[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 148 (Thursday, September 6, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S6053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

       TRIBUTE TO VETERANS OF THE 116TH COMBAT ENGINEER BATTALION

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins 
me today in paying tribute to the veterans of the 116th Combat Engineer 
Battalion in recognition of the battalion's 50-year grand reunion.
  In 1968, the 116th Combat Engineer Battalion deployed to Vietnam. The 
battalion was made up of approximately 800 Idaho National Guard 
soldiers from National Guard companies based in Idaho. The soldiers' 
tasks included clearing and repairing roads.
  The soldiers who served in the 116th Battalion were an integral part 
of the war effort. They have been credited with swiftly and effectively 
reconstructing airfields, building bases, clearing thousands of acres 
of minefields and jungle, constructing thousands of square feet of 
buildings and bridges, moving critical supplies and equipment, 
providing access to water, and more. Their legacy of outstanding, 
dedicated service remains a hallmark of the battalion.
  Veterans who served in the battalion are gathering in Idaho Falls on 
September 14-15, 2018. As they join with their fellow veterans and 
family and share memories and life experiences, we thank them for their 
service to our Nation. We wish veterans of the 116th Combat Engineer 
Battalion, your families, and loved ones all the best for an enjoyable 
reunion and honor you for your remarkable service to our 
country.

                          ____________________