[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7839-S7840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 673--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT IT
VALUES THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA AS THE
STATE PARTNER OF THE VERMONT NATIONAL GUARD OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS
Mr. LEAHY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Foreign Relations:
S. Res. 673
Whereas the National Guard State Partnership Program was
created by the Department of the Army in 1993 to link foreign
partner countries with segments of the National Guard to
foster mutual interests and establish long-term
relationships;
Whereas in March 1995, after the signing of the Memorandum
for Understanding in 1994, a Vermont State Partnership
Program was established between the State of Vermont and the
Republic of Macedonia;
Whereas since 1995, Macedonia and Vermont have participated
in more than 200 joint activities;
Whereas more than 4,000 members of the Ministry of Defense
and armed forces of Macedonia have received knowledge and
training according to the standards, tactics, and strategies
of the United States Armed Forces;
Whereas the joint activities of the Vermont Macedonia state
partnership have shown the military of Macedonia how the
military of the United States operates and have prepared and
trained soldiers for international engagements, civil-
military operations, crisis management, economic development,
higher education, and environmental policy;
Whereas Macedonia has participated in NATO-led and
international military missions in Afghanistan since August
2002 and increased troop levels in 2010;
Whereas the Government of Macedonia has made a substantial
contribution of troops to the NATO International Security
Assistance Force relative to the population size of the
country;
Whereas the Government of Macedonia participates in
regional cooperation initiatives and provides assistance to
neighboring countries;
Whereas during the Kosovo crisis of 1999, territory in
Macedonia served as a staging area and main corridor for
logistical support to the NATO Kosovo Force (commonly
referred to as ``KFOR'');
Whereas the Government of Macedonia has led the KFOR
Coordination Centre for logistical support in Skopje since
2006;
Whereas in the interest of a faithful partnership with the
United States, the Government of Macedonia deployed troops to
Iraq under the leadership of the Government of the United
States until 2008;
Whereas soldiers from Macedonia earned 120 medals awarded
by the United States;
Whereas in July 2006, the Government of Macedonia deployed
a helicopter detachment unit and medical team to Bosnia and
Herzegovina as part of Operation Althea led by the European
Union, which continues today; and
Whereas since April 2010, troops from Macedonia have
deployed to Afghanistan and have been embedded in the 86th
Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Vermont National Guard as
a result of the longstanding military partnership and spirit
of mutual confidence and cooperation between Macedonia and
Vermont: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes the cooperation between the State of Vermont
and the Republic of Macedonia and the joint military
partnership between the Vermont National Guard and the Army
of the Republic of Macedonia for the past 15 years;
(2) greatly appreciates these efforts by the Republic of
Macedonia and congratulates the Government and people of
Macedonia on their commitment to and participation with the
Government and people of the United Sates and other countries
in advancing peace, democracy, stability, and mutual
understanding among governments and people around the world;
and
(3) expresses appreciation for the joint endeavors of the
Governments of Macedonia and the United States in combating
terrorist activities around the world.
Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce and bring to the
Senate's attention today a resolution which recognizes the value of the
defense relationship between the National Guard of the State of Vermont
and the military services of the Republic of Macedonia, under the
National Guard State Partnership Program.
Time and again, the Republic of Macedonia has contributed to
important NATO-led missions, including several hundred troops currently
deployed to Afghanistan along with the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat
Team of the Vermont National Guard. This relationship has yielded
tangible benefits for both our countries, and I am proud of the role
that Vermont has played in strengthening and broadening a growing
international partnership.
The Vermont National Guard began its relationship with the armed
services of the Republic of Macedonia in 1994, shortly after the
Department of the Army created the National Guard State Partnership
Program in 1993. Since 1995, the Republic of Macedonia and the Vermont
Guard have participated in more than 200 joint activities, and more
than 4000 members of the Macedonian Ministry of Defense have been
trained by the Vermont Guard.
Macedonia has participated in NATO-led and international military
missions in Afghanistan since August 2002, increasing its troop levels
there in 2010. Especially given its relatively small population,
Macedonia has made a substantial, needed and welcome contribution of
troops to the NATO International Security Assistance Force.
Macedonia's participation in international security efforts also
precedes the Afghanistan deployment. During the Kosovo crisis of 1999,
territory in Macedonia served as a staging area and main corridor for
logistical support to the NATO Kosovo Force, commonly referred to as
``KFOR,'' and the Government of Macedonia has led the KFOR Coordination
Centre for logistical support in Skopje since 2006. In the interest of
underscoring a faithful partnership with the United States, the
Government of Macedonia even deployed troops to Iraq until 2008.
Macedonian
[[Page S7840]]
soldiers have been recognized by the U.S. military with more than 120
medals.
Given all of these valuable efforts, I believe it is time the United
States Senate offered its commendation and appreciation to the
Government and people of the Republic of Macedonia. I hope the Senate
will heartily concur in this much-deserved recognition.
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