[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 99 (Thursday, June 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E603]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES 
ARMY SPECIAL FORCES AND HONORING THE ``FATHER OF THE SPECIAL FORCES'', 
                           COLONEL AARON BANK

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                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2022

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, on Sunday, June 19, 2022, we celebrate the 
70th anniversary of the United States Army Special Forces--the most 
versatile Special Operations soldiers in the world.
  Since their establishment in 1952, Special Forces soldiers have 
distinguished themselves globally and continue to go above and beyond 
the call of duty to defend the United States in combat theaters 
worldwide. However, due to the covert nature of many of their missions, 
both the measure of their sacrifice and their contribution to freedom 
here and abroad may never be known.
  I hope all Americans will join me in celebrating their 70th 
anniversary and thanking them for giving more to this country than 
could ever be repaid and perhaps, could ever be measured.
  In valor, courage, and fidelity, the Special Forces are the world's 
finest fighting force, and I am thankful that they are in the business 
of protecting the United States of America and its citizens.
  I would also like to extend my appreciation to Colonel Aaron Bank, 
the founder and first commander of the Special Forces. After World War 
II, it was clear there was a place for highly trained unconventional 
forces. Colonel Bank began working to convince the U.S. Army to adopt a 
permanent unconventional warfare force. After tireless efforts, the 
U.S. Army launched its first Special Forces unit, the 10th Special 
Forces Group (Airborne), based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with 
Colonel Bank as its first commander.
  Since then, the U.S. Army Special Forces has spawned special 
operations units from the other military branches such as the Navy 
SEALS, Air Force Combat Controllers, and the Marines' Force Recon.
  We have Colonel Bank to thank for emphasizing the strategic and 
tactical importance of such units, which he modeled in designing, 
implementing, and commanding the Army's first Special Forces unit.
  I consider it an honor and privilege to participate in recognizing 
both his contribution and the legacy of his vision and foresight, the 
United States Special Forces.
  My most sincere gratitude goes out to Colonel Bank and all Green 
Berets as they celebrate the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Army Special 
Forces.

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