[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 4242]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    COMMENDING IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the 
contributions of the Idaho National Guard who are providing support for 
Operation Enduring Freedom and other military operations now underway 
in the war against terrorism. While many of our military troops are 
serving our country far away, many others are working hard here at home 
to keep us safe. Idaho National Guard members have played key roles in 
several events and efforts here at home and I wanted to take this time 
to thank them and their families for those efforts. Their assignments 
have been varied.
  From September until the end of May, Idaho National Guard members 
have augmented airport security and civilian screening efforts in at 
least six airports in Idaho. They have provided a trained, armed, and 
highly visible military presence in airports in Boise, Lewiston, Idaho 
Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls, and Hailey. For the most part, these 
assignments have not required Guard members to be away from home, 
although some have had to leave their families to rotate through the 
assignments.
  During the Olympics, the Boise Airport served as one of four gateway 
airports to Salt Lake City, and Idaho Guard members assisted in a 
variety of efforts, including screening of aircrafts and passengers. 
Guard members also participated in security screening efforts at the 
venues during the Games in Salt Lake City, working closely with the 
Secret Service. Additionally, the Idaho Guard provided aircraft and 
personnel to facilitate moving people and equipment around various 
locations in the Salt Lake area. And just this week, a couple of dozen 
of Idaho Guard members returned from assisting at the Paralympics.
  Members of the Idaho National Guard were on hand for several weeks 
from October to January to help the state police with increased 
security at the Idaho State Capitol, providing an extra set of eyes and 
ears.
  Right now, there are more than 40 Idaho Guard personnel who have just 
been deployed to Bosnia for a six-month assignment. While there, they 
will assist in the peace-making missions outlined in the 1995 Dayton 
Peace Accord.
  As we continue to fight this war on terrorism, it is important to 
remember not only those who are serving in far-off places, but to 
recognize those who are serving at home to keep us safe. This is a war 
like no other we have fought, and we are reminded every day of the 
value of military service. The vigilance of the Idaho Guard members and 
many others like them throughout the country is most appreciated, and I 
want to make certain that they know their efforts have not gone 
unnoticed. I salute the men and women of the Idaho National Guard and 
the following units:

       124th Wing, Idaho Air National Guard; Det 35 OSAR; HQS 
     STARC; 216th Military Intelligence Company; 145th Support 
     Battalion; HHC 116th Cavalry Brigade; 2nd Battalion 116th 
     Calvalry; 1st Battalion 183rd Aviation; B Co 1st 189th 
     Aviation Battalion; 116th Engineer Battalion; 938th Engineer 
     Detachment; 1st Battalion 148th Field Artillery.

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