[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 76 (Tuesday, June 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1004-E1005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE 180TH FIGHTER WING AND THE 555TH AIR FORCE BAND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2001

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 180th 
Fighter Wing and the 555th Air Force Band (ANG), both stationed in the 
Ninth Congressional District in Swanton, Ohio. On April 7, 2001, the 
Air Force awarded the 180th Fighter Wing and the 555th Air Force Band 
the 2000 Outstanding Unit Award.
  This citation recognizes the 180th Fighter Wing for service to 
America over a two-year span from June 1998 to May 2000. During that 
time, the brave men and women of this unit twice participated in 
overseas deployments to enforce the non-fly zone in Northern Iraq. 
Participating in Operation Northern Watch Joint Task Force based at 
Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, the unit completed 138 flights, often 
under hostile fire in the form of Iraqi surface-to-air missiles and 
anti-aircraft artillery. They successfully destroyed predetermined 
targets, resulting in a significant reduction of the threat 
capabilities in Northern Iraq. Moreover, the 180th Fighter Wing led the 
Ohio and Hungary Partnership for Peace, an initiative aimed at helping 
the former Soviet Block nation prepare for entry into the North 
Atlantic Treaty Organization. The unit trained with the Hungarian Air 
Force as they adjusted to their new role in the NATO Alliance.
  This award, however, recognizes more than just exceptional 
performance in battle. The Outstanding Unit Award attests to the 
excellence of this Unit's Standardization and Evaluation, Safety, 
Health Services, and Environmental Programs. Members of the 180th 
Fighter Wing and 555th AFB were deployed to Honduras to construct 
shelters for victims of Hurricane Mitch. Closer to home, they assisted 
with flood relief along the Ohio River. There, they cleared roads, 
removed trash and provided safe drinking water to victims. The unit 
also provided medics and physicians to assist victims as well as 
performed field media relations, giving citizens time-sensitive 
information about health, safety and flood cleanup. The 180th later 
deployed 43 people to Camp Dodge, Iowa to repair several facilities 
damaged by tornadoes. By using their plumbing, electrical, structural, 
engineering and heavy machinery skills, the unit saved the Army 
$160,000 in labor costs--the largest saving by any such group to date.
  Finally, I must commend the 180th Fighter Wing and all its members 
for the community involvement and humanitarian services provided, not 
just over the last two years, but also throughout its residence in 
Northwest Ohio. This unit is actively involved in multiple charitable, 
community and youth programs throughout the region. They have tutored 
and mentored students at two area schools under the Adopt a School 
Program, raised funds for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, participated in 
Operation Feed through the Toledo Seagate Food

[[Page E1005]]

Bank which donated 4,938 food items and $9,953 through that period, and 
created an internship program for the Ohio School to Work program.
  No doubt: the 180th Fighter Wing and 555th AFB are outstanding in 
every sense of the word. Whether flying dangerous missions overseas, 
assisting in disaster relief at home or volunteering free time to teach 
a child how to read, these men and women perform beyond expectations. 
Their courage and commitment to the community, as well as their jobs, 
is unparalleled. We in the 9th Congressional District of Ohio are 
honored to have such a dedicated, professional and exemplary unit 
represent our nation here and abroad.

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