[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 30551]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




THE ARMY'S FREEDOM TEAM SALUTE PROGRAM RECOGNIZES THE VALUE OF SERVICE 
                               TO NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Sunday, December 18, 2005

  Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, for 230 years, soldier citizens of the United 
States Army have answered the call to duty as guardians and defenders 
of America's Freedoms. Millions of these United States Army veterans 
selflessly served this nation. Their legacy of duty lives and grows 
ever more glorious in their continuing support of the United States 
Army mission and their service to country.
  The United States Army recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices 
these courageous men and women have made in answering their nation's 
call to duty by choosing a life of service and fidelity to the values 
of their service. The people of the United States of America also 
recognize that they have incurred a great debt of gratitude to their 
soldier citizens, and to their spouses and families who support them as 
they serve us in the defense of freedom. America owes thanks to the 
employers who support the soldier citizens among their workforce, and 
to the veterans who stand by those who now wear the uniform.
  General Peter J. Schoomaker, the Army's Chief of Staff, has said, 
``Soldiers and their families demonstrate the value of teamwork at home 
and in the field, ensuring that our Army is truly an Army of One.''
  The United States Army has created a program called Freedom Team 
Salute to recognize the essential contribution of these supportive 
spouses, families, employers, and veterans. Any soldier may nominate a 
spouse, family member, or employer for Freedom Team Salute recognition. 
This recognition includes a special Army lapel pin and decal, and a 
letter and certificate from the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the 
Army. Veterans of Army service may also register for Freedom Team 
Salute recognition at the program's website: 
www.freedomteamsalute.army.mil.
  I commend General Schoomaker and Secretary of the Army Francis J. 
Harvey for their leadership of our Army and for the Freedom Team Salute 
program. I ask all Americans to continue their support of our men and 
women in uniform as they defend freedom, and I commend to them the use 
of this excellent program as means of expressing their own gratitude.

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