[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 100 (Friday, June 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL'S 150TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT T. SCHILLING

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 29, 2012

  Mr. SCHILLING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish the Rock Island 
Arsenal in the 17th District of Illinois a happy 150th Birthday.
  An act of Congress in 1809 first established the Rock Island facility 
as a military reservation. In 1862 Congress officially established Rock 
Island Arsenal as a facility for the deposit and repair of military 
materiel in a bill that President Abraham Lincoln signed into law on 
July 11, 1862.
  This Arsenal has provided equipment for our military in every major 
conflict since the Spanish-American War. It has supported our Army's 
readiness in times of both peace and war. I am proud of the work that 
the men and women at Rock Island Arsenal have done and are still doing 
because they have played a role in making our military become the best 
in the world.
  In addition to supporting our troops and contributing our national 
defense capabilities, the Rock Island Aresnal has taken an active role 
in job creation and economic development in our region. For that 
reason, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of a resolution by 
Congressman Dave Loebsack that recognizes and honors this great 
facility.
  I am also proud to have worked hard for the Rock Island Arsenal with 
Congressman Loebsack on getting important provisions in the Fiscal Year 
2012 and 2013 National Defense Authorization Acts that will help 
strengthen this national treasure and recognize the critical 
manufacturing capability of the organic base. I will continue to 
support this important facility.
  I want to thank the past and current men and women of the Rock Island 
Arsenal for everything they have done for the Army and our country as a 
whole and I want to wish them a Happy Birthday. Here is to 150 more 
years.

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