[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E301-E302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE VALOROUS SERVICE OF CW5 BENJAMIN ARPS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARK E. GREEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 10, 2023

  Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor CW5 
Benjamin S. Arps for his remarkable military service and valorous 
leadership in the War on Terror, and to congratulate him on a well-
deserved retirement.
  A native of Woodbine, Iowa, CW5 Arps enlisted in the Army in June 
1997, marking the beginning of a singularly impressive career of 
service. After completing One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, he 
graduated as a 19D Cavalry Scout. His first assignment was with the 5th 
Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment, where he distinguished himself as a 
Bradley Fighting Vehicle gunner and instructor. In July 2001, he 
graduated from the Warrant Officer Flight Training Program at Fort 
Rucker and was assigned to Bravo Company, 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation 
Regiment at Aviano Airbase, Italy. While in Italy, he served as a UH60 
Pilot in Command, Unit Trainer, Tactical Operations officer, and 
Operations Officers.
  In January 2005, CW5 Arps answered the call to serve that few will 
answer. He successfully assessed for the 160th Special Operations 
Aviation Regiment (Airborne), the most elite special operations night-
operating aviation force in the world. Upon his graduation from Officer 
Green Platoon in February 2006, he was assigned to Delta Company, Task 
Force, 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR (ABN) at Fort Campbell. Through 
rigorous preparation, training, and testing, he achieved Fully Mission 
Qualified and Flight Lead status, and lead as the D Co. Safety Officer 
and the 1-160th SOAR (ABN) Safety Officer. From November 2014 to 
January 2017, CW5 Arps served as the 160th SOAR (ABN) Regiment 
Recruiting Director. Accepting the next challenge in his career, he was 
assigned to 2nd Battalion where he served as Regiment Flight Lead, 
ultimately rising to be the Battalion Senior Warrant Officer. He served 
as the senior warrant officer for the second battalion for a number of 
years, multiple combat assignments, many of them classified, and all of 
them at great risk to his life.
  Recognizing CW5 Arps' leadership, he was selected by the US Army 
Special Operations Command to become the 8th Regiment Command Chief 
Warrant Officer for the 160th SOAR (ABN). In that position, Command 
Chief Warrant Officer Arps led every warrant officer assigned to the 
160th SOAR, the world's premiere special operations aviation regiment.
  After indicating to the Command his intent to retire, CW5 Arps was 
asked to stay in service for another position. There, he stood up a 
brand-new office designed to assist special operations aviators 
transitioning to civilian service. Without hesitation, he said ``yes'' 
to becoming the first Officer in Charge for the 160th SOAR (ABN) EXFIL 
Transition Program.
  His 26 year-career has been marked by uncommon valor, honor, and a 
dedication to excellence on and off the battlefield. He deployed thirty 
times in support of the Global War on Terror and in several other 
sensitive, often classified, overseas contingency operations. In all 
his service, he fulfilled the Night Stalker Creed's mission-focus: to 
safeguard the honor and prestige of the United States.
  CW5 Arps's permanent awards and decorations are numerous and worth 
recounting: the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, 
Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), Air Medal (Numeral 8), Army 
Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army 
Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service 
Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3 CS), Iraq Campaign Medal (4 CS), 
Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary 
Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Overseas Ribbon (Numeral 2), 
NATO Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, 
Army Meritorious Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, Air Force 
Meritorious Unit Award, Combat Action Badge, and Master Aviator Badge.
  CW5 Arps' career exemplifies servant-leadership, a drive to learn, 
and a relentless pursuit of excellence that should be venerated and 
emulated by all Americans. No matter what was thrown at him, he always 
put the mission and his soldiers first. He led with great strength and 
quiet resolve, commanded high respect, and put his life on the line for 
his country, his wife of 24 years, and his two children.
  We honor his excellence, dedication, fidelity, and courage. As 
Philippians 4:8 instructs us, ``Finally, brothers, whatever is true, 
whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is 
lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there 
is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.'' It is for 
this reason that we commend and honor CW5 Arps today.
  Few answer the call to serve their country, and fewer still serve 
with as much distinction and honor as CW5 Arps. His service will never 
be forgotten, and I am proud to represent him and his family in 
Congress. On behalf of the United States Congress, the American people, 
and as a fellow Night Stalker, I heartily thank CW5 Arps for his long 
and distinguished career in service to our great Nation, and I 
congratulate him on his retirement from military service. Night 
Stalkers Don't Quit.

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