[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 19 (Monday, January 30, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING 100 YEARS OF THE ``FLYING YANKEES''

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the 103rd 
Airlift Wing of the Connecticut Air National Guard--the ``Flying 
Yankees''--as they celebrate 100 years of dedicated service to the 
State and our Nation.
  The Flying Yankees are the 11th oldest Air National Guard unit in the 
United States, including a squadron that has served more than 90 years 
in military aviation. Operating from the Bradley Air National Guard 
Base in East Granby, CT, the 103rd Airlift Wing provides tactical 
airpower and mission support for the State and Nation. The unit carries 
out this critical mission through highly qualified and proficient C-130 
aircrew.
  The 103rd Airlift Wing has a history that dates back to the earliest 
years of military aviation, and the Flying Yankees have fought bravely 
in numerous conflicts throughout the last century. From their efforts 
in France during World War I, to their heroic service in the China-
India-Burma theater of operations during World War II, the Flying 
Yankees have a long history of valiantly serving our Nation both at 
home and abroad. The unit's service continued through the Cold War and 
more recent conflicts. The Flying Yankees innovate to meet the changing 
needs of the State and the Nation, carrying on their great tradition of 
dedicated service to this day.
  For a century, the brave members of the 103rd Airlift Wing of the 
Connecticut Air National Guard have embodied their motto--``faithful 
and alert''--answering the call to service for both Connecticut and the 
Nation. I applaud their determination and dedication to the vital 
mission of defending our country and hope my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating the Flying Yankees on this momentous occasion of their 
100th anniversary.

                          ____________________