[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E49]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SALUTE TO ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN R. THUNE

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2002

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the men and women 
of Ellsworth Air Force Base in my home state of South Dakota upon their 
return home from Afghanistan.
  Ellsworth Air Force Base is the home of the 28th Bomb Wing of B-1 
bombers and more than 3,500 military and civilian members. Each of 
these men and women proudly serve their country in numerous ways every 
day. And when duty calls, they are ready and willing to stand in harm's 
way on behalf of their country.
  The people of Ellsworth Air Force Base have a history of performing 
well in U.S. missions. In Operation Desert Fox during the Gulf War, 
crews from Ellsworth helped the B-1 make its combat debut, and they 
also participated in Operation Allied Force in Kosovo.
  Most recently, B-1 air and ground crews returned to Ellsworth after 
participating in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The B-1 and 
their crews were involved in every aspect of the most precise, intense 
bombing campaign in history, flattening terrorist targets and taking 
out Taliban strongholds. These bombers were the key to winning the war 
in Afghanistan.
  I also want to pay tribute to Ellsworth's commander, Bringadier 
General Edward Rice, Jr., who commanded all B-1 and B-52 operations 
over the skies of Afghanistan. His recent promotion says more about his 
value to our nation than any words can say.
  Mr. Speaker, the men and women of Ellsworth Air Force Base are 
tremendous assets to South Dakota and to our country. I am proud of the 
important role they play both at home and abroad. For all the 
sophistication of the military hardware in use today, we know it is the 
individuals, like those at Ellsworth, who truly get the job done.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute the men and women of Ellsworth Air Force Base. 
All of America owes both the B-1 and these people their thanks.

                          ____________________