[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Thune) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. Speaker, today is a very important day to American 
citizens and not just because it is Valentine's Day but because the 
President has also declared it National Guard and Reserve Day. I am 
encouraged that our national leadership is finally paying tribute to 
the citizen soldiers that play such a vital role in the protection of 
democracy and of our Nation's defense.
  The National Guard has been there in every war and conflict that this 
Nation has ever fought. They were there in the Revolutionary War, the 
Civil War, both World War I and World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operation 
Desert Storm and, most recently, Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. The 
National Guard is an integral part of America's military today, serving 
side by side with its active duty counterparts all over the world. They 
meet the security needs of our Nation, both at home and abroad.
  Mr. Speaker, the National Guard is the only component in our military 
that has a dual mission. Their Federal mission is to serve as an 
essential partner with the country's Army and Air Force, responding to 
security needs worldwide. Just as important is their State mission of 
meeting the needs of our citizens during emergencies and disasters. The 
Guard, with its long history of assisting and protecting local 
communities, is well prepared to play this critical role in this 
critical mission area.
  I would like to take this opportunity today, Mr. Speaker, to 
highlight the accomplishments of the South Dakota Army and Air National 
Guard. 4,452 people strong, the individuals of the South Dakota 
National Guard are some of the finest citizens in my State. They have 
served their Federal mission dutifully through deployments. As 
personnel from the 109th Medical Battalion deployed to Jamaica to 
perform medical readiness training, the 153rd Engineering Battalion 
worked on vertical construction in Hohenfels, Germany, and the 109th 
Engineer Group participated in warfighter exercises in Gafenwoehr. In 
just 3 years, the 147th Field Artillery's two battalions completed 
conversion to the multiple launch rocket system, and I have just gotten 
word that the 1085th Medical Company has been given the order to 
prepare the unit for full deployment to Bosnia. In addition, the 114th 
Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard has deployed more than 500 
people in support of the Aerospace Expeditionary Force and is getting 
ready for their fourth deployment enforcing the no-fly zone in Iraq.

  Mr. Speaker, these extraordinary individuals have also responded to 
their State mission, being called on just this past summer to fight the 
Jasper fire in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This fire was the 
biggest ever in the history of my State. The 285 soldiers and airmen 
that were called to active duty to help fight this fire were there to 
meet the challenge just like they have always been. Their quick 
response is a credit to the hardworking individuals and their 
dedication to their job as citizen soldiers.
  One can see by looking at the call of duty of the South Dakota 
National Guard that their responsibilities are escalating. However, at 
the same time we have unfortunately witnessed a decline in fully funded 
personnel accounts and end strengths. As the National Guard's number 
one priority, we must continue to devote attention to full-time 
manning. Adequate personnel and support are absolutely necessary to 
ensure a ready and accessible Guard.
  Following these lines, we must take steps to ensure that our Nation's 
forces are capable of fighting and winning two nearly simultaneous 
major regional conflicts. Procurement and modernization play a central 
role in this. They are crucial elements to our ability to respond to 
multiple engagements and threats to our national security. 
Unfortunately, the Army and Air Force are currently wearing out weapons 
systems and support mission equipment. This is a direct result of the 
rate at which we have deployed on peacekeeping missions. As we begin to 
work through the defense authorization and appropriations cycle this 
year and in the future, more attention must be given to procurement of 
new weapons systems and to combat capability for all forces.
  It is critical that Congress and the new administration provide 
funding levels sufficient to ensure that America's military 
capabilities are in line with our superpower responsibilities. We also 
must take steps to reassess our deployment strategies. Currently there 
is a great mismatch between U.S. force levels and overseas commitments. 
In the past decade, U.S. forces, which have included members of the 
South Dakota National Guard, have been deployed 35 times to places like 
Panama, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Haiti, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo and 
even East Timor.
  In the 40-year span of the Cold War era, our military was only 
deployed 10 times. Today, the U.S. Armed Forces are 40 percent smaller 
but 30 percent busier than they were just 10 years ago. A national 
strategy that clearly indicates where and under what circumstances 
deploying American servicemen and women is necessary needs to be 
developed.
  In addition to this increased operations tempo, Congress continues to 
identify new roles for the National Guard. These include defense 
against domestic terrorism, national missile defense, and defense 
against cyber-terrorism.
  Members of the South Dakota National Guard form an essential part of 
our national security team. They are active participants in the full 
spectrum of operations, from the smallest contingencies to major 
theater conflicts. They are indispensable forces who truly embody our 
forefathers' vision. Their dedication to service, Mr. Speaker, and the 
outstanding manner in which they perform their duties exemplify the 
notion of the American citizen soldier. And so, Mr. Speaker, I would 
like to say thank you to them today.

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