[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     652ND ENGINEER COMPANY FAMILY READINESS AWARD WINNER FOR 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor the 
friends & family of the brave men and women of the 652nd Engineer 
Company. Their duty and sacrifice are appreciated by all Americans, and 
it is right that we pay recognition to them today for receiving the 
Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Award for 2004. This 
award is being presented to recognize the top unit from each Reserve 
component that demonstrated outstanding family readiness while 
maintaining superior mission readiness. This award is a great honor and 
our nation congratulates you.
  New challenges facing our nation demand increased vigilance on the 
part of our armed services. With these increased demands, the role of 
the National Guard and reserve forces is critical in providing the 
total force necessary to ensure our nation's security. Over the past 
year, I have had the opportunity to meet with many National Guard and 
reserve members from western Wisconsin who have been called to service 
in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation 
Iraqi Freedom.
  Over 2,200 members of the Wisconsin Air and Army National Guard are 
serving on active duty. The people of western Wisconsin are proud of 
their service and the service of all the men and women of our armed 
forces during this important time in our nation's history.
  In the past two years, I have visited Iraq twice and have seen first 
hand what a fantastic job our soldiers are doing to give the people of 
Iraq hope for a better future. Although the road ahead will be tough, I 
know the efforts of the 652nd contributed greatly to our ongoing 
mission in Iraq.
  In addition, over the past two years, I have had the opportunity to 
meet with many National Guard and Reserve members and families from 
western Wisconsin who have been called up in support of operations 
Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. I 
had the special privilege of attending one of the 652nd Engineer 
Company's family support meetings. I know from first hand experience 
the quality of this family support group. I would like to especially 
recognize Cheryl Iverson, the family support coordinator for the 652nd. 
I know her hard work and sacrifices are greatly appreciated by the 
families and members of the 652nd.
  The American people and the Congress of the United States stand 
behind our armed service members and their families. As our military 
operations continue, I, and other members of Congress, will continue to 
work to ensure that our service men and women have all the resources 
necessary to do their job safely and effectively.
  The efforts of our service people do not come without sacrifice. A 
member of the 652nd, Private First Class Bert E. Hoyer, 23, of 
Ellsworth, died on March 10, 2004, in Baqubah, Iraq in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. He paid the ultimate price to enhance our 
security and protect our liberties; he also gave the people of Iraq the 
greatest gift of all: their freedom. I want to extend my heartfelt 
sympathies to his family and friends. Young leaders like this exemplify 
all that is good and decent about America.
  Once again I would like to congratulate the families and friends of 
the 652nd on this prestigious award. America is firmly behind our 
troops, and we're all hoping to see them home safe, secure, and soon.
  May God bless our troops and their families during these deployments, 
and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

                          ____________________