[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 203 (Monday, December 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE WISCONSIN ARMY CADETS' 25TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. MIKE GALLAGHER

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 16, 2019

  Mr. GALLAGHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th 
anniversary of the Wisconsin Army Cadets.
  The Wisconsin Army Cadets is a youth military training and career 
exploration program based in Appleton, Wisconsin that provides young 
men and women ages 12 to 20 years old with hands-on, uniform-on, living 
experience to assist them in deciding on a military career. Cadets 
embrace and represent the Army's core values of loyalty, duty, respect, 
selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. The program 
aims to enhance the character and leadership ability of Cadets.
  During the program, Cadets participate in monthly drill events, train 
in common task warrior skills, learn U.S. Army weapons systems, and 
partake in military science excursions and field training at Fort 
McCoy. Cadets also engage in community service by supporting events 
like the Old Glory Honor Flight, Armed Services Day, and local 
veteran's events and parades. In addition, the program serves its 
chartering partner, the Wisconsin National Guard, during times of 
deployment by supporting Rear detachment community outreach missions 
such as clothing and food drives, color guards, Purple Heart 
ceremonies, and soldier funerals.
  The Wisconsin Army Cadets Appleton unit was founded in 1994 by COL 
Brian Blahnik. Since its existence, the program has provided military 
career education to over 5,000 youth Cadets. The Appleton unit has seen 
at least 500 young men and women join the Armed Forces directly from 
its ranks. The Wisconsin program has been used as a model for Army 
youth programs across the country and has been recognized as one of the 
top military youth programs in the nation.
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Wisconsin Army Cadets 
on their 25th year in operation. I wish the program many more years of 
continued success.

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