[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 65 (Thursday, April 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THE OHIO NATIONAL GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE STIVERS

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 2021

  Mr. STIVERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of 
the 15th Congressional District of Ohio to express sincere gratitude to 
the dedicated men and women of the Ohio National Guard for their 
exemplary commitment to service and to our great State.
  Since the creation of the force in 1788, these extraordinary 
individuals have prioritized the health and safety of communities from 
Wilmington to McConnelsville, from Hilliard to McArthur. But in the 
past year, the citizen-soldiers of the Buckeye State have truly 
embraced their role as a ``trusted team of soldiers, airmen, and 
civilians,'' serving through ``agility, collaboration, excellence, and 
leadership.''
  Through a once-in-a-generation pandemic, the Ohio National Guard 
provided invaluable support. From manning food banks and managing 
COVID-19 testing locations at the onset of the pandemic, to now 
administering vaccines to their fellow Ohioans, our State is incredibly 
grateful for their service.
  As the coronavirus raged, our nation saw a period of social unrest 
unlike anything in recent decades. Once again, the Ohio National Guard 
answered the call. Whether it was the Statehouse in Columbus, or the 
Capitol in Washington, our soldiers were willing to put their own 
safety in jeopardy in order to ensure the wellbeing of their fellow 
citizens.
  Perhaps at no point in recent history has more been asked of our 
National Guard, and at no point have they answered with more 
conviction. They worked diligently day-in and day-out, never failing to 
embody the motto, ``Always Ready. Always There.''
  As a Major General, and as a Member of Congress, I am filled with 
pride and gratitude of these men and women and of the sacrifices that 
they have made. It is an honor to recognize their hard work, and I ask 
my fellow colleagues to join me in expressing thanks for all that they 
have done, and all that they will do, for Ohio and our nation.

                          ____________________