[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S1346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SONNY MONTGOMERY AWARD TO SENATOR ROBERTS
Mr. WARNER. Madam President, on Monday night Senator Pat Roberts was
recognized as the 2002 recipient of the National Guard Bureau's ``Sonny
Montgomery'' Award.
Senator Roberts' comments upon receiving this award highlight, in a
most thoughtful and eloquent manner, the absolutely critical role our
Nation's National Guard plays in the defense of our homeland and our
own strategic defense in critical areas beyond our shores--an example
being the 29th Division, with elements from Virginia, now serving in
Bosnia.
This vital role is nowhere more evident than in Virginia where our
National Guard men and women patrol the skies over our Nation's Capital
and help defend key military posts and bases across the State.
I would like to highlight my colleague's wise admonition that we must
``preserve our founding fathers intent with respect to the National
Guard, specifically preserving the connection between military forces
and the States, between our national defense and America's local cities
and towns.'' Excellent advice, we in the Congress must be very careful
to heed it.
As America is continuing its preparations to defend our homeland
against territorial threats, we owe a debt of gratitude to our
respected colleague, from the great State of Kansas, as he, serving as
chairman of the ``Subcommittee on Emerging Threats'' of the Armed
Services Committee during the 106th Congress, laid foundations--at
times in the face of skepticism and resistance--before the attacks of
September 11, foundations we are rapidly building on today to
strengthen our Homeland Defense.
As Americans reflect, with deep gratitude, on the proud history of
America's military, let us never forget that the Guard was our first,
being founded in 1636.
I ask unanimous consent that Senator Roberts' remarks be printed in
the Record along with introductory comments by the distinguished Chief
of the National Guard Bureau, Lieutenant General Russell C. Davis.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
Remarks by Chief of the National Guard Bureau (General Russ Davis)
Presenting the Sonny Montgomery Award to Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas,
Monday, 25, 2002
This evening we gather to bestow the 6th Annual Major
General G.V. ``Sonny'' Montgomery Award. This award was
established in 1996 to honor an outstanding individual whose
accomplishments were of major significance to the National
Guard of the United States. Specifically, it is presented to
an individual: who has demonstrated exemplary service to the
National Guard at the national level; whose performance
exceeded the normal scope of public or private service in
support to the Nation's defense; who demonstrated skill and
initiative to introduce new policies or procedures that
significantly advance the mission of the National Guard; and
who exhibited integrity, competence, and the ability to
inspire others.
This year we are very pleased to present this Award to
Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas. Throughout his career, Senator
Roberts has been an industrious and effective advocate for a
robust national security posture for the United States. Today
he is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He
plays a key, forward-thinking role in making certain that
America is ready to counter post-Cold War and terrorist
threats. He was the first chairman and today is the ranking
member of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee.
Senator Roberts has led the way in strengthening America's
ability to meet the threat posed by Weapons of Mass
Destruction. Years before the events of September 11, Senator
Roberts was at the forefront of the debate on increasing the
security of the United States homeland.
His strong support for the creation, expansion and
sustainment of the National Guard's Weapons of Mass
Destruction Civil Support Teams is but one example of the
demonstrated leadership, wisdom and foresight of Senator
Roberts.
We are joined tonight by a number of other highly
distinguished Kansans including the Nation's Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Richard Meyers and the
Adjutant General of Kansas, Major General Greg Gardner. I
would ask the Honorable Sonny Montgomery to come forward to
make the presentation of the award that bears his name.
____
Statement of Senator Pat Roberts, Recipient, the National Guard Bureau
G.V. ``Sonny'' Montgomery Award
Thank you General Myers, General Davis, General Rees,
General Gardner, the Kansas Guard, and distinguished visitors
to the Capitol. It is truly an honor to receive the Sonny
Montgomery Award from the National Guard Bureau and from the
Guardsman and women currently serving our Nation here at home
as well as around the world.
2001 was a challenging year for America and her National
Guard. Determined enemies attacked America and our way of
life, killing thousands, but the Guard sprung into action.
Army Guard personnel were tasked to secure our airports,
harbors, military bases and other critical infrastructure
while Air Guard personnel, along with their active brothers
and sisters, were tasked to secure our airspace and yes, if
need be, take out the threat of another hijacked jetliner
bearing down on an America city.
Guard personnel are participating in the ongoing mission in
Afghanistan to kill or capture remaining al Qaeda. On top
of that, the Guard continues to develop its primary role
in the evolving Homeland security mission area.
Indeed, the National Guard was deployed and in action well
before September 11: Southwest Asia, Former Yugoslavia, South
America, disaster relief and other missions here at home. The
list goes on.
However, I wanted to specifically mention your performance
since the attacks: outstanding and inspiring. Your country
needs you now more than ever. Keep up the good work and know
there are those in Congress who will champion your mission
and cause.
It is a privilege to receive an award for ``exceptional
support to the nation's defense for significantly advancing
the mission of the National Guard.'' I hope I have indeed
done so and can live up to Sonny's namesake in the months and
years ahead.
And, what a privilege it is to receive and award so
deservedly named after the veteran's all time champion Sonny
Montgomery: successful businessman; decorated Veteran of
World War II & Korea; champion of the Guard; congressman;
general; chairman; and colleague, Southern Gentleman.
I don't want to leave the podium tonight without discussing
an issue of great importance to the Guard and to our Nation.
This past year I was a part of the dialogue between the
Department of Defense and the Air Guard on the future of the
active component-National Guard relationship.
Indeed, we can and ought to discuss new missions for
various units be they active component, Army Guard, or Air
Guard.
Any changes, however, must preserve our founding fathers
intent with respect to the National Guard, specifically
preserving the connection between military forces and the
states, between our national defense and America's local
cities and towns.
This relationship serves a critical practical purpose
today: when America goes to war, which we are doing often, so
to do America's States, cities, and towns.
That kind of connection between the people and their
military helps to ensure our forces are not used without at
least the knowledge, if not consent and support, of the
American people.
So let us have a discussion on transformation, the weapons
and tactics of the future, and the future of the active
component, National Guard relationship.
But let us not consider severing a critical link between
the American people and their military. Let us not make the
mistake of taking down flags, consolidating all authority and
control in Washington, DC, and broadening whatever gap
already exists between the military and civilian sectors.
America needs her Guard now more than ever but not just
your outstanding skills, capability and dedication.
For the current international obligations, the War Against
Terrorism, and the wars of the future, America must bring to
the fight every state, city, town, and community.
Thank you again for this honor and I look forward to
working with you in the years ahead.
____________________