[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 148 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS

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                           HON. GIL GUTKNECHT

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2001, our generation met 
its challenge. The attacks against innocent Americans were acts of war. 
We are still fighting that war. Carl von Clausewitz said that the goal 
of any military encounter is to destroy the enemy's will to fight. We 
still have work to do.
  But at home we have come far. We have buried our dead. We have 
comforted our wounded. We have rebuilt the Pentagon. New York is being 
rebuilt. We have gained a resolve and determination to go on. We will 
continue to be the shining beacon of liberty. We are willing to bear 
the price of defending the principles of freedom, justice and honor. We 
are Americans, and proud to be so.
  Generations of Americans have followed the wisdom of President 
Theodore Roosevelt when he said, ``In any moment of decision, the best 
thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is 
nothing.''
  From the Barbary Coast to the streets of Kabul, Americans have always 
sought to do what is right. We have never given way to despots and 
madmen in the name of artificial peace. More than 48 million men and 
women have served in our armed forces to do the right thing.
  The sacrifice of Americans who left their homes and lives for the 
cause of justice across the globe is a testament to what is good and 
right about our great nation. Because of Americans, Europe was 
liberated from a madman. Because of Americans, Communism is left to the 
ash heap of history. Because of Americans, little girls are going to 
school in Afghanistan.
  Today I honor those Americans who stepped in to secure our domestic 
defenses during a time of great uncertainty. The brave men and women of 
the National Guard. As active duty troops were deployed, the men and 
women of the National Guard dropped what they were doing and answered 
their call to duty. Careers were put on hold, families parted with a 
loved one, sacrifices were made to secure our nation.
  Guard members from Minnesota have served in every major conflict 
since its inception more than 360 years ago. More than 150 Minnesota 
National Guard soldiers were called to duty following the September 11 
attacks.
  I am especially grateful to the National Guard soldiers of Company B, 
Second Battalion of the 135th Infantry. These soldiers performed 
special duties at the Rochester International Airport. During a time of 
crisis, they stepped up to join that long grey line. That line that has 
never failed us.
  Thank you First Sergeant Thomas L. Butterfield, Sergeant Samuel M. 
Adjei, Sergeant First Class Jason R. Schweitzer, Specialist Jason A. 
Cox, Specialist Benjamin R. Jech, Specialist Jacob R. King, Staff 
Sergeant Troy D. Landsverk, Sergeant William M. Olson, Sergeant Timothy 
A. Patterson, Sergeant Daniel J. Prescher, Specialist Brandon L. Riggs, 
Sergeant Scott J. Saltou, Sergeant Matthew Swiger, and Specialist 
Benjamin W. Teed.
  These soldiers deserve our respect and our gratitude.
  As William Jennings Bryan said, ``Destiny is not a matter of chance, 
it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a 
thing to be achieved.'' Americans have a history of choosing their 
destiny. We will continue to do so, because that is who we are.
  We must, and we will, continue to achieve this victory for the people 
of the United States and for all civilized, peace-loving people around 
the world. There will be a price. The blood and treasure of our nation 
will be invested. The leadership, resources and unwavering courage of 
the United States are critical in this struggle. We shall not falter, 
we will rise to the challenges. And, in the end, we will leave to 
future generations a safer planet because we never failed to defend the 
freedom we cherish. We will continue to practice what we preach.
  God Bless America.

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