[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 26 (Wednesday, March 3, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE STUDENTS OF ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY, MISSOURI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 2004

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the students of St. 
Francois County in the Eighth Congressional District of Missouri for 
their outstanding efforts in gathering items to donate to U.S. troops 
serving overseas.
  As a school project in cooperation with the Leadington VFW Post No. 
5741, students in the West County and Central school districts have 
collected personal hygiene products, writing supplies, games, food, and 
magazines for the men and women of National Guard Unit 1140 Company A, 
serving right now in Iraq. Many students have also added personal cards 
to their contributions.
  The patriotism of these young students is very moving. I am extremely 
proud of their selfless efforts. They are providing an example to our 
communities and our Nation that we must unite behind our men and women 
in uniform to give our support to their mission and to show our 
appreciation for their hard work. It is especially heartening to find 
that spirit in our youngest fellow Americans.
  At an early age, these students have learned the value of standing 
with their fellow Americans for a noble and just cause. They are taking 
the first steps in good citizenship and community service. Their 
goodwill is circling the globe and brightening the day of our brave 
soldiers of the 1140th who have taken on a great task in Iraq.
  The 1140th is a combat engineering battalion, but its mission is 
symbolic for our Nation as well. These men and women from southern 
Missouri are not going to Iraq with the sword in hand. They are going 
with the plowshare and the builder's square. Others before them have 
liberated the Iraqi people from Saddam Hussein, from terror, and from 
oppression. Their work in Iraq serves a new mission: to liberate the 
same people from poverty, from fear, and from hopelessness.
  Back home, the children in the West County and Central school 
districts are learning the value of their sacrifices. They are an 
important link in the supply chain for the 1140th in Iraq. The efforts 
of these students is connecting our loved ones with their homes in 
Missouri, and that is a very important mission all of us should 
undertake.
  I would also like to express my appreciation for the sponsors and 
coordinators from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the community for 
their help in this project.

                          ____________________