[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO OUR NATION'S RESERVE AND NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2004

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our 
nation's Reserve and National Guard members. In particular, I would 
like to take this opportunity to welcome home reservists from Ft. Meade 
in the 2nd Congressional District of Maryland--my home district. This 
includes members from the 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion and the 
444th Personnel Service Battalion, Detachment 2. These men and women 
have rejoined their families after serving in the Middle East for as 
long as 14 months and we are thrilled to see them return home.
  But Mr. Speaker, such home comings are bitter sweet in light of 
ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. As the number of wounded and 
casualties continues to rise--as the length of deployment for many 
reservists expecting `temporary' activation continues to be extended--
there is much concern and worry at home. Loss is always difficult and 
war is never easy. But America's support for our men and women in 
uniform, for their dedication and service, for their sacrifice, for 
those who have already paid the ultimate price . . . America's support 
shall not waver. And I for one vow to continue to do all I can to 
support our Armed Forces.
  For me, that support has meant many different things. From the 
creation of Operation Hero Miles to help soldiers returning home on R&R 
to founding a Veterans Advisory Council in the Maryland 2nd 
Congressional District to work with local veterans on national issues, 
I believe lawmakers need to put their efforts where their rhetoric is. 
I am less interested in what people say than what they do and I urge my 
colleagues to consider this edict as we look at the legislative agenda 
for the remainder of this congressional session.
  Our nations' Reserve and National Guard members are facing daunting 
problems largely created by the realities of the post-September 11 War 
on Terrorism. With a leaner full time active military, we are relying 
on the talent, dedication and service of reservists in unprecedented 
ways. Not since the Korean War have such a large percentage of boots on 
the ground been filled by reservists and not since they have reservists 
served for such extended periods of time. But even in Korea, that 
percentage has never been as high as it is today.
  Today, reservists face unprecedented problems. Military benefits that 
exist today simply were not a concern back in the 1950's when our 
forces were largely involuntary. Today, America's reservists are 
serving side-by-side with full time active military men and women . . . 
and yet they are not recognized equally when it comes to their 
benefits. Parity is the key word for reservists today and little 
legislation is actually moving through Congress to solve their 
problems. Their retirement plans are unequal. Health care prior to 
activation is non-existent for many and creating readiness issues. 
Reservists are plagued with payroll problems causing bankruptcies, 
divorces, and unfair heart ache. There are critical questions about gap 
pay for reservists working in the private sector when not serving. 
Extended deployments are creating unforeseen hardships for families, 
employers, small business owners, and the self employed.
  Mr. Speaker, it doesn't matter if you were for or against the war in 
Iraq. The reality is we are there now and the troops deserve our 
support with the same unwavering dedication. I urge leadership in both 
chambers and on both sides of the aisle to help our nation's Reserve 
and National Guard members. Yes, we should continue to salute and pay 
tribute as they return home. But we should do so with our actions here 
in this chamber to ensure that our actions reflect how truly grateful 
we are.

                          ____________________