[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 39 (Thursday, April 11, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS CANNON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2002

  Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak about a little-known 
but tremendously important part of the Department of Justice: the 
United States Marshals Service. The Marshals play a critical role in 
areas we take for granted, such as court security and prisoner 
transportation. And for that, the Marshals should be applauded.
  However, I recently learned of the efforts of an elite part of the 
Marshals Service--the Special Operations Group (SOG). Lead by Commander 
Scott Flood and Executive Officer Walter ``Keith'' Ernie, the Special 
Operations Group is based in Camp Beauregard, Louisiana. This all-
volunteer team of more than 90 professionals is to be commended for 
their willingness to take on any assignment, no matter how dangerous, 
in pursuit of Justice and the safety and stability of our country.
  Just last weekend, members of the Special Operations Group flew to 
Puerto Rico to deal with protesters on Vieques Island, while others 
came to Virginia to provide special protection for those being 
prosecuted in America's war on terrorism. During the September 11th 
crisis, the Special Operations Group helped secure airports around the 
country, preserve evidence at the Pentagon and World Trade Center crash 
sites, and protect federal judges and courthouses from other threats.
  While much of this is all in a day's work, I am amazed that this 
group of men and women actually volunteer to take on the extra 
challenges and greater dangers of being a SOG member. Those in the 
Special Operations Group receive no extra pay. Yet, the training and 
the missions are incredibly demanding. And the demands are not just on 
the members themselves, but on their families--being a member of SOG 
requires extensive travel away from wives, husbands, and children.
  Nevertheless, Commander Flood and his team work quietly outside of 
the spotlight to make sure that the tough jobs get done.
  Much of what SOG does cannot be discussed on the floor of the House 
of Representatives. Nevertheless, I believe that the men and women of 
the United States Marshals Service's Special Operations Group are true 
heroes. And I, for one, am grateful for their service to our Nation.