[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S1709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING THE 652D ENGINEER COMPANY

 Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I congratulate the Army Reserve's 
652d Engineer Company from Ellsworth, WI, for winning the 2004 
Department of Defense, DOD, Reserve Family Readiness Award. This award 
is given by DOD to only one unit from each Reserve component in 
recognition of their exceptional family support program.
  Our men and women in uniform continue to serve courageously around 
the world and make great sacrifices to do so. We owe these folks a 
great debt of gratitude. However, they are not alone in making these 
sacrifices--their families, too, bear a great burden. The families must 
not only deal with the emotional toll of having their loved ones 
serving in a dangerous area, they must also deal with the daily tasks 
that keep a family functioning. The toll can be especially great on 
Reserve Component families who have to deal with all sorts of 
challenges when their loved ones transition to active duty.
  The members of the 652d Engineer Company and their families 
personally know about sacrifice. Four of its members were killed in 
action during Operation Iraqi Freedom, including 2 on Christmas Day 
2003, and 20 received Purple Heart Medals. The 652d Engineer Company's 
Family Readiness Group, FRG, provided crucial support to the families 
of these soldiers. We must also remember the confusion and uncertainty 
that was particularly acute with the early deployments. The FRG was key 
in helping families navigate through the many pre- and post-deployment 
issues. Their excellent work was an essential factor in allowing the 
652d Engineer Company to carry out its mission.
  So, Mr. President, I want to thank the 652d Engineer Company and the 
FRG for their service and to congratulate them again on receiving this 
award and on a job well done.

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