[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO THE 172ND STRYKER BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today I rise to acknowledge 
the significant contributions and sacrifices of the 172nd Stryker 
Brigade Combat Team ``Arctic Wolves,'' based out of Ft. Wainwright, 
Alaska. I would like to congratulate this elite fighting force of men 
and women who performed with distinction during an unprecedented 16-
month deployment in Iraq.
  Few units in the history of the Army have developed such a diverse 
ability to effectively fight in extreme combat situations. The 172nd 
formed, lived and trained in the harsh Alaska arctic conditions. 
Alaskan winters have as many as 21 hours of darkness a day and an 
average daily temperature of 15 degrees. During the initial Iraq 
deployment in July/August of 2005, these soldiers faced dry, desert 
conditions in heat topping 120 degrees, quite different from their 
original training conditions. The ability to adapt and continue to 
fight insurgents in any environment is one of the many exceptional 
traits of these Arctic and now, ``Desert Wolves.''
  During their tour of duty, the Stryker Brigade had an outstanding 
combat record and an exceptional reputation for their relationship with 
the Iraqi citizens. During their service, 5 soldiers were Silver Star 
Receipts, along with the entire 172nd receiving the Valorous Unit 
Award. The sacrifices made by these soldiers over the last 16 months 
were tremendous; 26 soldiers lost their lives and another 381 soldiers 
were wounded, while in Iraq. The commitment of these soldiers to their 
Nation is admirable. This brigade, despite their extended tour, had the 
highest reenlistment rate in the Army with over 33 percent of assigned 
personnel signing up for the second life cycle.
  Along with the contributions our Alaskan service members make on a 
regular basis to the security of this Nation we cannot forget the 
difficulties their families face during these deployments. Close to 
5,000 Alaskan family members of the 172nd had been without their loved 
ones for 16 months and waited to be back in their arms of their 
husbands, wives, sons and daughters. While soldiers were overseas, 
these families in the Fairbanks community pulled together with 
resounding resolve. Not only am I proud to represent the Artic Wolves, 
but I am also proud to represent the great military families of Ft. 
Wainwright who patiently waited for their brave soldiers to return.
  Over the last 4 months, the 172nd has received increased publicity 
because of their extended deployment, and the families and soldiers 
were asked to perform duties few are capable of handling. However, I am 
proud to say that our Arctic Wolves acted with the utmost level of 
professionalism and heroism on the ground, from the unit commanders to 
the most junior enlisted ranks. The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team 
has made a significant contribution to the proud United States Army 
military history and I am proud to represent these great American 
Warriors. On behalf of the state of Alaska, I extend my thanks and 
appreciation for their exceptional service to this nation. Welcome 
home, Arctic Wolves.




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