[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Pages 12831-12835]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                  Salute to the 147th Field Artillery

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, yesterday the 5th U.S. Army demobilized 
Battery C, 1st Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard's 147th 
Field Artillery. This unit, headquartered in Yankton was among more 
than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to active duty in 
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Today, these soldiers and their service become a part of South 
Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world 
wars, in Korea, in Vietnam and numerous other places, this new 
generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every 
sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. 
We must never forget them or the honor with which they served.
  This unit participated in a mobilization with few precedents in South 
Dakota history. Nearly 2,000 Guard and Reserve troops were called to 
active duty in our State, by far the largest mobilization since World 
War II. At the time the fighting began, units from more than 20 
communities had been called up, from Elk Point in the south to Lemmon 
in the north, from Watertown in the east to Custer in the west. Indeed, 
our State's mobilization rate ranked among the highest of all the 
States on a per capita basis.
  These soldiers were proud to serve, and their communities are proud 
of them. Across the State, thousands of citizens pitched in to 
participate in send-off parades, to lend a hand for families who 
suddenly had to get by without a mom or dad, and even to assist with 
financial hardships caused by the mobilization. This mobilization was a 
statewide effort, in many ways.
  South Dakota's Guard and Reserve units provided our Active-Duty 
Forces in Iraq with invaluable support. Many

[[Page 12832]]

units did not participate directly in combat, which ended more quickly 
than anyone expected. But we all know that the battle would have been 
waged much differently if our Guard and Reserve units had not been 
ready to deploy as needed. Furthermore, we know that some units will 
play an important role in the work of restoring peace and order to 
Iraq, as well as rebuilding basic infrastructure. These tasks will be 
vital to ensuring that Iraq becomes a stable nation, hopefully with a 
prosperous economy and democratic government. This is how we can win 
the peace--and save future generations from another conflict.
  In addition to the service of this particular unit, I want to 
acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of the families who stayed 
home. They are the unsung heroes of any mobilization. They motivate and 
inspire those who are far from home, and they, too, deserve our 
gratitude.
  Today, I join these families and the State of South Dakota in 
celebrating the courage, commitment, and success of the members of the 
147th Field Artillery, and I honor their participation in this historic 
event in our Nation's history. Welcome home. Thanks to all of you for 
your courage, your sacrifice, and your noble commitment to this country 
and its ideals.


                      HEADQUARTERS SERVICE BATTERY

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, yesterday the 5th U.S. Army demobilized 
the Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battery, 1st Battalion of the 
South Dakota National Guard's 147th Field Artillery. This unit, which 
operates the battalion's headquarters in Sioux Falls, was among more 
than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to active duty in 
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Today, these soldiers and their service become a part of South 
Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world 
wars, in Korea, in Vietnam and numerous other places, this new 
generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every 
sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. 
We must never forget them or the honor with which they served.
  This unit participated in a mobilization with few precedents in South 
Dakota history. Nearly 2,000 Guard and Reserve troops were called to 
active duty in our State, by far the largest mobilization since World 
War II. At the time the fighting began, units from more than 20 
communities had been called up, from Elk Point in the south to Lemmon 
in the north, from Watertown in the east to Custer in the west. Indeed, 
our State's mobilization rate ranked among the highest of all the 
States on a per capita basis.
  These soldiers were proud to serve, and their communities are proud 
of them. Across the State, thousands of citizens pitched in to 
participate in send-off parades, to lend a hand for families who 
suddenly had to get by without a mom or dad, and even to assist with 
financial hardships caused by the mobilization. This mobilization was a 
statewide effort, in many ways.
  South Dakota's Guard and Reserve units provided our Active-Duty 
Forces in Iraq with invaluable support. Many units did not participate 
directly in combat, which ended more quickly than anyone expected. But 
we all know that the battle would have been waged much differently if 
our Guard and Reserve units had not been ready to deploy as needed. 
Furthermore, we know that some units will play an important role in the 
work of restoring peace and order to Iraq, as well as rebuilding basic 
infrastructure. These tasks will be vital to ensuring that Iraq becomes 
a stable nation, hopefully with a prosperous economy and democratic 
government. This is how we can win the peace and save future 
generations from another conflict.
  In addition to the service of this particular unit, I want to 
acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of the families who stayed 
home. They are the unsung heroes of any mobilization. They motivate and 
inspire those who are far from home, and they, too, deserve our 
gratitude.
  Today, I join these families and the State of South Dakota in 
celebrating the courage, commitment, and success of the members of the 
147th Field Artillery, and I honor their participation in this historic 
event in our Nation's history. Welcome home. Thanks to all of you for 
your courage, your sacrifice, and your noble commitment to this country 
and its ideals.


                               Battery A

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, yesterday the 5th U.S. Army demobilized 
Battery A, 1st Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard's 147th 
Field Artillery. This unit, headquartered in Mitchell, was among more 
than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to active duty in 
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Today, these soldiers and their service become a part of South 
Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world 
wars, in Korea, in Vietnam and numerous other places, this new 
generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every 
sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. 
We must never forget them or the honor with which they served.
  This unit participated in a mobilization with few precedents in South 
Dakota history. Nearly 2,000 Guard and Reserve troops were called to 
active duty in our State, by far the largest mobilization since World 
War II. At the time the fighting began, units from more than 20 
communities had been called up, from Elk Point in the south to Lemmon 
in the north, from Watertown in the east to Custer in the west. Indeed, 
our State's mobilization rate ranked among the highest of all the 
States on a per capita basis.
  These soldiers were proud to serve, and their communities are proud 
of them. Across the State, thousands of citizens pitched in to 
participate in send-off parades, to lend a hand for families who 
suddenly had to get by without a mom or dad, and even to assist with 
financial hardships caused by the mobilization. This mobilization was a 
statewide effort, in many ways.
  South Dakota's Guard and Reserve units provided our Active Duty 
Forces in Iraq with invaluable support. Many units did not participate 
directly in combat, which ended more quickly than anyone expected. But 
we all know that the battle would have been waged much differently if 
our Guard and Reserve units had not been ready to deploy as needed. 
Furthermore, we know that some units will play an important role in the 
work of restoring peace and order to Iraq, as well as rebuilding basic 
infrastructure. These tasks will be vital to ensuring that Iraq becomes 
a stable nation, hopefully with a prosperous economy and democratic 
government. This is how we can win the peace--and save future 
generations from another conflict.
  In addition to the service of this particular unit, I want to 
acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of the families who stayed 
home. They are the unsung heroes of any mobilization. They motivate and 
inspire those who are far from home, and they, too, deserve our 
gratitude.
  Today, I join these families and the State of South Dakota in 
celebrating the courage, commitment, and success of the members of the 
147th Field Artillery, and I honor their participation in this historic 
event in our Nation's history. Welcome home. Thanks to all of you for 
your courage, your sacrifice, and your noble commitment to this country 
and its ideals.


                               Battery B

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, yesterday the 5th U.S. Army demobilized 
Battery B, 1st Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard's 147th 
Field Artillery. This unit, from Sioux Falls and Salem, was among more 
than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to active duty in 
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Today, these soldiers and their service become a part of South 
Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world 
wars, in Korea, in Vietnam and numerous other places, this new 
generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every 
sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. 
We must never forget them or the honor with which they served.

[[Page 12833]]

  This unit participated in a mobilization with few precedents in South 
Dakota history. Nearly 2,000 Guard and Reserve troops were called to 
active duty in our State, by far the largest mobilization since World 
War II. At the time the fighting began, units from more than 20 
communities had been called up, from Elk Point in the south to Lemmon 
in the north, from Watertown in the east to Custer in the west. Indeed, 
our State's mobilization rate ranked among the highest of all the 
States on a per capita basis.
  These soldiers were proud to serve, and their communities are proud 
of them. Across the State, thousands of citizens pitched in to 
participate in send-off parades, to lend a hand for families who 
suddenly had to get by without a mom or dad, and even to assist with 
financial hardships caused by the mobilization. This mobilization was a 
statewide effort, in many ways.
  South Dakota's Guard and Reserve units provided our Active Duty 
Forces in Iraq with invaluable support. Many units did not participate 
directly in combat, which ended more quickly than anyone expected. But 
we all know that the battle would have been waged much differently if 
our Guard and Reserve units had not been ready to deploy as needed. 
Furthermore, we know that some units will play an important role in the 
work of restoring peace and order to Iraq, as well as rebuilding basic 
infrastructure. These tasks will be vital to ensuring that Iraq becomes 
a stable nation, hopefully with a prosperous economy and democratic 
government. This is how we can win the peace--and save future 
generations from another conflict.
  In addition to the service of this particular unit, I want to 
acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of the families who stayed 
home. They are the unsung heroes of any mobilization. They motivate and 
inspire those who are far from home, and they, too, deserve our 
gratitude.
  Today, I join these families and the State of South Dakota in 
celebrating the courage, commitment, and success of the members of the 
147th Field Artillery, and I honor their participation in this historic 
event in our Nation's history. Welcome home. Thanks to all of you for 
your courage, your sacrifice, and your noble commitment to this country 
and its ideals.


                               Battery C

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, yesterday the 5th U.S. Army demobilized 
Battery C, 1st Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard's 147th 
Field Artillery. This unit, headquartered in Yankton, was among more 
than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to active duty in 
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Today, these soldiers and their service become a part of South 
Dakota's military heritage. Like those who served in the two world 
wars, in Korea, in Vietnam and numerous other places, this new 
generation has answered the call. They have offered to make every 
sacrifice, including life itself, to protect our freedom and security. 
We must never forget them or the honor with which they served.
  This unit participated in a mobilization with few precedents in South 
Dakota history. Nearly 2,000 Guard and Reserve troops were called to 
active duty in our State, by far the largest mobilization since World 
War II. At the time the fighting began, units from more than 20 
communities had been called up, from Elk Point in the south to Lemmon 
in the north, from Watertown in the east to Custer in the west. Indeed, 
our State's mobilization rate ranked among the highest of all the 
States on a per capita basis.
  These soldiers were proud to serve, and their communities are proud 
of them. Across the State, thousands of citizens pitched in to 
participate in send-off parades, to lend a hand for families who 
suddenly had to get by without a mom or dad, and even to assist with 
financial hardships caused by the mobilization. This mobilization was a 
statewide effort, in many ways.
  South Dakota's Guard and Reserve units provided our Active Duty 
Forces in Iraq with invaluable support. Many units did not participate 
directly in combat, which ended more quickly than anyone expected. But 
we all know that the battle would have been waged much differently if 
our Guard and Reserve units had not been ready to deploy as needed. 
Furthermore, we know that some units will play an important role in the 
work of restoring peace and order to Iraq, as well as rebuilding basic 
infrastructure. These tasks will be vital to ensuring that Iraq becomes 
a stable nation, hopefully with a prosperous economy and democratic 
government. This is how we can win the peace and save future 
generations from another conflict.
  In addition to the service of this particular unit, I want to 
acknowledge the sacrifices and dedication of the families who stayed 
home. They are the unsung heroes of any mobilization. They motivate and 
inspire those who are far from home, and they, too, deserve our 
gratitude.
  Today, I join these families and the State of South Dakota in 
celebrating the courage, commitment, and success of the members of the 
147th Field Artillery, and I honor their participation in this historic 
event in our Nation's history. Welcome home. Thanks to all of you for 
your courage, your sacrifice, and your noble commitment to this country 
and its ideals.


              An Oklahoma Loss in Operation Iraqi Freedom

  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, over the past few weeks we have seen 
dramatic proof that the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein is over and 
that a new day is dawning for the Iraqi people.
  President Bush has announced that major military combat operations in 
Iraq have ended, and that America and her Allies are turning our 
efforts toward helping the Iraqi people build a free society.
  Like many Americans, I was thrilled and heartened by the dramatic 
images of U.S. troops helping Iraqi citizens tear down statues and 
paintings of Saddam Hussein. The Iraqi people needed our help, our 
tanks, our troops, and our commitment to topple Saddam Hussein.
  For the first time in their lives, many Iraqis are tasting freedom, 
and like people everywhere, they think it is wonderful. I am proud of 
our military and America's commitment to make the people of the Middle 
East more free and secure.
  Our military men and women may face more difficult days in Iraq, and 
the Iraqi people will be tested by the responsibilities that come with 
freedom. The thugs who propped up the previous regime and outside 
forces with goals of their own may cause problems, stir up trouble, and 
initiate violence. Freedom is messy--nowhere more so than in a country 
that has just shaken off a brutal dictatorship.
  But today I rise to honor a man who made the ultimate sacrifice one 
can make for his country. LCpl Thomas Alan Blair was Oklahoma's first 
known casualty in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This 24-year old Broken 
Arrow native was killed on March 23 in a fierce battle near Nasiriyah 
when an enemy rocket propelled grenade hit his amphibious assault 
vehicle.
  Tommy graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 1997 but had decided 
long before then that he would be a marine. He chose his career nearly 
a decade ago when he watched his older brother SSgt Al Blair graduate 
from boot camp. In a way he followed in his brother's footsteps, but 
his family will tell you that he would have been a marine no matter 
what. His brother recalled that Tommy ``truly wanted to help people.''
  As we watch the dawn of a new day in Iraq, let us never forget that 
the freedom we enjoy every day in America is bought at a price.
  Lance Corporal Blair did not die in vain. He died so that many others 
could live freely. For that sacrifice, we are forever indebted. Our 
thoughts and prayers are with him and his family today and with the 
troops who are putting their lives on the line in Iraq.
  Mr. President, recently we have seen dramatic proof that the brutal 
regime of Saddam Hussein is over and that a new day is dawning for the 
Iraqi people.
  President Bush has announced that major military combat operations in 
Iraq have ended, and that America and

[[Page 12834]]

her Allies are turning our efforts toward helping the Iraqi people 
build a free society.
  Like many Americans, I was thrilled and heartened by the dramatic 
images of U.S. troops helping Iraqi citizens tear down statues and 
paintings of Saddam Hussein. The Iraqi people needed our help, our 
tanks, our troops, and our commitment to topple Saddam Hussein.
  For the first time in their lives, many Iraqis are tasting freedom, 
and like people everywhere, they think it is wonderful. I am proud of 
our military and America's commitment to make the people of the Middle 
East more free and secure.
  Our military men and women may face more difficult days in Iraq, and 
the Iraqi people will be tested by the responsibilities that come with 
freedom. The thugs who propped up the previous regime and outside 
forces with goals of their own may cause problems, stir up trouble and 
initiate violence. Freedom is messy--nowhere more so than in a country 
that has just shaken off a brutal dictatorship.
  But today I rise to honor a man who made the ultimate sacrifice one 
can make for his country. LTC Dominic R. Baragona, 42, was stationed at 
Fort Sill. He was killed in Iraq on May 19, when a tractor-trailer lost 
control and hit his Humvee near Safwan.
  Colonel Baragona was assigned to and commander of the 19th 
Maintenance Battalion. He was deployed to CENTCOM in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 16 with about 100 other members of his 
battalion.
  Colonel Baragona's cousin Anthony said, ``wherever they needed him, 
that's where he went.'' Baragona, like so many of our military men and 
women, placed the call to duty above self.
  Our prayers and debt of appreciation now go to his family, who had 
expected him to come home in June. He is survived by his parents who 
live in St. George Island, FL.
  As we watch the dawn of a new day in Iraq, let us never forget that 
the freedom we enjoy every day in America is bought at a price.
  Lieutenant Colonel Baragona did not die in vain. He died so that many 
others could live freely. For that sacrifice, we are forever indebted. 
Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family today and with the 
troops who are putting their lives on the line in Iraq.
  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, over the past few weeks we have seen 
dramatic proof that the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein is over and 
that a new day is dawning for the Iraqi people.
  President Bush has announced that major military combat operations in 
Iraq have ended, and that America and her Allies are turning our 
efforts toward helping the Iraqi people build a free society.
  Like many Americans, I was thrilled and heartened by the dramatic 
images of U.S. troops helping Iraqi citizens tear down statues and 
paintings of Saddam Hussein. The Iraqi people needed our help, our 
tanks, our troops, and our commitment to topple Saddam Hussein.
  For the first time in their lives, many Iraqis are tasting freedom, 
and like people everywhere, they think it is wonderful. I am proud of 
our military and America's commitment to make the people of the Middle 
East more free and secure.
  Our military men and women may face more difficult days in Iraq, and 
the Iraqi people will be tested by the responsibilities that come with 
freedom. The thugs who propped up the previous regime and outside 
forces with goals of their own may cause problems, stir up trouble, and 
initiate violence. Freedom is messy--nowhere more so than in a country 
that has just shaken off a brutal dictatorship.
  But today I rise to honor a man who made the ultimate sacrifice one 
can make for his country. Sgt Randall Rehn died April 3 amid fierce 
fighting for control of what is now Baghdad International Airport. He 
is survived by his wife Raelynn and daughter Megan of Lawton, as well 
as his family in Colorado.
  As we watch the dawn of a new day in Iraq, let us never forget that 
the freedom we enjoy every day in America is bought at a price.
  Sergeant Rehn did not die in vain. He died so that many others could 
live freely. For that sacrifice, we are forever indebted. Our thoughts 
and prayers are with him and his family today and with the troops who 
are putting their lives on the line in Iraq.
  Mr. President, over the past few weeks we have seen dramatic proof 
that the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein is over and that a new day is 
dawning for the Iraqi people.
  President Bush has announced that major military combat operations in 
Iraq have ended, and that America and her Allies are turning our 
efforts toward helping the Iraqi people build a free society.
  Like many Americans, I was thrilled and heartened by the dramatic 
images of U.S. troops helping Iraqi citizens tear down statues and 
paintings of Saddam Hussein. The Iraqi people needed our help, our 
tanks, our troops, and our commitment to topple Saddam Hussein.
  For the first time in their lives, many Iraqis are tasting freedom, 
and like people everywhere, they think it is wonderful. I am proud of 
our military and America's commitment to make the people of the Middle 
East more free and secure.
  Our military men and women may face more difficult days in Iraq, and 
the Iraqi people will be tested by the responsibilities that come with 
freedom. The thugs who propped up the previous regime and outside 
forces with goals of their own may cause problems, stir up trouble, and 
initiate violence. Freedom is messy--nowhere more so than in a country 
that has just shaken off a brutal dictatorship.
  But today I rise to honor a man who made the ultimate sacrifice one 
can make for his country. One of eight brothers and sisters, Todd 
Robbins, 33, who was stationed at Fort Sill, served in the Navy for the 
first gulf war before joining the Army. He leaves behind a wife at Fort 
Sill and a 13-year-old son. ``He always wanted to be in the Army,'' 
said his father Dale Robbins. ``He lived, ate, and slept the Army. He 
loved it.''
  Tragically, the death of Sergeant Robbins was said to be a result of 
friendly fire in the form of coalition bombs. While our military always 
works to prevent such accidents, they always occur during war fighting.
  The fact that his death was accidental in no way diminishes his 
sacrifice. He gave his life to protect us, and our freedoms, and to 
make people he had never met, half way around the world, free in their 
own country.
  As we watch the dawn of a new day in Iraq, let us never forget that 
the freedom we enjoy every day in America is bought at a price.
  Sergeant Robbins did not die in vain. He died so that many others 
could live freely. For that sacrifice, we are forever indebted. Our 
thoughts and prayers are with him and his family today and with the 
troops who are putting their lives on the line in Iraq.
  Mr. President, over the past few weeks we have seen dramatic proof 
that the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein is over and that a new day is 
dawning for the Iraqi people.
  President Bush has announced that major military combat operations in 
Iraq have ended, and that America and her Allies are turning our 
efforts toward helping the Iraqi people build a free society.
  Like many Americans, I was thrilled and heartened by the dramatic 
images of U.S. troops helping Iraqi citizens tear down statues and 
paintings of Saddam Hussein. The Iraqi people needed our help, our 
tanks, our troops, and our commitment to topple Saddam Hussein.
  For the first time in their lives, many Iraqis are tasting freedom, 
and like people everywhere, they think it is wonderful. I am proud of 
our military and America's commitment to make the people of the Middle 
East more free and secure.
  Our military men and women may face more difficult days in Iraq, and 
the Iraqi people will be tested by the responsibilities that come with 
freedom. The thugs who propped up the previous regime and outside 
forces with goals of their own may cause

[[Page 12835]]

problems, stir up trouble and initiate violence. Freedom is messy--
nowhere more so than in a country that has just shaken off a brutal 
dictatorship.
  But today I rise to honor a man who made the ultimate sacrifice one 
can make for his country. Donald Oaks, who was stationed at Fort Sill, 
would have turned 21 on April 26. He was a bright young man who was 
good at math and computers. Also, he enjoyed playing baseball and 
fishing with his dad. He joined the Army to get money for a college 
education after his service. His mother Laurie Oaks said, ``He was my 
best friend and was always my hero. He still is.'' He was engaged to be 
married.
  Tragically, the death of Specialist Oaks was said to be a result of 
friendly fire in the form of coalition bombs. While our military always 
works to prevent such accidents, they always occur during warfighting.
  The fact that his death was accidental in no way diminishes his 
sacrifice. He gave his life to protect us, and our freedoms, and to 
make people he had never met, halfway around the world, free in their 
own country.
  As we watch the dawn of a new day in Iraq, let us never forget that 
the freedom we enjoy every day in America is bought at a price.
  Specialist Oaks did not die in vain. He died so that many others 
could live freely. For that sacrifice, we are forever indebted. Our 
thoughts and prayers are with him and his family today and with the 
troops who are putting their lives on the line in Iraq.


                   TRIBUTE TO CMSGT RET. LOUIS BROWN

  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I just received word that a dear friend of 
mine, the Air Force Academy, and the State of Colorado passed away last 
night and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize retired 
Chief Master Sergeant Louis Brown Jr. One of Colorado's finest 
citizens, CMSgt, Ret., Louis Brown Jr., has made numerous contributions 
to the young men and women--past, present and future--of the United 
States Air Force Academy. Chief Brown has been a steadfast proponent 
and volunteered more than 10 years of service to recruit, advise, 
interview, and mentor cadets for the Air Force Academy with my 
congressional office. Additionally, he has spent over 30 years of 
tireless interaction with some of the Air Force's finest officers and 
Academy graduates.
  Chief Brown has made a difference to the Air Force, the Air Force 
Academy, and to Colorado as a whole. Specifically, he has worked 
countless hours with members of my staff since my tenure in the United 
States Congress helping to interview potential candidates to the 
academy, educating them on the appointment process, and encouraging 
these young men and women to contribute to the United States armed 
forces. He has been a mentor and a role model to countless cadets who 
have gone forward to become Air Force officers.
  I want to honor the life of Chief Brown who served the Air Force 
first as an enlisted Airman and later in life as an advocate for 
recruitment of future officers. His contributions to the State of 
Colorado and the United States Air Force will not be forgotten. I ask 
the Senate now to join me in thanking Chief Brown and his family for 
these contributions and also to pray for his loved ones in their time 
of mourning.

                          ____________________