[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16075]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          SALUTE TO THE 129TH MOBILE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DETACHMENT

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, on July 12, the 5th U.S. Army will 
demobilize the 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment of the South 
Dakota National Guard. This unit, headquartered in Rapid City, was 
among more than 20 Guard and Reserve units from my State called to 
active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Noble Eagle and 
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.
  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 
129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 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.

                          ____________________