[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING OPERATION SLUGGER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the 
attention of my colleagues a fantastic program aimed at boosting the 
morale of our soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Operation 
Slugger is a partnership between the Association for the U.S. Army, 
AUSA, DHL Express, Louisville Slugger, USA Cares, and the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars, VFW, focused on providing sporting equipment for 
recreational activities for our soldiers in the field. This partnership 
is a response to the numerous requests from U.S. soldiers asking for 
sports equipment for use during their leisure time.
  I am proud to represent Fort Knox, which is one of the many locations 
across the country, including VFW posts and private businesses, where 
new and gently used equipment is being collected to make up sports 
kits. These kits will consist of baseball bats and balls, softball and 
baseball gloves, hats, footballs, basketballs, rugby balls, and soccer 
balls. The donated goods, which are expected to exceed 20 tons, will be 
transported by DHL to Louisville Slugger Field and on to the U.S. 
troops serving in Afghanistan.
  As the men and women of our military put their lives on the line for 
us, I want to thank these organizations for giving something back to 
the troops. Please join me in thanking AUSA, DHL, Louisville Slugger, 
USA Cares, the VFW, and all of the people who have participated for 
their contributions to Operation Slugger.

                          ____________________