[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 26, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H336-H337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO OUR REMARKABLE TROOPS

  (Mr. SKELTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our 
remarkable troops. Our men and women in uniform represent the best of 
America. Never is that more apparent than when our forces are mobilized 
to help people in need, most recently in the wake of the devastating 
earthquake in Haiti. As of last week, approximately 13,000 military 
personnel are part of the Haiti relief effort, about 10,000 aboard 
ship, and 3,000 ashore.
  The United States' response to the Haiti earthquake is a whole-of-
government effort, with the U.S. Agency for International Development 
in the lead,

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but our military personnel are truly indispensable to the humanitarian 
response. U.S. military professionals have the logistical, medical, and 
engineering skills that are desperately needed in a disaster zone.
  This critical contribution to the Haiti relief effort comes at a time 
when the men and women of our military are already being stretched by 
two wars. But crises rarely happen on a planned timetable, and our 
troops have demonstrated, once again, their capability to respond 
admirably whenever disaster strikes.
  As any American who has been helped by the National Guard or other 
U.S. forces during a flood, hurricane, fire, tornado, or other 
emergency, there is no limit to the compassion, commitment, and 
dedication of those wearing the American service uniform.
  U.S. military servicemembers and their families make tremendous 
sacrifices, both for our Nation and in working to help people in times 
of need all over the world. I am so proud of the contribution our 
heroes in uniform are making to help the people of Haiti, in 
cooperation with all of the other people in government and non-
governmental organizations, and international organizations who are 
working as partners in the Haiti relief effort.

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