________________