[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 62 (Friday, April 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E679-E680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary 
bravery and sacrifice of our service men and women by celebrating 
National Military Appreciation Month.
  Since 1999, veteran and service organizations have held events around 
the country to demonstrate to current and former men and women in 
uniform and their families that we honor their service. From Military 
Spouse Appreciation Day to Victory in Europe Day, and from Loyalty Day 
to Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, the month of May is a time for 
our Nation to come together. It is important for all of us to recognize 
the tremendous service of military members and families across the 
globe.
  The men and women who serve in uniform are guided by their tremendous 
sense of duty to America and their fellow citizens. In California's 
37th District, we've had over 190,000 troops deployed to either Iraq or 
Afghanistan since 2001. It has been my honor to represent these 
constituents and I am extremely proud of their service.
  In my district, we suffered the loss of 12 remarkable servicemen. We 
remember Long Beach residents: Pfc. Stephen A. Castellano, Sgt. 1st 
Class Randy D. Collins, Sgt. Anthony J. Davis, Jr., Sgt. Israel Garcia, 
Pvt. Ernesto R. Guerra, Pfc. Lyndon A. Marcus, Jr., Spec. Roberto L. 
Martinez Salazar, Spec. Astor A. Sunsin-Pineda, Pfc. David T. 
Toomalatai, Pfc. George D. Torres and Staff Sgt. Joshua Whitaker, as 
well as Carson resident Pfc. Daniel P. Cagle, who were all killed in 
action.
  As we acknowledge our former, current and future military men and 
women, it is essential that we provide the resources necessary to help 
wounded warriors and their families adjust to life outside of the 
military. I am extremely proud that from 2007 2010, under Democratic 
Leadership, Congress showed unprecedented support for the troops, their 
families, and veterans by strengthening health care for more than 5 
million veterans, giving troops a pay raise, and strengthening support 
for military families.
  Mr. Speaker I rise today to praise our most heroic citizens. I hope 
you'll all join me in reflecting on the valor and courage our solemn 
warriors display in defense of our freedom.

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