[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14539]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    COMMENDING OUR MILITARY FORCES, THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AND THEIR 
                               SUPPORTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN S. TANNER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2003

  Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I wish to affirm my unwavering support for 
H. Con. Res. 177 and H. Res. 201, which this House of Representatives 
passed in tribute to the men and women who serve our nation, their 
families, and those businesses and other community members who have 
supported them through this difficult time in our nation's history.
  The purpose of House Concurrent Resolution 177 is ``recognizing and 
commending the members of the United States Armed Forces and their 
leaders, and the allies of the United States and their armed forces, 
who participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and 
Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and recognizing the continuing 
dedication of military families and employers and defense civilians and 
contractors and the countless communities and patriotic organizations 
that lent their support to the Armed Forces during those operations.''
  This body also passed, by a unanimous vote, House Resolution 201, 
``expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that our 
Nation's businesses and business owners should be commended for their 
support of our troops and their families as they serve our country in 
many ways, especially in these days of increased engagement of our 
military in strategic locations around our Nation and around the 
world.''
  Tennessee has long been proud of its military heritage, having been 
nicknamed the ``Volunteer State'' when thousands of Tennesseans agreed 
to serve in the War of 1812. There are more than 14,000 men and women 
serving in the Tennessee National Guard under the leadership of 
Tennessee Adjutant General Gus Hargett. More than 20,000 additional 
troops are stationed at Fort Campbell Army Base, which straddles the 
border between Tennessee and Kentucky. Fort Campbell troops, including 
the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles, and Guard members and reservists 
from our state have served proudly in Operation Enduring Freedom and 
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  I am proud to represent Naval Support Activity Mid-South in 
Millington, Tennessee. Under the direction of Captain Helen Dunn, this 
unit is very important to the operations of the United States Navy. Our 
district in Tennessee also includes the Milan Army Arsenal, whose 
facilities help manufacture much of the ammunition used by the United 
States Army. Tennessee has many such military and military-support 
institutions and is home to more than 500,000 military veterans who 
have served our nation honorably.
  Our troops and their families are to be commended and thanked for the 
sacrifices they have made to protect our nation. Please join with me, 
Mr. Speaker, in expressing gratitude for employers who have made 
sacrifices to allow Guard and Reserve troops to leave their permanent 
positions to serve our country. We are also appreciative of those civic 
and community leaders who have come together to support our men and 
women in uniform and their families at this difficult time in our 
nation's history. In Tennessee, our communities have come together to 
show their patriotism and their appreciation for those who are making 
sacrifices to protect us all.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in praising the passage of House 
Concurrent Resolution 177 and House Resolution 201, saluting our 
troops, their families, our military-support staff, and community 
leaders who have shown their appreciation to the men and women who are 
performing their duty to protect our country.

                          ____________________