[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 18946]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



           THE CALL-UP OF THE RHODE ISLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, on September 11 our world changed forever. 
The United States suffered an attack unlike any the modern world has 
ever known. Thousands have been lost and will be forever missed by 
their friends and families. As we mourn this loss, we must find ways to 
strengthen our national homeland defense and to prevent terrorism both 
here and abroad.
  Critical to meeting this goal will be the brave and dedicated members 
of our Armed Forces. I rise today to pay my respects to these brave men 
and women, in particular, the dedicated members of the 143rd Airlift 
Wing of the National Guard who will be deployed today.
  The National Guard has tirelessly served our great Nation since the 
organization of its first units in 1636 in the Massachusetts Bay 
Colony. The Guard fought in Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. During 
the 1990s, the Guard's role dramatically increased to a total force 
partner at home and throughout the world. Today, we are relying on the 
Guard in our airports and communities throughout the country to guard 
us from a recurrence of what was unthinkable just a short time ago.
  Mr. Speaker, we have entered into an era in which homeland defense is 
a crucial concern for which we rely heavily on our National Guard. 
These remarkable people stand out among ordinary Americans because they 
have chosen to give of themselves and help defend our country in times 
of need.
  Many of our National Guard units are being called up and asked to 
leave their families, jobs and lives behind in order to serve and 
protect this Nation. From conducting intelligence work to being 
deployed to high risk regions of the world, these brave men and women 
will be critical to ensuring our safety here at home.
  Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of the 44 members of the 143rd Security 
Forces Squadron from the Rhode Island Air National Guard who were 
called up to active duty. They possess a fierce spirit which burns most 
brightly when it is given direction and purpose, and this is the time, 
more than ever, to utilize that spirit.
  While I take strength in their immense abilities and know that they 
will help ensure America's safety, I look forward to welcoming them all 
home to Rhode Island very soon.

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