[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 168 (Wednesday, November 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ARMED FORCES RELIEF TRUST PSA PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. FRANK PALLONE JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2003

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a program that 
provides an important service to the men and women serving in our 
military.
  With our armed forces deployed for extended tours of duty in both 
Iraq and Afghanistan, the pressures placed on family members left 
behind can be enormous. The longer our fighting men and women are 
stationed abroad, the more these needs continue to escalate.
  Today, more than 140,000 troops are fighting the war on terrorism in 
Iraq, in Afghanistan, and around the world.
  Many of our brave men and women have now been deployed much longer 
than expected. Some active units served in Afghanistan, returned home 
for six months, and were immediately re-deployed to Iraq. In many 
cases, a sole breadwinner is deployed, making it difficult on their 
family left behind to cope with medical bills or other unexpected 
expenses.
  Today, I would like to recognize an effort undertaken by local radio 
and television stations to help address these issues. The National 
Association of Broadcasters is leading its local television and radio 
stations in a partnership with the Armed Forces Relief Trust to raise 
funds for military families in need.
  By producing, distributing and airing radio and television Public 
Service Announcements, the NAB and its radio and television broadcast 
members are helping raise funds for those military families in need.
  Last year, the four emergency assistance programs representing the 
Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps distributed more than $109 
million in interest-free loans and grants to military families. Now 
that the four programs have combined efforts in one Trust, and more 
importantly, now that the trust is receiving generous access to the 
airwaves to get out its message, they will undoubtedly be able to 
provide even more assistance.
  Mr. Speaker, all of us count on our service people who are far from 
home protecting us. Their families are enduring enough hardship in 
waiting for them to return. It is incumbent upon all of us to ensure 
their families do not want financially during this most difficult time.
  I would like to compliment the local radio and television stations 
that are involved in this effort. As small business people, they are 
dedicating a valuable resource--airtime--to a timely and important 
cause. I salute their efforts.

                          ____________________