[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 35 (Thursday, March 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RELATING TO THE LIBERATION OF THE IRAQI PEOPLE AND THE VALIANT SERVICE 
         OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AND COALITION FORCES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 2004

  Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution before 
the House of Representatives today that commends the members of the 
United States armed forces and coalition forces for liberating Iraq, 
and expresses the gratitude of the American people for their valiant 
service.
  On a plane coming home to Kansas recently, I had a conversation about 
the situation in Iraq with a man who served our country in Vietnam. The 
veteran noted the contrast in the treatment of soldiers returning home 
today compared with what he had faced. He didn't provide details, but 
the memories of his own homecoming still brought tears decades later.
  March 20th will mark the one-year anniversary of our intervention in 
Iraq. I'm thankful time has changed the way we treat veterans who have 
served our country. While I hear differing opinions from Kansans about 
this issue, we can all agree on the need to support the thousands of 
men and women in harm's way who protect our freedom and stand up for us 
in the war on terrorism.
  Last September, I met with family members of the over 300 reservists 
and National Guard members from units based in my district deployed to 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Many reservists and members of the National 
Guard left behind jobs and families with reduced income and limited 
support networks. Some have lost their homes and small businesses in 
order to do their duty. To show our gratitude for their sacrifices, I 
believe we must do everything we can to address the needs of our 
military. Troop strength, equipment, supplies, and care they need when 
they come home are an absolute.
  Too often Congress pays lip service to our veterans and military 
personnel, yet fails to deliver on solid votes and programs that would 
demonstrate our recognition of their sacrifice. I listened to military 
personnel and their families, and I'm proud my legislative proposals 
are helping troops and veterans. In November 2003, my proposal to 
relieve the travel burden on troops coming home for Rest and 
Recuperation (R&R) was signed into law. The new law provides funding to 
cover all travel costs necessary to return service personnel home to 
their families. Another bill I introduced that will protect the growing 
health care needs of our veterans became law in December 2003.

  In January, I was part of a small congressional delegation to Iraq. I 
heard firsthand from those serving on the front lines, including Kansas 
military personnel who are upbeat and proud of their efforts in Iraq. I 
was pleased to learn that many of the concerns about equipment and 
supplies have been corrected. I returned from Iraq more confident about 
the condition of American troops and their morale.
  In times of crisis like the past year, our nation looks to the men 
and women of the armed forces. America must honor their sacrifice and 
courage by living up to her promises to service personnel, whether 
active duty, reservists, members of the National Guard or veterans. 
This anniversary is a time for all of us to reflect, by remembering the 
sacrifices our veterans are making and working for a more peaceful 
future.

                          ____________________