[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 16, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4009-S4010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO U.S. SERVICE-MEMBERS OVERSEAS

 Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to express support for 
American men and women serving overseas in our Armed Services. These 
men and women are faced with difficult missions--made even more 
difficult by the fact that they are serving far from home and loved 
ones.
  Despite these difficulties, the men and women of our armed forces 
have met every expectation, fulfilled every mission, and upheld the 
trust of the American people. This is especially commendable because 
over the last several years, our Armed Forces have been charged with 
restoring peace and maintaining order in some of the most intractable 
conflicts around the globe.
  Out of many service members, one individual I am proud to recognize 
is Army Staff Sgt. Travis Elliston. I am proud to say that he is a 
Montana native, from the town of Kalispell. Elliston is a squad leader 
with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 504th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division 
from Fort Bragg, N.C.
  During his time in Vrbovac, Kosovo, Elliston has shown the dedication 
and

[[Page S4010]]

innovation required in today's military.
  The quality of his work is reflected in his own words. In a February 
interview with Stars and Stripes Magazine, Elliston spoke about his 
work with Vrbovac's residents--many of whom are just now returning 
after fleeing their homes. Describing his work with town residents, 
Elliston said, ``I try to put a smile on their faces and give them hope 
that we will protect them.''
  This protection has taken many forms. One Vrbovac resident told Stars 
and Stripes, ``Before Elliston came here, we locked all the doors. Now 
that [Elliston] is here we leave the doors open every night because we 
feel much more safe with him here.'' Elliston and the men and women 
serving with him have also been able to put an end to many killings, 
hijackings and kidnapings.
  Elliston has also spearheaded measures to improve the quality of life 
in Kosovo. He has taken steps to facilitate the spread of news from the 
outside world to local residents and has even installed speed bumps to 
solve the problem of speeding vehicles.
  These are but a few examples illustrating the dedication and 
innovation of Elliston and those serving with him. It is these 
qualities upon which our nation depends.
  The same Vrbovac resident said of Elliston, ``The people in Montana 
must be proud because he is a great man.'' I am here today to say that 
the people of Montana are proud. We are proud of Elliston, and we are 
also proud of all the other men and women who serve overseas. These 
sacrifice and dedication of these individuals must be recognized and I 
call on my colleagues in the Senate to do so.
  Thank you Mr. President.

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