[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 172 (Friday, October 19, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF FORT BRAGG'S XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS DEPLOYMENT TO IRAQ

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                          HON. GEORGE HOLDING

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 19, 2018

  Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave members of 
the XVIII Airborne Corps from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, who deployed 
September 13, 2018 to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
  Established in 2014, Operation Inherent Resolve continues to play an 
essential role on the front lines of the fight against ISIS in Iraq and 
Syria. This Combined Joint Task Force is comprised of elite soldiers 
who have supported many successful efforts, from rescuing Yazidi 
victims to defending strategic territories in Iraq and Syria, such as 
Baghdad and Mosul. These troops work closely with partner forces, such 
as Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian opposition fighters, delivering 
strategic blows to ISIS. Notable successes include Operation Tidal Wave 
II, which destroyed nearly 80% of ISIS oil collection infrastructure 
and the successful liberation of Ramadi, Iraq and Shaddadi, Syria. 
Today, Operation Inherent Resolve continues to execute successful 
operations and uphold its mission to defeat the threat of ISIS and to 
increase regional stability.
  I am immensely proud of the members of the XVIII Airborne Corps of 
Ft. Bragg who will be deployed to support this mission and grateful for 
their tireless service. These brave men and women represent the best 
our nation has to offer and their bravery and dedication to our nation 
deserves the utmost respect. I would also like to acknowledge the 
sacrifice of their families, and commend them for their support 
throughout deployment.

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