[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 71 (Tuesday, June 4, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO THE ARKANSAS GUNSLINGERS NATIONAL GUARD UNIT

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 
Arkansas Army National Guard Task Force 2-153--or as they're more 
commonly known, the Arkansas Gunslingers.
  The Gunslingers were mobilized on October 8, 2001. After a brief 
period of training in Fort Carson, Colorado, the 529-member unit was 
deployed to Sinai, Egypt, as the first pure National Guard unit in 
history to serve as part of a ``Multinational Force and Observer'' 
mission in this region. In this peacekeeping capacity, the Gunslingers 
task force is responsible for observing and reporting activity along 
the eastern side of the Sinai peninsula. This zone includes the desert 
mountains and coastal areas from Eilat, Israel, to the southern tip of 
the peninsula along the Gulf of Aqaba.
  Time does not permit me to recognize by name each of the dedicated 
men and women of the Gunslingers Task Force, though they all deserve 
such recognition for the sacrifices they make in service to their 
country. However, I do want to take a moment to pay special tribute to 
Task Force Commander Lieutenant Colonel Steve Womack. When not serving 
with the Task Force, Steve also serves as mayor of the city of Rogers, 
Arkansas. His commitment to public service, both in uniform and as a 
civilian, sets an example for all of us, and he stands as a wonderful 
representative of the values that animate the entire Gunslingers unit. 
I am proud to recognize him and his fellow Guardsmen on the floor of 
this body today.
  Today we face tremendous challenges in the world arena, as the threat 
of international terrorism has brought heightened tensions both at home 
and abroad. In such an uncertain time, it is reassuring to know that we 
have dedicated soldiers such as the Gunslingers to ensure a stable and 
peaceful international order. I ask that all my colleagues in the U.S. 
Senate join me in expressing our gratitude to the Gunslingers Task 
Force.

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