[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 77 (Monday, June 19, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S5358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD

 Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, it is with great honor today 
that I rise to recognize one of the finest men in the Alaska Army 
National Guard, Sergeant Edwin D. Irizarry. Sergeant Irizarry's hard 
work and dedication to the Army National Guard in Alaska have earned 
him the title of the ``Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.'' Mr. 
President, this is no small award. It is only awarded to those who show 
outstanding leadership and extraordinary accomplishments in their duty. 
Sergeant Irizarry epitomizes the commitment and unselfish honor of the 
men and women in Alaska's Army National Guard.
  This is a great honor for Alaska. The commitment to be in the Guard 
requires an individual to work hard and sacrifice their own personal 
time to protect the very communities where they live. Sergeant Irizarry 
lives and works in Ketchikan, with his wife and family. Ketchikan is a 
beautiful town in southeast Alaska where I was fortunate to have been 
raised. I know the terrain that the Guard uses is no walk in the park. 
Mountains and a channel of water hug the town in this great place. To 
be stationed in Ketchikan one must learn to adapt to the fast changing 
climate and diverse environment that exists in this region. Ketchikan 
and Alaska are truly indebted to the many fine soldiers like Sergeant 
Irizarry who protect and assist in communities throughout the last 
frontier.
  Sergeant Irizarry serves as role model and inspiration to the over 
300,000 men and women in our country's National Guard. Without the 
talent and support given to our armed forces by the National Guard and 
individuals like Sergeant Irizarry, our country would not be where it 
is today. I take great pride in congratulating Sergeant Irizarry for 
his Guard career and for being an example for all of us to 
follow.

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