[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 134 (Monday, September 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  AMERICA'S STRENGTH THROUGH DIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 12, 2011

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend of the 
Tenth Anniversary remembrances of the attacks of September 11th, I saw 
the strength and diversity of the people across the Midlands of South 
Carolina which is underestimated by our evil enemies.
  The diversity of America by heritage, race, religion, gender, and 
politics makes America strong.
  At the request of President Mary Pena, I spoke to the Filipino-
American Association of Greater Columbia citing the special 
contribution of Filipino-Americans for over 100 years in defense of 
America into the Global War on Terrorism.
  For our family, this September 11th began with participation in the 
Memorial Service sponsored by the West Metro Rotary Club, West Metro 
Chamber of Commerce, Lexington School District Two, and Pine Press 
Printers at the West Columbia River Walk Amphitheater. The passionate 
patriot Joe Pinner presided over tributes to our military, military 
families, and first responders highlighted by Sheriff James Metts and 
Irmo Fire Chief Mike Sonefeld.
  Proof of the resolve of the New Greatest Generation was the Change of 
Command Ceremony of the Headquarters Support Company of Sumter's 351st 
Aviation Support Battalion. Before a fully staffed complement of all 
volunteers, Cpt. Julian D. Wilson relinquished command to Cpt. Michael 
W. Jones. Wilson had enlisted in the S.C. Army National Guard in 
December 2001 in the tradition of service as the namesake of Marine 
Major Julian D. Dusenbury who was awarded the Navy Cross for his 
successful capture of Shuni Castle on Okinawa in April 1945. Both 
Captains are symbols of military families with Cpt. Jones supported by 
his wife Terry and their six children, Michael, Jr., Megan, Nathaniel, 
Summer, Shan, and Brooke and Cpt. Wilson encouraged by his wife Joy and 
son Julian, Jr.
  As a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserves and the S.C. Army National 
Guard, I have never been prouder of their committed members and their 
capabilities for domestic and overseas service. Due to the success of 
America's military more countries today have been liberated from 
totalitarianism in the history of the world living in freedom and 
democracy from Estonia to Thailand and South Korea to Bulgaria.
  Due to the vision of Dan Hennigan, a 9/11 First Responders 
Remembrance Memorial featuring two New York World Trade Center steel 
beams were unveiled at the base of the State House in front of the 
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center with Columbia Mayor Steve 
Benjamin and Governor Nikki Haley.
  At the Remembrance, it was very appropriate on the front row of 
special guests were Hampton and Jane Caughman, proud parents of SPC 
Thomas W. Caughman who was killed June 9, 2004, Iraq. SPC Caughmnan was 
mature beyond his age concluding his letters with the adage, ``Freedom 
is not free.'' He understood we were in a long war to protect American 
families at home.
  The weekend concluded with a moving Service of Remembrance at Saxe 
Gotha Presbyterian Church named in recognition of the community's 
original German Swiss farming settlers. Heartfelt leadership was 
provided by pastors Dr. Jim Glatz, Dr. Helen Harrison Coker, and Dr. 
Bill Johnston. Dr. Glatz recounted the extraordinary heroism of Todd 
Beamer on Flight 93. After reciting together The Lord's Prayer with air 
phone operators, Beamer stated to his comrades the immortal ``Let's 
Roll,'' which successfully stopped the jihadists from their murderous 
destruction of the U.S. Capitol Building. This was the first successful 
counterattack in the Global War on Terrorism. The service was enhanced 
by a Color Guard of the Lexington Police Department along with the 
Lexington County Choral Society and the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra.
  The positive message of Dr. Glatz was clear that the American people 
will prevail with faith, hope, and love.
  In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops, and we will never forget 
September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

                          ____________________