[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 20, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2156-H2157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING WASHINGTON ARMY NATIONAL GUARD 1ST BATTALION, 161ST 
                           INFANTRY REGIMENT

  (Mr. Baumgartner of Washington was recognized to address the House 
for 5 minutes.)
  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to mark Memorial Day, a 
time to honor those who gave their lives in defense of our country, I 
rise today to recognize the enduring service and sacrifice of the 
Washington Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry 
Regiment.
  For nearly 90 years, this unit has called the city of Spokane home. 
Once stationed downtown, it now stands watch near the banks of the 
Spokane

[[Page H2157]]

River at the Readiness Center next to the Spokane Falls Community 
College. Yet, its role has never changed: to stand ready in defense of 
our Nation and in service to our State.
  The 161st Infantry carries a storied legacy. They fought with honor 
in the Philippine Insurrection, stood guard along the southern border 
during the Pancho Villa raids, and served in France during World War I. 
These citizen soldiers served with distinction across the Pacific in 
World War II, and deployed multiple times as part of the 81st Brigade 
Combat Team during the global war on terrorism. Their battle streamers 
reflect the best of American valor and commitment.

  Yet, just as importantly, they have answered the call at home, 
mobilizing in the face of wildfires; floods; snowstorms, and most 
recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. When Washingtonians needed their help, 
the Guard was there.
  These are our neighbors, our coworkers, and our sons and daughters. 
For generations, they have trained and deployed from Spokane, not just 
for war but for peace, safety, and recovery.
  On this Memorial Day, we thank them. We remember those who laid down 
their lives in uniform, and we honor the Spokane Readiness Center as a 
pillar of strength in both our Nation's defense and our local 
community.
  May their legacy never be forgotten, and may our gratitude be as 
enduring as their service.


           Honoring the Holstine Family and Heroes Homestead

  Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Heroes 
Homestead, a grassroots nonprofit founded by marine veteran Andrew 
Holstine and his wife, Danielle.
  My family and I recently participated in their annual 5K walk in 
Spokane. This wasn't only a walk; it was a community coming together to 
honor service, support healing, and walk alongside veteran families who 
have borne the burden of war long after coming home.
  Andrew served in the Marines and survived a tragic Osprey crash in 
2000 that claimed the lives of 19 fellow marines, including his best 
friends. The invisible wounds he carried didn't just affect him, but 
they impacted his whole family. After years of struggle, the Holstines 
left everything behind to create something new: a place for veterans 
and their families to heal together.
  Heroes Homestead was born from that journey. The 5K and the community 
fair was part of a growing movement to restore purpose, connection, and 
joy to those who have served and those who stood by those who have 
served.
  They have a national vision: healing centers near every U.S. military 
hub.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the Holstines and all who participated in the 
5K. This is what serving veterans looks like.

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