[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 19738]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      SALUTING THE NATIONAL GUARD

  (Mr. POE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and salute those members 
of the National Guard for the tremendous efforts they put forth in 
Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. They have tirelessly devoted their 
time and energy working around the clock to support neighbors, 
Americans who have been affected by this unfortunate devastating event.
  Altogether, there are over 45,000 National Guard personnel on the 
ground or aboard ships supporting the massive relief efforts that 
continue to take place. Members of the National Guard have provided 
widespread search and rescue, evacuation, medical support. They braved 
the dangers of flood waters and have been faced with unimaginable 
situations to evacuate over 50,000 people and rescue 11,000 from 
hotels, rooftops, and floating debris.
  I want to specifically commend and thank the 155 members of the 8th 
Brigade of the Texas National Guard. Under the command of Colonel 
Donald Petrash, the 8th Brigade is stationed at 12 different shelters 
helping evacuees from Louisiana in southeast Texas.
  Mr. Speaker, the National Guard and Reservists are vital to our 
communities especially during these times. This is just another 
reminder that we must never forget about our citizen soldiers.

                          ____________________