[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 156 (Tuesday, October 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


HONORING THE SERVICE OF THE 643RD MILITARY POLICE COMPANY OF WESTBROOK, 
                              CONNECTICUT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2007

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 643rd Military 
Policy Company of the Connecticut National Guard, based in Westbrook, 
Connecticut. Over the weekend, I joined Connecticut's Adjutant General, 
MG Thaddeus Martin and other elected officials as a ``Freedom Salute'' 
in honor of the 643rd's recent return from a deployment in Germany in 
support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the longest of any Connecticut 
National Guard unit in support of ongoing military operations.
  In February 2006, 130 members of the 643rd MP, commanded by Captain 
Santo Pizzo of Glastonbury, deployed to Germany where they provided 
security and military law enforcement at U.S. military facilities in 
Hanau, Darmstadt, and Baumholder. While there, the unit helped track 
terrorists suspected of planning attacks against military facilities, 
including the military barracks in Hanau.
  In addition, the 643rd MP also tackled other challenges, such as drug 
and alcohol related crimes and domestic disturbances. Specialist Ryan 
Maynard of Franklin, Connecticut, was awarded the Army Commendation 
Medal for saving a 2-month old child from choking. While this is a 
notable achievement worthy of praise, Specialist Maynard noted in the 
New London Day that: ``It's not one individual that makes a unit. It 
takes everyone coming together to make the mission successful.''
  Any military deployment is hard not only on our men and women in 
uniform, but also on their families and loved ones waiting at home for 
them to return. The 643rd's deployment was especially tough, as they 
saw their deployment in Germany extended twice--leaving them abroad for 
nearly 3 more months than they expected.
  Extended deployments such as this have real consequences for our 
National Guard, not only in their readiness to respond to threats at 
home and abroad, but also in the strain it places on the families who 
selflessly support our men and women in uniform. This weekend's 
``Freedom Support'' was a testament to their strength during this long 
deployment and their continued support for their loved ones in uniform.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming the men and women of the 
643rd MP home, and congratulating them on a safe and successful 
deployment.