[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 113 (Wednesday, July 13, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5072-S5073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE WYOMING AIR NATIONAL GUARD

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, it is a privilege to recognize the 
Wyoming Air National Guard as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.
  The Wyoming Air National Guard boasts a legacy of service that spans 
decades--and generations. Since its formation, dedicated men and women 
from communities throughout Wyoming have provided essential support to 
our State, Nation, and world during times of trial. This rich history 
illustrates Wyoming's devotion and commitment to serving our Nation.
  The Wyoming Air National Guard was organized in Cheyenne on August 
10, 1946, and designated the 187th Fighter Group. Three years after 
formation, the 187th was tested. During the Great Blizzard of 1949, the 
Guard took to the air to aid stranded ranchers, travelers, and 
residents in central and southeastern Wyoming. Operations Snowbound and 
Haylift included more than 200 flyovers to provide much-needed 
supplies, such as food and medicine, to those stranded below. In 
addition, members of the 187th provided over 550 tons of hay to 
livestock.
  The members of the Wyoming Air National Guard have provided mission 
support in nearly every national military campaign. During the Korean 
conflict, Wyoming pilots served around the world in Germany, Japan, and 
South Korea, flying over 1,500 combat missions.
  The Guard also served valiantly in the face of other major military 
conflicts. In 1953, under the threat of nuclear war, the 187th Fighter 
Group was redesignated as the 187th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. The 
squadron's members trained relentlessly and routinely executed 5-minute 
simulation drills to prepare for attacks from Russian bombers.
  During the Vietnam war, the Air Guard flew combat zone missions in 
Southeast Asia. In 1966, the group was designated as the 153rd Military 
Airlift Group and later as the 153rd Aeromedical Airlift Group. 
Throughout the grueling conflict, Wyoming airmen flew dangerous 
missions through rough

[[Page S5073]]

terrain to move wounded and fallen soldiers from the battlefield. 
Remarkably, no Wyoming Air National Guard lives were lost during the 
war.
  During Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield in the early 1990s, 
the men and women of the 153rd supported the war effort by transporting 
troops and supplies within the U.S. and in Central and South America. 
The Guard's medical personnel were activated and sent to Saudi Arabia 
and were later sent to aid the Kurdish people in Iraq during Operation 
Provide Comfort.
  The terrorist attacks of 9/11 drastically changed America. The 
Wyoming Air National Guard was the first unit to resume flying. In 
addition to transporting blood donations around the western United 
States, the 153rd Airlift Wing was deployed in support Operations 
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In total, the Wyoming Air National 
Guard has deployed personnel abroad more than 3,700 times since 2001.
  Today the Wyoming Air National Guard continues to be known for its 
outstanding versatility and integrity. Members remain actively involved 
in a wide range of missions in Wyoming, the United States, and around 
the world. These operations include providing humanitarian aid, 
supplies, and transportation for servicemembers. Additionally, the 
153rd Airlift Wing provides antiterrorism support worldwide.
  The heroes of the Wyoming Air National Guard proudly offer aid and 
support to our friends and neighbors at home. One crucial mission, 
especially in the Western United States, is firefighting. In 1976, two 
aircraft were outfitted with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, 
beginning a long history of exceptional firefighting deployments. MAFFS 
has become an essential tool in our Nation's efforts to battle forest 
fires. In 40 years, the Guard unit has helped extinguish fires from 
Washington to Arizona, including the historic 1988 Yellowstone National 
Park fire and the 2007 wildfires in California.
  The Wyoming Air National Guard continues to maintain the highest 
levels of integrity and reliability whenever and wherever they are 
called to serve. These dedicated men and women routinely pause their 
own lives to stand tall in the face of danger. Our State commends these 
heroes--and those who came before them--for all they have done to 
protect our most cherished ideals.
  I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Wyoming Air 
National Guard's 70 years of courage, commitment, and dedication.

                          ____________________