[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 76 (Monday, June 3, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING U.S. SOUTHERN COMMAND ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 3, 2013

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate U.S. 
Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) on their 50th anniversary, and to commend 
its exemplary service to the United States in Central America, South 
America, and the Caribbean.
  SOUTHCOM provides invaluable contingency planning, operations, and 
security cooperation to the volatile region, and has been an invaluable 
asset to the area. Whether it be through deterring illegal activities 
such as drug trafficking, dismantling transnational organized crime 
networks, or fostering alternatives to criminal influence in under-
governed areas. SOUTHCOM has consistently supported the region for all 
their security needs, and has strengthened the regions defense 
capabilities.
  Recently, vital humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions 
have underscored the importance of their presence in the South Florida 
community. For example, in 2010 SOUTHCOM led Operation Unified 
Response, in which a force of about 22,000 troops, more than 30 ships, 
and 300 aircraft provided life-saving assistance and distributed 
millions of pounds of food and water in Haiti following its devastating 
earthquake.
  With an economic impact of $600 million on Miami-Dade County, 
SOUTHCOM's positive influence is keenly felt throughout the community. 
SOUTHCOM personnel are mainstays in community organizations and 
contribute an astonishing 30,000 volunteer hours each year to local 
charity groups, community projects, and events. Moreover, by 
participating in activities such as color guard presentations at 
sporting events and parades, and giving speeches at meetings sponsored 
by local organizations, we are all reminded of our civic duty and the 
sacrifices made by those who serve.
  SOUTHCOM has become an invaluable organization for the state of 
Florida, the Nation as a whole, and the region it serves. I am 
extremely proud to have SOUTHCOM in my Congressional district, and I am 
confident that they will continue to represent the interests of the 
United States with distinction.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate SOUTHCOM as they celebrate 
this milestone. I am certain that we can all look forward to many more 
years of outstanding service, and I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing SOUTHCOM's achievement.

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