[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12249]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HOUSTON ASTROS VISIT WALTER REED ARMY HOSPITAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2006

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on May 23, 2006, for the second 
year in a row, I joined many of my colleagues from our Texas 
Congressional Delegation at a barbeque hosted by the Houston Astros and 
the USO for injured soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Hospital. The team 
held a similar event at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. I cannot speak 
highly enough of the Astros' players, managers, staff, and the owner 
Drayton McLane for taking time to visit the wounded troops.
  Until the Astros hosted the event last year, no other Major League 
teams had done such an event, and while many players have visited since 
last years' barbeque, the Astros are the only team to visit the troops 
as a group. It was remarkable to see players interacting with the 
troops--many of whom are close in age--and each taking away something 
valuable from the experience.
  The troops at Walter Reed and Bethesda are among the most seriously 
wounded, many being injured by improvised explosive devices, rocket 
propelled grenades, and other battlefield hazards. Many are confined to 
beds, wheel chairs, or rehabilitation facilities, and the opportunity 
to be outside having lunch with Major League Baseball players was a 
tremendous morale boost. The Astros' organization provided hats, and 
players autographed items and took photos with the troops, but most 
importantly, they spent time talking with the injured soldiers.
  After last years visit, Astros' players commented in several 
newspaper columns on the optimism of the wounded soldiers and the 
perspective visiting with the soldiers gave them. Mr. McLane said it 
was the most moving experience in his 12 years of owning the team.
  With Memorial Day weekend approaching, I think it is important that 
we all realize what a sacrifice the men and women of our Armed Forces 
make each and every day. As Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, 
``Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in 
time that men have died to win them.''
  The men and women of our military endure a tremendous burden so that 
we may enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. It was an honor to 
join the Astros' organization at Walter Reed and it reminded each 
person there that war has a price. Memorial Day represents one day of 
national awareness and reverence, honoring those Americans who died 
while defending our Nation and its values. While we should honor these 
heroes every day for the sacrifices they have made for our Nation, it 
is especially important that we do so on Memorial Day.
  To use an appropriate metaphor, the Astros' stepped up to the plate 
for our injured troops at Walter Reed and Bethesda. On this Memorial 
Day, let's follow their example. Please keep our troops and their 
families in your prayers, and remember the sacrifices so many have made 
to defend our great Nation.

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