[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE 946TH FORWARD SURGICAL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRADLEY BYRNE

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2015

  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 946th 
Forward Surgical Team as they prepare for their next deployment.
   The 946th was constituted on January 23, 1997 and activated at Fort 
James H. Wright Reserve Center in Mobile, Alabama. The unit began with 
six officers and six enlisted soldiers. The 946th has been deployed 
into active theater in Afghanistan on multiple occasions. The 946th has 
attended multiple training programs and has received several accolades, 
including recognition as an ``outstanding unit'' during Joint Thunder 
in 2007.
   During their deployments, they withstood multiple mortar attacks 
while supporting major combat missions. While providing medical 
coverage during combat operations, the 946th performed everything from 
appendectomies to amputations to open-heart surgery related to trauma. 
During one deployment, the unit treated over 500 patient traumas, 380 
surgical patients, oversaw the conduction of 750 x-rays and laboratory 
procedures, and coordinated over 300 MEDEVAC transfers.
   In April of 2012, Major Forrest L. Neese assumed command of the 
946th. In March of 2014, the 946th received honors for its role in 
WAREX 2014 at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin.
   Mr. Speaker, as the 946th prepares to deploy in support of Operation 
Freedom's Sentinel, I want to applaud them for their commitment and 
service to our nation. They provide such a unique and critical role in 
supporting our men and women who are working to preserve democracy in a 
very dangerous part of the world.
   So on behalf of Alabama's First Congressional District, I wish them 
safe travels in their deployment and I ask God to bless the 946th, 
their families, and all those who serve our great nation.

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