[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VIRGINIA, FOR THEIR CONTINUING SUPPORT 
                    OF OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM

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                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2003

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chesterfield 
County, Virginia for their continuing support of our men and women in 
uniform.
  Chesterfield County rests between the James and Appomattox Rivers and 
is a total of 446 square miles. Its location offers a unique blend of 
suburbia and the options of driving to our nation's capital, Virginia's 
beautiful beaches or the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.
  The citizens of Chesterfield County not only share a beautiful 
community filled with spirit and values. They also share a sense of 
honor, duty and commitment through their support of Virginia's 
reservists.
  It came to my attention in February 2003 that Chesterfield made a 
commitment to those working for the County--a promise to compensate 
those called up for duty as part of the Reserves. When a reservist is 
mobilized, and leaves his or her civilian job, their military salary is 
almost always much lower than their civilian salary.
  Prior to the war in Iraq, there was an effort by military 
organizations to get the word out to their members that might be asked 
to serve in the war--that word was ``save up now to help your family in 
the future.'' But, often, the small amount of time between hearing of a 
possible call-up of your unit, and preparing to leave is not enough to 
organize family finances. Families of those called to serve at a 
moment's notice often find themselves in a dire financial situation.
  The citizens of Chesterfield wanted to take care of the 53 reservists 
and their families. Together, in a community-wide effort, the county 
decided to make up the difference in salary for the reservists who been 
asked to serve in support of Iraqi Freedom. I can't think of a better 
way to honor our men and women in uniform, who sacrifice so much in the 
name of freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Chesterfield County as they share in the 
duty of those serving our country. Most of us only speak of helping the 
troops fighting for freedom each day, the people of Chesterfield County 
translated those words into actions. As a member of the House Armed 
Services Committee, and as a citizen of this great nation, it is an 
honor and a privilege to represent the people of Chesterfield County, 
true patriots of our country.




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