[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 25 (Thursday, March 2, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S1638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO THE SERVICE OF THE 155TH SEPARATE ARMORED BRIGADE

  Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I am pleased to pay tribute to the 
service of the 155th Separate Armored Brigade of the State of 
Mississippi. The 155th has a rich history of extraordinary military 
service to our Nation. It has participated in the War of 1812, the 
American Civil War, the Spanish-American War, both World Wars, Desert 
Shield and Desert Storm, and operations in Bosnia.
  Recently, the 155th completed a year-long tour in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 4,000-member brigade combat team was 
attached to the II Marine Expeditionary Force and deployed to the Al 
Anbar Province of Iraq. They conducted operations that included 
rebuilding infrastructure, hunting down insurgents, and supporting 
elections. Each of these activities made an indelible impact on the 
people of this fledgling democracy and improved their chances of 
surviving and prospering in a much safer and secure environment.
  It is truly remarkable what our soldiers have accomplished. They 
served in a combat environment where they thwarted continuing attacks 
from a determined insurgency. They endured the hardships of being away 
from their families. They suffered the loss and injury of their fellow 
comrades. They had to endure the worry for their families' well-being 
as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the gulf coast. Through it 
all, they remained dedicated and determined to carry out their mission.
  As Mississippians have done for centuries, these soldiers left their 
families and the comforts of home to answer the call of duty. This was 
not done without cost. During its deployment, the 155th lost 24 
soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. These soldiers left behind 
wives, children, and loved ones. They answered the call of duty and 
gave their lives for America's freedom and security. This wasn't done 
for fame or fortune. It was done out of a commitment to duty and 
service to our great country. They are true heroes.
  The 155th is the modern-day ``Mississippi Rifles'' that has carried 
on the proud traditions of Mississippi and our Nation.
  As we honor these brave men and women, it is appropriate for us to 
also honor their families. No one understands the hardships of war and 
sacrifice more than a soldier's family. For 18 months, these 
Mississippians sacrificed as their loved ones answered our Nation's 
call. Although their lives were disrupted, they assumed the role of 
both mother and father. Their resilience and courage during Hurricanes 
Katrina and Rita continue to be admired by us all.
  Of course, they did not accomplish all of this alone. Our Mississippi 
communities came together to provide support which ranged from 
countless letters and packages, to daily support at home that included 
clearing storm debris and ensuring shelter for their loved ones, to 
support for the families of fallen comrades and those who were 
seriously wounded.
  As we pay tribute to the accomplishments of the 155th and give thanks 
to their sacrifice and service, it is important we remember our country 
is still at war. The State of Mississippi has over 500 of its citizens 
deployed in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan continuing to fight the 
global war on terrorism. In addition, we have citizen-soldiers in 
various stages of mobilization preparing to answer our Nation's call. 
Our country's military is the most committed and powerful in the world, 
and they are well prepared to serve in our hometowns and across the 
globe. We will keep them in our prayers as they continue their great 
legacy of sacrifice and service.

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