[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 31, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E21]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SALUTING THE TENNESSEE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD'S 168TH MILITARY POLICE 
                               BATTALION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM COOPER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2006

  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute an outstanding group 
of men and women--the Tennessee Army National Guard's 168th Military 
Police Battalion of Lebanon, TN. On Sunday, February 5, the 168th will 
receive the Valorous Unit Award at a special presentation at the Armory 
in Lebanon.
  The Valorous Unit Award is one of the Nation's most prestigious 
military awards. It is presented to units of the Armed Forces of the 
United States for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed 
enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations 
involving conflict with an opposing force. To receive this award, a 
unit must have performed with marked distinction under difficult and 
hazardous conditions in accomplishing its mission so as to set it apart 
from, and above, other units participating in the same conflict. Its 
equivalent in individual awards is the Silver Star.
  I know all Tennesseans, and all Americans, join with me in thanking 
the 168th for their bravery, their commitment and their selfless 
service while in Iraq.
  The 168th received its award for performance of duties from May 20, 
2003 through January 31, 2004. While they performed many duties, some 
of their key accomplishments during their service were to establish law 
and order operations in all of east Baghdad, establish Iraqi police 
stations, train Iraqi police officers and establish an Iraqi police 
academy. The battalion coordinated numerous offensive operations and 
patrols within its area of operations under very austere conditions. 
They were responsible for confiscating numerous weapons caches, 
counterfeit money, and ammunition. And they frequently provided escort 
and security service to convoys in the region.
  During their service, the 168th Battalion and its subordinate units 
receive numerous Bronze Stars, Purple Hearts, and Army Commendation 
Medals for Valor. Their service was one that required heroism and 
courage on a daily basis.
  I am honored to serve as the Congressman for Lebanon and privileged 
to represent these men and women in Washington. We are all blessed to 
live in the greatest country in the history of the world. And we are 
particularly blessed that men and women, like the members of 
Tennessee's 168th Military Police Battalion, willingly put their lives 
on the line every day so that we may continue to enjoy freedom here at 
home.
  Words cannot adequately thank the members of the 168th for their 
exceptional service. But I want to take this moment, and this occasion 
of their Valorous Unit Award presentation, to salute them on behalf of 
all Americans for their heroic service to our country and to freedom 
around the world.

                          ____________________