[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 166 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS AND THE ARMED 
                          FORCES RELIEF TRUST

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2003

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of an important initiative 
undertaken by the National Association of Broadcasters and the Armed 
Forces Relief Trust.
  With over 140,000 troops stationed in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and 
around the world, military families' budgets are stretched thin. In 
many cases, the personnel deployed are the sole breadwinners for their 
family, making it difficult to cope with unexpected expenses.
  Last year, the relief agencies for each branch of the military raised 
and distributed over $109 million in assistance to military families in 
need. This year, with the support of the National Association of 
Broadcasters and its local radio and television station members, the 
four relief agencies have come together to form the Armed Forces Relief 
Trust.
  In support of that effort--and to help respond to the escalating 
needs of military families, the NAB and its 6,000 radio station and 
1,000 television station members have produced, distributed and aired 
Public Service Announcements to raise monies for the Trust.
  Considering recent events in Iraq, I think Americans everywhere are 
looking for ways to support our troops. The AFRT provides valuable 
services to the family members of our brave men and women who are 
fighting terrorism abroad. The program pays for airfare so personnel 
can fly home to the funeral of a loved one.
  It provides needed medical attention for the spouses of military 
personnel. It can help offset the cost of college tuition for the child 
of a soldier. While the military is dedicated to taking care of its 
own, the needs will only continue to escalate as the length of 
deployments stretch out. The Trust can help make up for some of the 
shortfall.
  By providing access to the airwaves, local television and radio 
stations are supporting what I believe to be an important and timely 
cause.
  I'm therefore well aware that deployments are not only emotionally 
trying for military families, but financially trying as well.
  I therefore commend the AFRT for providing needed relief to these 
families and the National Association of Broadcasters for helping get 
out the word.

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