[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 22, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H2930-H2931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                82ND AIRBORNE BIRTHDAY AND MEMORIAL DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Issa). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes) is recognized for 
5 minutes.

[[Page H2931]]

  Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, this week, an incredibly brave fighting force 
will mark its 86th birthday. This fighting unit is the 82nd Airborne 
Division, which is based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. As the U.S. 
Congressman for the Eighth District of North Carolina, I am honored to 
represent these troops and the many others that serve in the Eighth 
District in North Carolina.
  In 1917, the 82nd was designated as an infantry division, but became 
airborne in World War II. As the United States first airborne unit, 
they have been serving with this distinction ever since.
  One of the most impressive aspects of the 82nd is their rapid 
response ability. They can be packed and en route and ready for battle 
within 18 hours of being called up to duty. I have met with members of 
the 82nd and seen them in action during their training exercises. If 
you have any doubt, let me assure you, you want these guys on your 
side.
  We live in an uncertain world, a world made even more uncertain by 
the tragic events of September 11. But in this world of uncertainty, 
there are a couple of things we can count on. One is when the Commander 
in Chief calls, the men and women of the 82nd Airborne Division are 
ready to answer that call.
  Throughout the storied history of the 82nd Airborne Division, brave 
young patriots have stood in the breach and sacrificed anything 
necessary to defend freedom throughout the world. They were among the 
first units put on the alert after the terrorist attacks of September 
11. 3,000 Members of the 82nd have recently been activated to head to 
Afghanistan. A commander of the 82nd Airborne, General Dan McNeill, 
will head the new joint task force and will consolidate operations in 
Afghanistan under one umbrella. I have full faith that those members of 
the 82nd that will accompany him will serve honorably and effectively.
  North Carolina, particularly the Eighth District, has long played a 
key role in our Nation's military forces. Fort Bragg is one of the 
premier military installations in the world. Some of our finest 
military personnel are stationed there. As a matter of fact, when 
President Bush wanted to say thank you to our troops, Fort Bragg is 
where he went to say thanks.
  Pope Air Force Base, which I visited a few weeks ago, is another 
important installation. The odds are pretty good that if the U.S. is 
involved in a military action, then troops from Fort Bragg and Pope are 
probably going to be there on the front lines.
  In addition to celebrating the 82nd birthday, this week is All 
American Week in Fayetteville, and Memorial Day is just around the 
corner. These occasions give us reason to celebrate the tremendous job 
that all our armed forces are doing in waging the war on terrorism.
  I would like to take a moment to commend some other units from North 
Carolina that have played an important role in Operation Enduring 
Freedom. National Guardsmen from across the Eighth District have helped 
to secure our airports and participated in other homeland defense 
activities here in North Carolina.
  The 145th Air Wing of the North Carolina National Guard, based out of 
Charlotte, has been flying over the skies of Afghanistan. The 211th 
Military Police Unit has been helping to guard prisoners in Afghanistan 
awaiting transfer to Guantanamo. The 263rd Combat Communications 
Squadron has recently returned to Stanley County after serving in 
Qatar.
  While we are on the subject of the Eighth District military personnel 
who are serving with distinction, I should also note that Andrea 
Quillen was recently named as Airman of the Year. While Airman Quillen 
is currently serving in South Carolina, she is a native of 
Fayetteville, and another reason we recognize our North Carolina 
military pride.
  Since 1868, when Memorial Day was first established, more than half a 
million soldiers have died in the course of serving in major wars to 
defend our freedom. This Memorial Day, May 27, at 3 p.m., the President 
is encouraging all Americans to take a moment to remember the men and 
women of our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the 
liberty that we cherish.
  I encourage you all to remember these troops and their families in 
your daily prayers. I think we can all agree that this is more 
important than ever before as Memorial Day 2002 approaches. Next time 
you see a soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine, tell him or her thank you 
for their service. If the individual is a member of the 82nd, you might 
want to add ``G.I. gravy, G.I. corn, sure am glad that I'm airborne.''

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