[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 167 (Thursday, December 16, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S10387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THANKING OUR SERVICEMEMBERS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the members 
of America's Armed Forces who are deployed during this Christmas 
season. The sacrifices of our military and those of their families are 
always great, but especially so during wartime and the holidays. As 
most Americans celebrate this time of joy and good cheer it is 
important that we take a moment to honor and remember the brave men and 
women in uniform who are defending our well being overseas and to thank 
their families as well.
  Kentucky's military installations have been in the thick of the fight 
in the war on terror. The 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, for 
example, is once again overseas. The unit is fully deployed and is 
executing a critical mission in Afghanistan.
  The Army's 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division is 
currently deploying from Fort Knox to Afghanistan. The Duke Brigade, as 
it is known, is the first unit of its kind at Fort Knox since the 
1990s.
  And the Kentucky National Guard continues to deploy to theater. Just 
last week, members of the 123rd Civil Engineer Squadron left for 
Southwest Asia.
  I am profoundly grateful for the sacrifice of our servicemembers and 
military families. And, as a Kentuckian, I swell with pride at the 
contributions made by units from the Commonwealth's military 
installations and by Kentucky servicemembers. During this holiday 
season our prayers are with them.

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