[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 81 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H4907-H4913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE SERVICEMEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE 
                               COMPONENTS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 4, 2021, the Chair recognizes the gentleman from Mississippi 
(Mr. Palazzo) for 30 minutes.


                             General Leave

  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
submit extraneous materials.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Mississippi?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, today, I stand here to recognize and honor 
the servicemembers of the National Guard and Reserve components.
  Over the last few years, our National Guard soldiers have been more 
in the spotlight than ever before. These men and women proved true to 
their motto of ``Always Ready, Always There,'' as they face some of our 
Nation's toughest times.
  We have seen guardsmen from all over the country help in ways we 
never thought would be needed or possible: a 5-month deployment to 
defend the U.S. Capitol; to assist in an attempt to secure the southern 
border; to aiding our healthcare workers in the delivery of COVID-19 
vaccinations and other COVID-related assignments. These men and women 
leave behind their loved ones and livelihoods to assist all Americans 
when we most need it.
  Today is an opportunity for Members of the House to thank these brave 
soldiers for the tremendous work and sacrifice our Guard and Reserve 
servicemembers have endured since the first muster of militia forces to 
present day.
  There are a lot of issues that divide our Nation and Congress, but I 
know for certain that support for our National Guard and Reserve 
continues to be bipartisan. I am proud of the work we are doing to 
assist these soldiers, their families, and the mission.
  Not all Members have a military base, but almost everyone has a 
National Guard Armory and National Guardsmen in their district.
  I look forward to hearing from more of my colleagues today as we take 
this moment to thank them for their service.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Kahele), the 
co-chair of the National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus.
  Mr. KAHELE. Mr. Speaker, mahalo, Congressman Palazzo for organizing 
this Special Order to celebrate the achievements of the National Guard 
across the Nation. I am proud to be co-leading the bipartisan National 
Guard and Reserve Caucus with you this year.
  I am here to recognize the Hawaii National Guard and highlight its 
growing role in our Nation's competitiveness and strategic level of 
defense priorities.
  In my 21-year career of service to my State and Nation, I have seen 
the Hawaii Air National Guard transform from a quiet, off-the-radar, C-
130, F-15, and KC-135 squadrons out in the Pacific to lethal and almost 
full-time composite associate squadrons.

[[Page H4908]]

  The Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Wing and their flying squadrons 
serve alongside Active Duty counterparts flying C-17s and F-22s, as 
well as the KC-135, each and every day. There are Active Duty pilots 
flying with Guard pilots, side-by-side, deploying overseas.
  An important aspect of my job is to listen and hear from our men and 
women in the National Guard. Many of my policy proposals are the result 
of hearing directly from our guardsmen.
  For example, members of the Guard contacted my office last year to 
raise their concerns about the number of days a reservist can serve on 
Active Duty.

                              {time}  1730

  As a result, my colleagues and I authored the ``1095 Rule'' Amendment 
Act, legislation that increases the maximum number of days that 
reservists can serve on Active Duty to maintain mission readiness. We 
are pleased that this legislation was signed into law and took effect 
last month. This is a huge victory for National Guardsmen across the 
Nation and ensures the full capability of our most talented Reserve 
component members without affecting end-strength limitations.
  Now, I believe we can all agree that our success, the success of our 
National Guard, is directly linked to the strength of our leadership. 
The Hawaii National Guard is positioned as a key strategic defense 
priority for our military in the Pacific, and for that I personally 
thank the adjutant general of the Hawaii National Guard, Kenneth Hara, 
for his direction in leading the Guard in Hawaii. General Hara has been 
central to our State's early success with the COVID-19 pandemic. He and 
his team have been pivotal to the coordinated effort between our 
States, counties, and community organizations.
  Finally, mahalo nui loa. I am grateful for the airmen and soldiers 
for being the best and most diverse National Guard organization in the 
Nation. The important work that each and every one of them does makes 
our country strong. I also thank their families for their sacrifice and 
enduring support of their important work. Their commitment and 
participation to the Hawaii National Guard Association and National 
Guard associations throughout the Nation is vital to its success and 
advocacy in Washington. Mahalo nui loa. Onipaa mau loa.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my cochair, Representative Kahele, 
for his remarks. Also to be noted, the Representative is an Air Force 
veteran, and he is also a current Air National Guardsman. He has served 
in multiple theaters including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation 
Iraqi Freedom. So we appreciate his service to the Nation not just as a 
Representative but also as a veteran.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from the State of Mississippi 
(Mr. Kelly), who has spent 36 years in the Mississippi Army National 
Guard. He currently serves as a major general throughout his 
deployments. He has also earned two Bronze Stars, the Combat Action 
Badge, and the Bronze, Silver, and Gold de Fleury Medals for his 
service. He also serves on the Armed Services Committee where he is a 
huge asset for our Nation.
  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud and honored 
to recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices of our National Guard 
and Reserve component men and women.
  The history of the National Guard and Reserve predates the birth of 
our Nation. In Mississippi we have the sixth oldest active regiment, 
the First Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment--the Mississippi Rifles.
  For over 250 years, brave Americans have answered the call to service 
to protect both our homeland and democracies abroad, and to conduct 
disaster response or support to civilian authorities during a crisis.
  Our reservists and Guard members bring a unique skill set to our 
Armed Forces, leveraging their expertise and real-world experiences 
from the civilian workforce to bring an exceptional and innovative 
perspective to our national defense.
  In addition to deployments overseas, Guard and reservists are 
employed across the broad and diverse mission set, whether it is 
responding to civil unrest in our Nation's Capitol, defending our 
borders, providing relief from hurricanes or other natural disasters, 
as well as responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  I will tell you, Mr. Speaker, the Guard did a yeoman's work in the 
COVID response, and it was much less by building testing sites, by 
giving vaccinations, and by helping with all the logistics. We would 
not have gone as smoothly without our Guard.
  As of today the Mississippi National Guard has forces deployed in 
support of four combatant commands around the world. During the 
pandemic, the Mississippi National Guard activated approximately 1,700 
servicemembers who administered more than 765,000 vaccinations, 226,000 
tests, and processed more than 109,000 lab samples supporting the 
Mississippi Department of Health.
  Our logistics professionals traveled more than 665,000 miles 
throughout our State to deliver more than 58 million pieces of personal 
protective equipment to our hospitals, long-term healthcare facilities, 
clinics, and testing sites.
  Since the global war on terror, the Guard has shifted from a 
strategic reserve force to an operational reserve, deploying in support 
of the same conflicts, fulfilling the same mission sets, and seeing the 
same combat against our enemies as the active component.
  Within this service has come great sacrifice, and I honor the fallen 
Guard heroes who gave their lives in service of our country and its 
ideals in the global war on terror in addition to the countless other 
Guard lives lost in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf.
  One of these heroes is Sergeant First Class Sean M. Cooley, who I had 
the privilege of serving alongside in the 155th Brigade Combat Team in 
Iraq who was killed in action in Iraq on February 3, 2005. In his 
memory I introduced and had passed the House resolution that led to the 
Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act named for 
Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton, 
both of whom were Guardsmen.
  In closing, it has been my life's honor to have served in the 
Mississippi National Guard for the past 36 years. I am committed to 
working with my colleagues in Congress and within the Department of 
Defense to ensure that our National Guard components are resourced 
appropriately, maintain a high level of readiness, and receive the same 
benefits that they have earned in their service of our great Nation.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Kelly for his remarks 
and his service.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Babin), who is 
a former Texas Army Guard and U.S. Army Reserve officer. He has over 
seven major commands and over 25,000 guardsmen in his great State. I 
know he is a huge supporter of them.

  Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Mississippi (Mr. 
Palazzo) for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize those who have faithfully 
served and are serving in our National Guard units.
  Dating back to 1636, the Guard has a proud history and has shaped and 
defended our great Nation. In my home State of Texas, 199 years ago, 
Stephen F. Austin formed the Texas Militia, now known as the Texas Army 
National Guard, and 100 years later, the Texas Air National Guard was 
established. Since their inception, these courageous servicemembers 
have been first responders to many natural disasters; many in my own 
district where we routinely seem to have hurricanes. They have helped 
to maintain civil order, and they have deployed to the southern border 
to protect our sovereignty.
  But their service doesn't stop there. The Guard augments our Active-
Duty military offering complete warfighting capability at only 30 
percent of the cost. At a moment's notice, they respond to the call of 
our country.
  In southeast Texas, Mr. Speaker, you will find the 147th Attack Wing 
at Ellington Field where they fly the MQ-9 Reaper and are combat 
mission-capable and proven, ready to provide critical ISR and air-to-
ground strike capability. Additionally, they have responded to the 
crisis at the border and played a vital role in storm preparation and 
recovery. The 147th is a prime

[[Page H4909]]

example of the benefit of the National Guard, and I have no doubt that 
this wing will continue to succeed and lead into the future.
  Speaking of the future, we must create a Space National Guard 
mirroring the newest branch of our military. Focusing on missile 
warning, space intel, electronic warfare, satellite C2, and many other 
capabilities, the collaboration between Active Duty and the Space Guard 
would seamlessly provide ops and mission support from above.
  As a former member of the Texas Army National Guard, I stand firmly 
behind the guardsmen who are willingly called upon at any moment with 
every capability to do any job, including in space, and I offer my 
heartfelt admiration and appreciation.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Babin for his 
service not only in the military but also in the U.S. House of 
Representatives. Also I thank him for what the Texas National Guard is 
doing to try to secure our border in Texas.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Carey). 
Representative Carey also is a former Army Guard officer. He represents 
18,000 guardsmen. Actually, Ohio has 18,000 guardsmen and nine major 
commands Army and Air. So I thank my friend for his service and for his 
participation tonight.
  Mr. CAREY. For nearly 400 years, the U.S. National Guard has served 
as a vital component to our Nation's warfighting and peacekeeping 
capabilities.
  Guard members are the stewards of the equipment and resources 
necessary to assist in times of need, and they are always ready to 
respond to our Nation's challenges both at home and abroad.
  As a former officer in the Army National Guard, I know that the Guard 
is so much more than a weekend a month and 2 weeks a year to those who 
serve. It is about service to our Nation and always being ready to 
answer the call. It is about neighbors helping neighbors, ready to 
respond to anything from a natural disaster, drug seizure, or even a 
cyberattack. Members of the Guard are essential to provide the 
capabilities to accomplish State and national priorities that we have.
  In the Buckeye State, the Ohio National Guard is always ready and 
always there. Since 9/11 more than 25,000 Ohio soldiers and airmen have 
been deployed all over the world. Over the last 2 years, just as the 
Guard members across the country have done, Ohio National Guard members 
have been lifesavers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
  More than 2,000 Ohio National Guard members were deployed to 18 
testing centers and 62 hospitals across Ohio as part of clinical and 
general support teams. They prevented a crisis of care by providing 
patient monitoring, transportation, staffing and administration, 
testing, vaccinations, and even food distribution.
  I saw their work firsthand at a drive-through testing site in 
Columbus where Guard members collaborated with the Ohio State 
University to ensure that more than 1,000 Ohioans per day could be 
tested during the national testing shortage. It was an amazing 
operation that could not have worked without the expertise and 
efficiency of our National Guard members.
  In conclusion, we cannot thank our National Guard members enough for 
what they have done to keep us safe and what they will continue to do 
throughout their service.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Carey. I know the State 
is very proud of his support of the Ohio National Guard and all the 
military services that he has.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Owens). Burgess 
Owens represents Utah's Fourth Congressional District, a State that has 
11 major commands and over 7,500 guardsmen. Fortunately, Representative 
Owens serves on the Judiciary Committee and the Subcommittee on Crime, 
Terrorism and Homeland Security, so I know he appreciates our guardsmen 
and servicemembers, and he is looking out after the homeland.
  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor National Guard members 
in Utah and across our Nation.
  Since 1636 members of the National Guard have proudly served our 
communities and our entire Nation.
  Today and every day, we are incredibly thankful for their commitment 
to serving others and keeping us safe. These past 2 years have been 
especially challenging for the airmen and soldiers of the National 
Guard who have stepped up when the Nation called and provided much-
needed support for our communities.
  From Logan to St. George, they have provided direct hospital support 
during the height of COVID-19, helped fight wildfires across the 
American West, and provided a calm and collected response to recent 
episodes of civil unrest.
  They have performed under some of the most serious and difficult 
conditions in recent memory while also balancing their responsibilities 
as parents, spouses, employees, and even businessowners.
  I have had the privilege of meeting many of these fine men and women. 
From the officers and NCOs of the 19th Special Forces Group to privates 
assigned to the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, I have been impressed by 
their selfless service and commitment to duty. Utah is truly blessed to 
serve as the proud home of Camp Williams and over 7,000 of these 
remarkable airmen and soldiers.
  These brave men and women are always ready and always there.
  Utah has a one-of-a-kind spirit of service, and the members of our 
National Guard are no exception. Each and every day they faithfully 
live out their mission to provide military forces to assist our State 
and Federal authorities at times of emergency. They stand ready to 
protect Utahns and Americans from enemies both foreign and domestic and 
to react quickly in the face of natural disasters or emergencies. I am 
grateful to them for keeping Utahns and Americans safe.

                              {time}  1745

  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. 
Bergman), who is from Michigan's First Congressional District. 
Representative Bergman was a lieutenant general in the United States 
Marine Corps. Semper Fi. He is also, notably, the highest-ranking 
combat veteran to have ever served in the House of Representatives.
  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my fellow marine and fellow 
guardsman, Mr. Palazzo, for his dedication to being one of the co-
chairs of the Guard and Reserve Caucus.
  It reminds me of continued service that members of the Guard and 
Reserve do every day in communicating to the general public the value 
of what it means to have a ready Guard and Reserve, but also here in 
Congress, the continuing education for all of our Members so that they 
understand in their States the importance of maintaining a ready Guard 
and Reserve.
  May is National Military Appreciation Month. So is June. So is July. 
So is August. So is September. I would suggest to you, we should be 
thankful continually for the men and women who always are standing by 
at the ready when our country needs them.
  Whether it is a humanitarian assistance mission, a disaster relief 
mission, a border security mission, a mobilized go-to-the-fight kind of 
mission anywhere in the world, our Guard and Reserve stand ready.
  But in that readiness comes the requirement to properly fund the 
Guard and Reserve, and in the military, it is always a competition for 
resources. I believe the combination of States, because the Governor of 
every State is the commander in chief of their Guard units--Reserve 
units, different story. They are under the command of the different 
services.
  But the readiness and the support that is offered by each State and 
its Governor to ensure that their Guard units are ready to go, whether 
they are Army Guard, whether they are Air Guard, no matter what it is, 
is essential to not only the State readiness but the overall readiness 
we need as a country in the very complex world in which we live.
  A special thanks tonight to the families of those guardsmen and 
reservists because those guardsmen and reservists work a Monday through 
Friday job, let's say. On Friday night, when a lot of their peers leave 
their jobs and go home to go play golf or go fishing or whatever, they 
are packing their kits and going to drill weekends or a 2-week annual 
training or whatever it is.

[[Page H4910]]

  The sacrifice of time that the guardsmen and reservists make at the 
expense of their family time is something, again, we should never, ever 
take lightly and always remember because it is those young children who 
wonder why Mom and Dad are not around on Saturday and Sunday. Then they 
see the picture of them wearing the uniform and doing the kind of duty 
that we need in the United States of America. We cannot thank the 
family enough.
  Having said that, in thanking the family, the commanders of the units 
know very well that good training time means that you are busy, you are 
doing good things, and if there is nothing to do, secure and go home 
and spend time with your families because it is the family that keeps 
everybody together.
  Speaking of keeping things together, employers a lot of times don't 
understand the sacrifices that their men and women are making on the 
weekends. They just see them as good employees Monday through Friday. I 
thank the employers.
  There is a group called the Employer Support of the Guard and 
Reserve. They have done a great job across the country to ensure that 
the relations between the Guard and Reserve and the employers are such 
that there is no misunderstanding of why a person may ask for an extra 
day or 2 to leave for extra Guard duty to do a longer drill weekend. My 
thanks to the employers as well.
  On a little personal note, when it comes to Michigan, in fact, today 
I met with the Adjutant General of the Michigan Guard. As a State, 
Michigan has some very unique and productive training areas. We are a 
State with a lot of water around us. We have a lot of woods. Camp 
Grayling, in kind of the central part of lower Michigan, really is an 
example of what a National Guard training base could and should look 
like around the country.
  We have multinational exercises every year, Exercise Northern Strike, 
and the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center. We are one of the few 
areas where the fighters have unfettered access to unrestricted 
training areas to do live ordnance.
  We need to have our pilots and our aircrews and all our shooters 
ready to go. I am proud to represent that part of Michigan that houses 
Camp Grayling.
  Of course, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, down kind of closer 
toward Detroit, it is a base with a future because it is one of the few 
bases that is not a joint base where you have military and civil 
aviation going together. The ability of the Air Guard, of the Air Force 
Reserve, of any of the Reserve components that fly to put capabilities 
at Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a win-win for not only our 
defense posture but, quite honestly, for the State of Michigan when it 
comes to providing bang for the buck in the defense dollar.
  I could tell you a lot of stories over a long time. In my command, my 
last command, as the commanding general of the Marine Corps Reserve, 
whether they are a marine, a sailor, an airman, a soldier, a soon-to-be 
space guardian in a Reserve component, Coast Guard, the men and women 
who serve, the missions that they are ready to do give me confidence in 
our ability as the United States military to not only go to the fight 
but to do the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. We are in 
good hands because of the commitment of the men and women who wear the 
uniform.
  My friend, Congressman Palazzo, thank you for leading this. Thank you 
for calling attention to the fact that without our Guard and Reserve, 
we are less ready as a country.
  Mr. PALAZZO. General Bergman, being over the 4th Marine Division 
gives you insight that many people don't understand. Being able to 
connect the relationships between the actual serving member, their 
family, and their employer is extremely important.

  Mr. Speaker, I yield to my colleague from the great State of 
Mississippi (Mr. Guest). He represents Mississippi's Third 
Congressional District. Michael also serves as the vice ranking member 
on the Homeland Security Committee, so he definitely takes homeland 
security and national security very seriously. He loves the Guard so 
much, he even hired a retired Adjutant General to serve on his staff. 
Thank you for being here.
  Mr. GUEST. Mr. Speaker, the people of the great State of Mississippi 
are grateful for the service of the 12,500 National Guard 
servicemembers of our State and for the leadership of General Durr 
Boyles.
  Our guardsmen are dedicated to keeping Mississippi safe by providing 
response to disasters and by serving our Nation on domestic and foreign 
military missions. During floods and hurricanes, our guardsmen 
transport and rescue civilians inundated by high waters. After the 
storms, National Guard engineers repair infrastructure and utilities 
and provide logistics support to citizens.
  With 65 readiness centers statewide, the Mississippi Army National 
Guard can quickly respond to any number of events at a moment's notice.
  The Mississippi Air National Guard, operating from the 186th Air 
Refueling Wing, the 172nd Airlift Wing, and the Combat Readiness 
Training Center, provides access to services across the globe.
  On behalf of the people of Mississippi, I thank every man and woman 
who serves in the Mississippi National Guard for their dedicated 
service to our State and our Nation.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia's 
Ninth District (Mr. Clyde). Congressman Clyde has served as a U.S. Navy 
officer for over 28 years, with three combat deployments to Kuwait and 
Iraq. We appreciate him being here to support our National Guard and 
Reserve components.
  Mr. CLYDE. Americans are blessed to have brave men and women 
protecting our precious freedoms, including the more than 400,000 
members of the National Guard. These servicemembers selflessly put 
their lives on the line in defense of our Nation. Today and every day, 
we honor their service and sacrifice.
  Guard members serve a unique mission, safeguarding our country as a 
whole and protecting the individual States that make up our Nation, 
including my home State of Georgia.
  From assisting at COVID-19 testing sites, to maintaining law and 
order during violent demonstrations, to helping out during extreme 
weather emergencies, the Georgia guardsmen always answer the call to 
serve.
  This service regularly extends beyond the Peach State such as at the 
southern border, where there are over 100 Georgia National Guard troops 
assisting Border Patrol agents in handling President Biden's out-of-
control border crisis.
  Additionally, Georgia currently has combat forces at all six 
geographic combatant commands, serving our great State and our Nation 
around the world.
  In fact, members of the Georgia Air National Guard's 165th Airlift 
Wing were deployed to Europe in response to Russia's unlawful invasion 
of Ukraine. Georgians are tremendously thankful for their service in 
this vital mission, and we continue to pray for their safety overseas.
  Our Nation is forever grateful for all the past, the current, and the 
future men of the National Guard, and we thank you for your duty to our 
Nation and dedication to our freedoms.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas' Sixth 
Congressional District (Mr. Ellzey). Congressman Ellzey is a graduate 
of the U.S. Naval Academy and flew 860 helicopters, F-14 Tomcats, FA-18 
Hornets, and Super Hornets, and served five combat tours in Afghanistan 
and two in Iraq.
  If I may just note, since you are a graduate of the Naval Academy, I 
actually happen to serve on the Board of Visitors for the Naval 
Academy. My best experience was in 2011 when a little team called 
Southern Miss, the Golden Eagles from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was 
able to travel up to Annapolis and put a beatdown on the Naval Academy. 
It only happened once, but once in a lifetime is good for me.
  Mr. ELLZEY. Once is more than enough for us, but I am sure that it 
was a well-earned victory. I appreciate having my friend, Mr. Palazzo, 
give me this time today.
  Today, I come before the House of Representatives to honor and 
recognize those who have chosen to serve our country as members of 
their National Guard and those enlisted in military Reserve units.
  The National Guard's mission began on December 13, 1636, when the 
Massachusetts Bay Colony organized three

[[Page H4911]]

militia regiments to defend its people. Since that day, they have been 
continuing their mission of always ready and always there.
  In 1775, during the American Revolution, they were there. In 1918, 
during World War I, they were there. In 1941, during World War II, they 
were there. Of course, on September 11, 2001, they were there. They are 
here today.
  Right now, there are over 6,500 Texas National Guard members 
stationed on our southern border. Why are they there? To protect us, as 
always. They are there to defend every man, woman, and child in this 
country.
  We should not have to rely on these brave men and women to secure our 
border as National Guardsmen, but we do, and they do.
  They are there to stop the cartels from trafficking drugs that are 
killing our young people by the hundreds of thousands--105,000 last 
year dead from fentanyl. They are there to save the women and children 
who are being brought into this country for the purposes of the sex 
trade, modern-day slavery.
  For many National Guard members, their love for country is a calling 
to protect it, and that attributes to years of service, just like Red 
Oak resident and veteran Captain Henry Sterling.
  Henry joined the Oklahoma National Guard shortly after graduating 
high school and marrying his wife, Billie. In 1951, Henry received 
orders to serve in Korea, and he answered the call to be there. He is 
still with us today and is still married to Billie after 73 years.

  While Captain Sterling's story is a remarkable one, it is not 
uncommon. We have outstanding men and women all over this country who 
dedicate their lives to protecting those who can't.
  History has always taught us that we can always count on the National 
Guard and those enlisted in our military Reserve units to always be 
there, so thank you.
  Thank you for what you do for this country. What you do for this 
country can't be overstated. It cannot be overlooked. We would not be 
here without you.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman has 26 minutes remaining.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Oklahoma's 
First Congressional District (Mr. Hern), my good friend. He has five 
major commands and over 10,000 guardsmen.
  From his actions and deeds, he is truly supportive of not just our 
Active Duty but our Guard and Reserve components. Thank you for being 
here tonight.

                              {time}  1800

  Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Mississippi for 
hosting this Special Order tonight.
  The National Guard is a special group in every one of our States. 
They are the everyday citizens, your neighbors, your coworkers, and 
your friends who choose to use their free time to serve their community 
and protect their fellow Americans.
  The Oklahoma National Guard is an exceptional group of men and women 
who have responded to the call of duty time and time again. Over the 
past few years, the Oklahoma National Guard has shown their dedication 
to our country numerous times from supplying our States with 
necessities as we navigated the pandemic to assisting our border agents 
at the southern border and even representing Oklahoma in Washington, 
D.C. I am proud of the work they have done on behalf of our State.
  I can't mention the Oklahoma National Guard without honoring the 
memory of an important constituent of mine, Technical Sergeant Marshal 
Roberts, who served in the Oklahoma National Guard and was deployed to 
Camp Taji when his team came under rocket fire on March 11, 2020. He 
was killed in the attack, making the ultimate sacrifice for his Nation.
  The day Sergeant Roberts' body landed in Tulsa was a day I will 
remember forever. The Nation had just shut down due to the pandemic, 
but that didn't stop Tulsans from lining the streets at the airport by 
the thousands, a solemn show of gratitude and honor for Sergeant 
Roberts, his wife, Kristie, his daughter, Paityn, and the entire 
Roberts family.
  I am glad to have this opportunity to share Sergeant Roberts' story 
again on the floor of the United States House of Representatives and 
join my colleagues in honoring and celebrating the incredible National 
Guardsmen and women who serve us across this great country.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, at this time I recognize a colleague of 
mine from Virginia's Sixth District. He has seven major commands and 
over 9,000 guardsmen. I would like to note he serves on the 
Appropriations Committee. Ninety-two percent of all funding that 
guardsmen receive comes from the Federal Government through his 
committee.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cline).
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Palazzo for hosting this Special 
Order this evening and recognizing the tremendous service and sacrifice 
of the brave men and women of the National Guard and the Reserve 
components of our Armed Forces. I also thank the gentleman for his 
service in the Mississippi Guard.
  It is also certainly fitting to honor these often unsung heroes as we 
celebrate Military Appreciation Month.
  While the National Guard was founded in the Massachusetts Bay Colony 
in 1636, the Virginia National Guard traces its history and tradition 
of citizen-soldier service to the founding of Jamestown in 1607. There 
has been a military presence defending Virginia ever since.
  The Virginia National Guard's current strength is 7,200 soldiers, 
1,200 airmen, 300 Virginia Defense Force members, and 400 Federal and 
State civilians. They bring more than $250 million in annual income 
into the Commonwealth.
  The Virginia National Guard currently has more than 2,000 personnel 
serving on Federal Active Duty with units conducting missions in the 
United States, Middle East, the Horn of Africa, and Kosovo, the most 
since 2007. The 29th Infantry Division has the most divisional soldiers 
on Federal duty since World War II, with units deployed from Virginia, 
Kentucky, and Maryland.
  Currently, Virginia Air National Guard pilots and maintainers 
assigned to the 192nd Wing from Joint Base Langley-Eustis are currently 
supporting the 1st Fighter Wing's deployment at Al Dhafra Air Base, 
United Arab Emirates, to provide short-notice air superiority to U.S. 
Central Command amid a series of recent attacks in the region.
  Approximately 120 Virginia National Guard soldiers assigned to the 
Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Headquarters are on 
Federal Active Duty to take responsibility for the NATO-led Kosovo 
Force Regional Command-East, and approximately 140 soldiers assigned to 
the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment, 29th 
Infantry Division are mobilized to serve as their aviation task force. 
NATO KFOR troops conduct peace support operations, contributing to a 
safe and secure environment for all the people in Kosovo while healthy 
political dialogue continues between Kosovo and Serbia.
  Approximately 300 National Guard soldiers assigned to the Norfolk-
based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Infantry 
Brigade Combat Team are on Federal Active Duty conducting training to 
provide personnel and site protection using the Counter-Rocket, 
Artillery, Mortar System, or C-RAM, in the Central Command area of 
operations in the Middle East.
  Approximately 1,000 Virginia and Kentucky National Guard soldiers 
assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 
116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are on Federal Active Duty as Task 
Force Red Dragon as a security force in support of Combined Joint Task 
Force-Horn of Africa.
  Approximately 80 soldiers assigned to the Virginia Beach-based 329th 
Regional Support Group are currently on Federal Active Duty in the 
Central Command Area of Operations under the operational control of 
Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve serving as the 
base operating support-integrator for multiple installations.
  Finally, approximately 500 Virginia and Maryland National Guard 
soldiers assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th

[[Page H4912]]

Infantry Division are currently on Federal Active Duty in the Central 
Command Area of Operations as Task Force Spartan to provide leadership, 
command, control, and in-depth staff analysis for Operation Spartan 
Shield.
  As we celebrate Military Appreciation Month, let us never forget 
those who are serving and who have given their last full measure while 
wearing our Nation's uniform, those who are still on the front lines in 
places both known and unknown, and the families who are asked to carry 
the burden while their loved ones are away.

  May God continue to bless our troops and the United States of 
America.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Cline so much for his 
remarks.
  At this time, I would like to introduce Congressman Carter from 
Georgia's First Congressional District, where they host eight major 
commands in his State and over 16,000 patriotic guardsmen.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
sponsoring this Special Order tonight. It is extremely important and 
timely at that.
  Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure today to recognize the Members of 
the United States National Guard that call our district home.
  The First Congressional District of Georgia is home to every branch 
of the military in America. It is home to Moody Air Force Base, Kings 
Bay Naval Base, Hunter Army Airfield, and Fort Stewart. All of those 
are in the First Congressional District of Georgia.
  Make no mistake about these great installations, they were placed 
here along the 110 miles of pristine coastline for a reason. It is 
because of our great weather, and it is because of our proximity to the 
Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick.
  In addition to those branches of the military and to those military 
bases, we also are home to the Combat Readiness Training Center at the 
Air Dominance Center in Savannah.
  The Air Dominance Center is home to the Air National Guard in 
Savannah. Unfortunately, the President, in his budget for fiscal year 
2023, has proposed closing the most efficient, the most utilized combat 
readiness training center here in America, the one located in Savannah, 
and, oh, by the way, the one that is about to complete a $24 million 
hangar built for stealth fighters. Unbelievable.
  In fact, they have invited me to the ribbon cutting that is to be 
held in September, with the intention now of this administration 
wanting to close it down in April of next year. No wonder taxpayers get 
so upset about wasteful government spending. This is the most ludicrous 
thing I have ever heard.
  On top of that, think about the world stage that we are in right now. 
Madam Speaker, do you realize that we are potentially on the brink of 
world war III? Think about it. Russia has attacked Ukraine. An errant 
missile, a mistake, they hit a NATO country, all of a sudden it 
triggers NATO Article 5, and all of a sudden we are in world war III. 
And this President and this administration are talking about closing a 
combat readiness training center? You have got to be kidding me. We 
ought to be opening more. This is the most ludicrous thing I have ever 
heard.
  The Savannah Combat Readiness Training Center represents the most 
uniquely cost-efficient taxpayer investment thanks to the shared 
airfield between the National Guard Bureau and the 165th Airlift Wing.
  This can't be allowed to happen. This has got to be stopped, and I am 
prepared to do what it takes to ensure that it doesn't.
  I am here today to say that I appreciate and that I value members of 
the Georgia National Guard and members of the United States National 
Guard and that we are going to do everything we can to make sure that 
the Combat Readiness Training Center in Savannah stays open.
  God bless our country, God bless our troops, and God bless the 
National Guard.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Carter for those 
wonderful remarks.
  Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Stansbury). The gentleman from 
Mississippi has 16 minutes remaining.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, as a former Marine Corps reservist and 
current member of the National Guard, I am proud to represent my fellow 
Mississippi guardsmen in Congress.
  It is no secret that Mississippi has a continued history of support 
of our Armed Forces. The south Mississippi community understands what 
backing our military every step of the way truly means.
  I am proud to have been able to lead the way on a project that 
directly benefits the guardsmen in Mississippi and across America.
  The Mobilization and Annual Training Equipment Site, MATES, located 
at Camp Shelby, would update the current MATES facility that was built 
in 1984 and was designed to handle smaller models of armored vehicles. 
This new facility would construct 52,000-square feet of maintenance 
training bays and supporting facilities that are currently being 
utilized to maintain the equipment that supports the readiness of two 
heavy brigade teams.
  As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am happy to have been 
able to assist our guardsmen in securing funding for this project in 
the fiscal year 2022 omnibus bill.
  The MATES facility at Camp Shelby is a crucial asset to south 
Mississippi and our national defense. These funds will make the work of 
our National Guard at Camp Shelby safer and more efficient as well as 
boost the surrounding economy.
  The National Guard and Reserve Caucus is committed to pursuing 
legislative and policy initiatives that ensure the National Guard and 
Reserve components have strong representation on policy, procurement, 
force structure, and utilization within the Department of Defense.
  This caucus is one of the largest and most bipartisan caucuses in the 
House. As co-chair of this caucus, I am excited to highlight a few of 
the caucus' legislative priorities and recent policy wins for our 
guardsmen.
  H.R. 3626, the National Guard and Reserve Incentive Pay Parity Act 
was included in the final version of the NDAA and was signed into law 
on December 27, 2021. This legislation would require the military to 
provide Reserve and National Guard servicemembers incentive and special 
duty pay at the same rate as their Active Duty counterparts. I am also 
thankful for previous Co-Chair Tim Ryan's leadership on this bill that 
will ensure guardsmen are receiving pay parity.

  Additionally, I was proud to see current Co-Chair Kai Kahele's 1095 
Rule Amendment Act included in the most recent NDAA that recently went 
into effect. This law will strengthen the National Guard and Reserve by 
increasing the maximum days reservists can serve on Active Duty. I 
thank Congressman Kahele for his steadfast work on this victory that 
directly benefits all guardsmen.
  Going forward, the caucus will continue to push on legislative 
priorities that will benefit our guardsmen and reservists. I encourage 
all of my colleagues to join the caucus and receive monthly updates on 
legislation that benefits the National Guard and Reserve components and 
also share with the caucus success stories of their own National Guard.
  Madam Speaker, I am about to close, but I have one more gentleman I 
would like to yield time to.
  Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Weber).


                       A Tribute to Mickey Gilley

  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
country music legend, Mickey Gilley. Mickey Gilley passed away 
Saturday, May 7, in Branson at the age of 86.
  Born on March 9, 1936, Mickey was a native of Natchez, Mississippi, 
where he grew up around his two famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and 
Jimmy Swaggart.
  In his career, Mickey earned 39 top 10 hits and 17 number-one songs, 
with six Academy of Country Music Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk 
of Fame, and was a member of the 2011 Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. 
Gilley was also one of few artists to have received the Academy of 
Country Music's Triple Crown Award.
  But it was the opening of a country dance club bearing his name that 
changed the world of country music

[[Page H4913]]

forever. It was 1971 when Mickey Gilley officially opened the doors of 
his famous honky-tonk, Gilley's.
  Gilley's reputation grew so much that Hollywood even took notice with 
the hit movie, ``Urban Cowboy''--some of y'all have probably seen it--
where he even made an appearance alongside John Travolta, Debra Winger, 
and Johnny Lee.
  Inspired by the real-life romance of a pair of the club's patrons, 
``Urban Cowboy'' put Gilley's on the map, revived music careers, 
launched other careers, introduced two-stepping to a whole new 
audience, and created a lifestyle that has been adopted by millions.

                              {time}  1815

  Following his role in ``Urban Cowboy,'' Mickey Gilley found himself 
performing in the main showrooms in places like Las Vegas, Reno, Tahoe, 
Atlantic City, and even traveling to Europe to perform. Gilley even 
performed for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Over the 
decades, Gilley appeared in a number of popular television series, 
including ``The Fall Guy,'' ``Fantasy Island,'' ``Dukes of Hazzard,'' 
``Murder, She Wrote,'' and ``CHiPS.''
  Not only will Mickey Gilley's music live on in the hearts of so many 
who loved his music, but his cultural influence cannot be understated. 
``Urban Cowboy'' became an American phenomenon, and it was influenced 
by the real-life stories of Gilley's patrons Dew Westbrook and Betty 
Helmer. ``Urban Cowboy'' told the story of a west Texas farmhand new to 
the area and working his job at a refinery.
  This film introduced country-western dance to America and created a 
lifestyle adopted by millions. Even more surprisingly, it directly 
resulted in the most unlikely outcome of all, country-western music 
becoming mainstream. Once considered outdated hillbilly attire, cowboy 
hats and belt buckles were back in, and they became high fashion.
  Recently, on Saturday, July 29, Mickey Gilley came to the Galveston 
Regional Chamber of Commerce's celebration: ``The 50th Anniversary of 
Gilley's and the 42nd Anniversary of Urban Cowboy.'' It was a great 
celebration with thousands, and Mickey sang for us, delighting the 
crowd. We even presented him with a copy of a tribute I did to him on 
the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and a plaque 
commemorating the event.
  Mickey Gilley will be missed, but his legacy will live on not only in 
the hearts and minds of those who loved his music, but also in 
America's love for country music. Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots, and 
pickup trucks will all be remembered because of him. Mickey Gilley has 
even been featured in the popular ``Texas Hot Country Magazine.''
  Gilley was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian, who passed in 2019. 
He is survived by his wife, Cindy Loeb Gilley; his children, Kathy, 
Michael, Gregory, and Keith Ray; four grandchildren; nine great-
grandchildren; and his cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart.
  Thank you, Mickey Gilley, for introducing our way of life to the 
world. You will forever be a legend.


                     Mourning the Loss of Ken Clark

  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I have one more notable who has 
passed in our great district, so will also commemorate him.
  I rise today to mourn the loss of our great Galveston County Precinct 
4 Commissioner, Ken Clark. He was Galveston County's longest-serving 
elected official. Ken had become a commissioner in 1998, and he has 
been an active member of our community for even longer.
  Ken has been an instrumental community leader for several decades and 
a dedicated public servant. In his time, he has served on the State 
Republican Executive Committee, he has served as Sergeant at Arms of 
the Republican Party of Texas, he has served as Galveston's Municipal 
Utility District president, and received the Republican Party's 
Volunteer of the Year award. Ken also worked extensively with a wide 
variety of community organizations and tirelessly worked to improve the 
lives of those who lived in Galveston County.
  I first met Ken when he worked on former Congressman Steve Stockman's 
campaign. Ken was a go-getter, a great conservative, and a great 
Republican back then and even more so now. Ken was a devoted public 
servant, a husband, a father, and a mentor. He loved Jesus Christ, and 
it showed.
  Commissioner Clark, you will be sorely missed, but we will see you 
again. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your 
wonderful wife, Sherry, and y'all's seven children.
  Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks. I 
thank you, Madam Speaker, for allowing me to host this Special Order 
today. It was great to hear from each of my colleagues on the 
importance of our Guardsmen and Reservists. I thank all who 
participated, and I look forward to working together on the issues that 
lie ahead.
  Finally, I thank all our National Guardsmen, our Reservists, and 
their families. The work you are doing is making America better, you 
are making America safer, and I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________