[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 182 (Wednesday, November 8, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7076-S7077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                Recognizing the Nebraska National Guard

  Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the men and 
women of the Nebraska National Guard. For more than 150 years, the 
Nebraska National Guard has been protecting our State and keeping our 
Nation safe.
  Established in 1854, the Guard predates the founding of the State of 
Nebraska by 12 years, and those who serve in its ranks today carry on a 
proud tradition. Whenever the Nation calls, Nebraska Guard men and 
women have been at the leading edge, responding in times of military 
need and national crisis.
  When the shadow of fascism spread across Europe in World War II, 
Nebraska's 134th Infantry Regiment was there to bring the light of 
democracy back to the continent, liberating the French city of Saint-Lo 
from Nazi occupation.
  When terrorists struck on September 11, the Nebraska National Guard 
was there to answer the call. In the time since, over 10,000 Nebraska 
Guard soldiers and airmen have deployed to fight the War on Terror and 
serve in defense of our Nation. This means that in the last 16 years, 
there have been only 3 days when every Nebraska soldier and airman was 
at home with their loved ones. Saying no is not part of the culture of 
the Nebraska National Guard. When the Nation calls, there is no 
hesitation. They go where the mission requires them to go.
  At this very moment, we can find Nebraska soldiers and airmen 
deployed all across the globe, protecting our great Nation. Whether it 
is the dozens of National Guard men and women who are currently 
conducting detainee operations at Guantanamo Bay or those preparing to 
deploy next year to key positions in the Pacific and the Middle East, 
our Guard stands ready to answer the call.
  The Guard is also playing an important role in working with our 
allies abroad. Since 1993, the Nebraska National Guard has been linked 
with the Czech Republic through the State Partnership Program. As 
Eastern Europe emerged from the heavy hand of communism, the Nebraska 
National Guard was there working side by side with their military to 
collaborate, share, and assist, forging a lasting bond that remains 
strong to this day. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that 
partnership, and we are all extremely proud of the work our Guard is 
doing to help bring our democracies together.
  That spirit of service extends to their operations here in the 
homeland as well. When hurricanes so tragically struck our neighbors in 
Texas, Florida, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, the Nebraska Guard 
was there to help. The numbers speak for themselves. In Texas, they 
rescued 461 people and delivered 142,000 pounds of cargo, 6,000 pounds 
of bottled water, and 1,000 pounds of medical supplies. During 
Hurricane Irma, 102 members participated in an aviation task force for 
support operations. Right now, 58 soldiers and airmen are providing 
assistance to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
  The scope of their response to these disasters is a testament to 
their dedication and showcases the flexibility of the Guard's mission. 
Whether it is responding to domestic emergencies, overseas combat, or 
reconstruction missions, these men and women are there to respond with 
speed, efficiency, and strength.
  One of the most impressive things about the Nebraska National Guard 
is that these are regular, everyday citizens who decided to answer the 
call to serve. They are our neighbors, our

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friends, our spouses, sons and daughters, ordinary Nebraskans from 
every background who decided to put on the uniform and make a 
difference. That is why I am so honored to have a group of the Nebraska 
National Guard's men and women visiting Washington today. I wish to 
take this opportunity to personally thank them, their families, and 
loved ones who support them, and all of our National Guard soldiers and 
airmen for their good service. The Nebraska National Guard has seen a 
lot of change in its history, but one thing remains the same: They 
stand ready to serve.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oregon.