[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     ARMY RESERVE 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2008

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the centennial of an 
organization which is vital to our Nation and brings much honor to the 
State of Tennessee.
  The United States Army Reserve celebrated 100 years of service on 
April 23, 2008, and the history of its citizen warriors exemplifies 
what makes this Nation the greatest in the world.
  The security and strength of our republic has always relied on the 
readiness and fortitude of its citizens. When the drumbeat of 
revolution grew loud, it was an army of average citizens who answered 
the call and fought for our independence. This tradition continues 
today with the U.S. Army Reserve.
  Since its beginning as a 160-person medical corps in 1908, the U.S. 
Army Reserve has grown into a force which is the support structure for 
our Nation's armed forces. From World War I to the global war on 
terror, the soldiers of the U.S. Army Reserve have put their own lives 
on hold to serve their Nation.
  More than 26,000 U.S. Army Reserve soldiers have served in support of 
military operations since the September 11th attacks. This corps of 
citizen soldiers brings their expertise--providing half of the Army's 
combat support--to the front lines in defense of freedom.
  My home State of Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State. It is not 
a term we take lightly, and Tennessee's record of service demonstrates 
the character of its citizens.
  I am especially proud of the 505 soldiers assigned to the 844th 
Engineer Battalion, headquartered in my district in Tennessee. This 
battalion is responsible for heavy construction--including roads, 
living quarters, plumbing, electricity and other infrastructure, 
keeping our troops safe and more comfortable while serving abroad.
  Our Nation's military could not operate without the 844th Engineer 
Battalion or the United States Army Reserve.
  Madam Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to join me as I 
salute 100 years of the United States Army Reserve and the citizen 
warriors who stand ready to defend freedom at a moment's notice.

                          ____________________