[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.

                          ____________________