[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 113 (Monday, July 16, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H7788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NATIONAL GUARD PASSES RECRUITMENT GOALS

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, America's National Guard 
is taking a crucial role in the global war on terrorism. They make up a 
vital part of our deployed forces, serving our country to stop 
terrorism overseas, protecting American families. I am proud the 
National Guard exceeded its recruitment goals for the month of June, 
which reflects the new greatest generation.
  Through the month of May, the National Guard has 351,400 troops. 
Numbers have not been this high since November 2001. As a 31-year 
veteran of the Army National Guard, I understand the importance of 
their mission as explained by Captain James Smith.
  I am particularly grateful my former unit, the 218th Brigade, is 
serving in Afghanistan, where they're actively working to train the 
Afghani police and army.
  As the father of four sons in the military, I am grateful for each 
and every American who decides to serve. Our all-volunteer Armed Forces 
are making the ultimate sacrifice, and today democracy is more 
widespread throughout the world than any time in history protecting 
American families.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September the 11th.

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