[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 1293]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




SALUTING THE 218TH INFANTRY BRIGADE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA ARMY NATIONAL 
                                 GUARD

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Saturday, January 7, 
South Carolina's adjutant general, Stan Spears, hosted the departure 
ceremony for the 218th Enhanced Separate Infantry Brigade. The event 
was attended by 10,000 appreciative family members and supporters.
  The 218th Brigade is commanded by Brigadier General Robert 
Livingston. General Livingston and his wife Barbara's daughters, 
Rachel, Rebekah and Roxanne, led the national anthem at the ceremony. 
The brigade consists of 1,800 soldiers and will be in Afghanistan for 
approximately 1 year. Its primary mission will be to train Afghan 
national army and national police. This is the largest single 
deployment of South Carolina Army National Guard since World War II.
  As a grateful 25-year veteran of the 218th and father of four sons in 
the military, I have the deepest respect and admiration for the men and 
women who put their lives at risk to protect American families. My 
thoughts and prayers are with them and their families. Our office is 
available at all times for servicemembers and families toll free at 1-
888-381-1442.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September 11.

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