[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26135]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE NATIONAL GUARD'S 41ST BRIGADE COTTAGE GROVE, OREGON UPON 
                         BEING DEPLOYED TO IRAQ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 28, 2003

  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I regret the congressional schedule keeps 
me from attending the deployment ceremony to honor members of the 41st 
Brigade. This ceremony marks just a portion of the honor and debt of 
gratitude that our state and our nation owe you for your service. We 
also owe a debt of gratitude to your family and friends for their 
understanding, support, and sacrifice.
  The media talks so much of high tech and secret weapons, but the 
enduring strength and real secret behind the military power of the 
United States is men and women like you who have volunteered to serve 
as the new citizen soldiers, highly trained and motivated. You 
constitute the key to the success of our total force--a military second 
to none in the world. You and the other 8,000 Members of the Oregon 
National Guard continue a long and honored tradition of service to 
Oregon's citizens in times of disaster, crisis, or strife, while 
training and preparing to defend our nation in time of need.
  The mission ahead of you will be both difficult and dangerous--to 
bring stability and order to a ravaged nation in the midst of one of 
the most volatile regions on Earth. All Americans and our allies around 
the world will be more safe and secure if this region can be moved 
toward peace, but this course is not easy or certain.
  I pledge to do all I can in Congress to ensure that you have the best 
training and equipment necessary to accomplish your mission and return 
home safely. I further pledge that your service and sacrifice will not 
be forgotten and will be reflected in the treatment and benefits you 
and your family receive.
  From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of all the citizens of 
Oregon's 4th Congressional District, thank you and Godspeed.

                          ____________________