[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 160 (Thursday, November 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2249-E2250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 2003

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend an initiative 
recently launched by the National Association of Broadcasters and its 
local radio and television station members.
  With over 140,000 military personnel stationed in Afghanistan, Iraq 
and around the world, the resources to take care of our troops and 
their families is strained. As a former soldier, I have seen firsthand 
how difficult it can be for military families coping financially--and 
emotionally--with extended deployment.
  Of course, the military is dedicated to taking care of its own. But, 
as the war on terror continues and needs escalate, the military cannot 
do it alone.
  To respond to this growing need, the four Military Aid Societies 
representing the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force have joined 
together to create a single umbrella organization: the Armed Forces 
Relief Trust.
  In support of this new relief organization, local commercial radio 
and television stations are airing radio and television Public Service 
Announcements, asking viewers and listeners to contribute to the Trust.
  The over-the-air broadcast medium continues to be the most effective 
way to rapidly disseminate information to the public. Last year, the 
four military emergency assistance programs disbursed more than $109 
million in interest-free loans and grants to more than 145,000 
individuals and families in need.
  With the help of America's local radio and television stations, I am 
convinced that the Trust will be able to assist even more military 
families.

[[Page E2250]]

  Local broadcast stations have a long history of being a part of 
America's security. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge recently 
encouraged Americans to keep around battery-powered radios and 
televisions as preparation for a terrorist attack.
  Broadcasters' support of the Armed Forces Relief Trust is yet another 
example of local radio and television stations doing their patriotic 
duty. Mr. Speaker, the men and women of our Armed Forces rely upon the 
Armed Forces Relief Trust . . . and the A-F-R-T is relying upon local 
broadcasters to get the message out. I commend the local radio and 
television stations that have partnered on this important program and 
thank them for their work.

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