[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 25 (Thursday, March 2, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO THE 415TH CIVIL AFFAIRS BATTALION FROM KALAMAZOO, MI.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 2, 2006

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the members of 
the 415th Civil Affairs Battalion from Kalamazoo, MI who have bravely 
served our Nation overseas in Iraq. This Sunday, March 5th, the entire 
Battalion will be honored for its distinguished service in Iraq, 
receiving the prestigious Meritorious Unit Commendation that is 
bestowed upon battalions that are particularly meritorious and 
exceptional in their services against an armed enemy during Operation 
Iraqi Freedom. 
  In addition to the Battalion's group recognition, 100 members of the 
unit will also be personally awarded the Combat Action Badge, which 
provides special recognition to Soldiers who personally engage the 
enemy, or are engaged by the enemy during combat operations.
  I am so proud of the 415th Battalion because they represent all of 
the many and diverse jobs that our troops have set out to accomplish in 
Iraq. For example, this Battalion has administered over 1000 
reconstruction projects, implemented and managed 43 separate school 
reconstruction projects, provided medical screening to Iraqi citizens, 
even helped forge a relationship between Harvard University's medical 
school and Iraq's Tikrit University of Medicine.
  The work of these men and women represents the positive progress that 
is actually going on in Iraq. The stories and accomplishments of the 
415th Battalion are the ones that should truly be grabbing the 
headlines back home. Once again, I would like to congratulate the 415th 
Battalion for their much-deserved recognition and thank them on behalf 
of all the folks in Southwest Michigan for their great service. We are 
safer as a nation for your service--you make us all proud. 

                          ____________________