[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19]
[House]
[Pages 26047-26051]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING THE 1ST BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM/34TH INFANTRY DIVISION OF THE 
                        MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD

  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 185) commending the 1st Brigade 
Combat Team/34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota National Guard upon 
its completion of the longest continuous deployment of any United 
States military unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.

[[Page 26048]]

  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 185

       Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division 
     of the Minnesota National Guard, known as the Red Bull 
     Division, is headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, and 
     deployed approximately 2,700 hard-working and courageous 
     Minnesotans and approximately 1,300 more soldiers from other 
     Midwestern States;
       Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team has a long history of 
     service to the United States, beginning with the Civil War;
       Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team was most recently 
     mobilized in September 2005 and departed for Iraq in March 
     2006;
       Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team recently completed the 
     longest continuous deployment of any United States ground 
     combat military unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom;
       Whereas, during its deployment, the 1st Brigade Combat Team 
     completed 5,200 combat logistics patrols, secured 2.4 million 
     convoy miles, and discovered 462 improvised explosive devices 
     (IEDs) prior to detonation;
       Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team processed over 1.5 
     million vehicles and 400,000 Iraqis into entry control points 
     without any insurgent penetrations;
       Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team captured over 400 
     suspected insurgents;
       Whereas more than 1,400 members of the 1st Brigade Combat 
     Team reenlisted during deployment and 21 members became 
     United States citizens during deployment;
       Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team helped start two Iraqi 
     newspapers that provide news to the local population and 
     publish stories on reconstruction progress;
       Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team completed 137 
     reconstruction projects;
       Whereas the deployment of the 1st Brigade Combat Team in 
     Iraq was extended by 125 days in January 2007;
       Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team and its members are now 
     returning to the United States to loving families and a 
     grateful nation;
       Whereas the families of the members of the 1st Brigade 
     Combat Team have waited patiently for their loved ones to 
     return and endured many hardships during this lengthy 
     deployment;
       Whereas the employers of members and family members of the 
     1st Brigade Combat Team have displayed patriotism over 
     profit, by keeping positions saved for the returning soldiers 
     and supporting the families during the difficult days of this 
     long deployment, and these employers are great corporate 
     citizens through their support of members of the Armed Forces 
     and their family members;
       Whereas communities throughout the Midwest are now integral 
     participants in the Minnesota National Guard's extensive 
     Beyond the Yellow Ribbon reintegration program that will help 
     members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team return to normal life; 
     and
       Whereas the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division 
     has performed admirably and courageously, putting service to 
     country over personal interests and gaining the gratitude and 
     respect of Minnesotans, Midwesterners, and all Americans: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),  That Congress--
       (1) commends the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry 
     Division of the Minnesota National Guard upon its completion 
     of the longest continuous deployment of any United States 
     ground combat military unit during Operation Iraqi Freedom;
       (2) recognizes the achievements of the members of the 1st 
     Brigade Combat Team and their exemplary service to the United 
     States; and
       (3) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to 
     transmit a copy of this resolution to the Adjutant General of 
     the Minnesota National Guard for appropriate display.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mahoney of Florida). Pursuant to the 
rule, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor) and the gentleman from 
Minnesota (Mr. Kline) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 
185, commending the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division of 
the Minnesota National Guard upon its completion of the longest 
continuous deployment of any United States military unit during 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. I would like to thank my colleague from 
Minnesota (Mr. Walz) for bringing this measure before the House.
  The 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division was 
deployed for 22 months, nearly 2 years. That's how long they were 
continuously deployed. This is longer than any other ground combat unit 
in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Many Americans count down the hours until 
the end of the workday, until Friday night, until the end of the work 
week. Often our commitment to our jobs comes in bundles of 40 hours.
  Yet the soldiers of the Red Bull Division had no such luxury. 
Counting down the time until redeployment was computed in entire weeks, 
if not months. Just when they and their families thought they were to 
come home, their deployment was extended by an additional 125 days.
  In 22 months some of our brave men and women in uniform missed their 
infants and their young children taking their first steps, saying their 
first words. Some of the roughly 5,000-member BCT missed their kids' 
high school graduations, and they didn't get a chance to move their 
sons and daughters into a dorm for college.
  So much can change in 2 years. So many precious moments that we hold 
dear pass by during this time. Yet we go about our daily lives and 
forget that these precious moments that we enjoy are being protected by 
America's tremendous servicemembers.
  Even more amazing is the fact that the members of the 1st Brigade 
Combat Team/34th Infantry Division are members of the National Guard. 
These are everyday folks, our neighbors and friends who signed up to be 
citizen soldiers. Their single deployment lasted as long as some active 
duty servicemembers' entire time in our Armed Forces. This was an 
extraordinary commitment and sacrifice on the part of the Red Bull 
Division.
  Mr. Speaker, I know Mr. Walz and Mr. Kline, our colleagues from 
Minnesota, will have much to say about these fine Minnesotans as 
representatives of that great State. But I would just like to say how 
proud I am as a Member of the United States House of Representatives 
and as an American, Mr. Speaker, of the 5,200 combat logistics patrols, 
the 2.4 million convoy miles, the 400 captured terrorists and the 22-
month deployment that the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry 
Division accomplished.
  We can never repay these servicemembers for their time and their 
tremendous sacrifice. But what we can do is enshrine our appreciation 
and thanks by passing this resolution into law.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent 
Resolution 185.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 185, which commends the men and women of the 1st Brigade 
Combat Team/34th Infantry Division, Minnesota National Guard, for 
completing the longest continuous deployment of any United States 
combat team in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, these men and women did not want to set this record. 
They didn't seek this record. In fact, when they left these shores, 
they had no idea this record was going to be theirs: 16 months in a 
combat zone, 22 months of mobilization. But when the word came, they 
didn't flinch. They set forward, they did their duty and they set a 
record, one which I certainly hope no other unit will ever be asked to 
surpass.
  The men and women of the 1st Brigade Combat Team are some of this 
Nation's finest soldiers. Their first-rate service in Iraq carries on 
the tradition of excellence established by previous generations of the 
1st Brigade, through service in the Civil War, the Spanish-American 
War, and both world wars.
  The more than 2,200 Minnesotans and 1,300 more Midwestern soldiers 
who served in the 1st Brigade in Iraq performed remarkably during their

[[Page 26049]]

unrivaled tour of duty. These soldiers completed more than 5,200 combat 
logistics patrols, secured 2.4 million convoy miles, captured over 400 
suspected insurgents, and discovered 462 improvised explosive devices 
prior to detonation. They also helped to start two Iraqi newspapers and 
completed 137 reconstruction projects.
  As a mark of their commitment to the unit and to this Nation, more 
than 1,400 members of the brigade reenlisted, reenlisted, while in 
Iraq, and 21 members became United States citizens.
  Throughout their long tour of duty, their historic tour of duty, the 
soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team had the steady support of 
families and employers. The soldiers are now home and beginning the 
process of reintegration through the Minnesota National Guard's 
extensive Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program.
  Mr. Speaker, given their admirable and courageous service over so 
long a period of time, and in recognition of their willingness to put 
service to country over personal interest, it is only fitting that we 
take this opportunity to commend the men and women of the 1st Brigade 
Combat Team.
  I want to thank my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Minnesota 
(Mr. Walz) for bringing this measure forward and for his service with 
the National Guard.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in strong support of this 
concurrent resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I intend to recognize the sponsor of this 
thoughtful resolution, but I think it is important for our colleagues 
to recognize his service as well. Mr. Walz from Minnesota spent 24 
years himself in the Army National Guard, so he has had a full life of 
service to this country. I don't think he knew when he enlisted at the 
young age of 17 that he would end up so many years in the Army National 
Guard. He also became a teacher. But he achieved the rank of command 
sergeant major.
  I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to Command Sergeant Major Walz, my 
friend and colleague from Minnesota, the sponsor of this thoughtful 
resolution.
  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for her 
kind words, and I thank the gentleman from Minnesota for his many years 
of leadership and his service also and to the whole Armed Services 
Committee for this important legislation.
  I am urging my colleagues, and I am sure it will not take a lot of 
urging. This House of Representatives understands. This resolution, 
House Concurrent Resolution 185, has recognized the incredible 
contributions, courage, and sacrifice of the 1st Brigade Combat Team of 
the National Guard that they have given to our Nation.
  In July of 2005, members of the 1/34th Brigade Combat Team of the 
famed Red Bull Division were notified of their deployment. Twenty-two 
months later, in July of 2007, they began returning home, after a 22-
month deployment. As my colleague from Minnesota said, they had no 
intention or no knowledge that they would be setting a record. They 
simply said yes when they were called upon.
  As you have heard from each of my colleagues, the statistics are 
amazing on what this unit did: 5,200 combat logistic patrols covering 
2.4 million convoy miles. You heard Mr. Kline talk about the number of 
IEDs that were found. A full 37 percent of the total IED incidents 
during their time there were attributed to the diligent work of this 
unit.
  They helped start the Iraqi newspapers that you heard about, and they 
also helped produce documentaries on the positive work that our units 
are doing in Iraq. They completed 137 reconstruction projects; and 
during this deployment, as you heard, they reenlisted 1,400 of these 
brave citizen soldiers. And I think a really special thing is 21 of 
them became citizens during their time in service to this country.
  Although they were originally slated to come home, they endured a 
125-day extension, and their families and employers endured that with 
them. This record of the longest continuous deployment of any U.S. 
military operation in Iraqi Freedom is something to be incredibly proud 
of. Being there is one thing. Contributing positively the way they did 
is quite another.
  The soldiers sacrificed 2 years of their lives in service to their 
country. I know how much they have given, as I was a former member of 
this Red Bull Division myself; and I know many of these men and women 
personally.
  They have added to the long and impressive list of the Red Bull. 
Their lineage goes back to the 1st Minnesota Volunteers, the first unit 
to volunteer for the Civil War. The Red Bulls had 517 days of actual 
combat in World War II, that is more than any other U.S. division 
during the war, and captured more enemy hills and territory than any 
other division in World War II.
  I, along with the rest of the Minnesota delegation in both the House 
and the Senate, introduced this resolution to honor their service and 
to recognize not just the soldiers, but their families and employers 
who patiently supported, loved and cared for them and waited for them 
until they returned to the Midwest.
  I want to thank my colleagues from Minnesota for their work in 
support of this resolution, especially my colleague Mr. Kline from 
Minnesota. My colleague from Minnesota himself is a lieutenant colonel, 
a lifelong and career Marine Corps officer and one that served with 
distinction. He understands and he too knows the sacrifice that they 
have given.
  I want to thank the 30 other Members of Congress who cosponsored this 
resolution to show their support of the 1st Brigade Combat Team. But 
most of all, I want to thank the 2,447 soldiers of the 1st Brigade 
Combat Team from Minnesota. The other soldiers that augmented this unit 
came from Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Kentucky, 
Idaho, and Washington.
  The Red Bulls have truly lived up to their long and heroic tradition 
and have contributed bravely to the war in Iraq and this Nation's 
security. Regardless of what any American feels about the war in Iraq, 
it is clear that America's servicemembers, like those from the 1st 
Brigade Combat Team, have performed brilliantly and magnificently; and 
they deserve our full support.
  Now Congress must do its part to recognize their service and provide 
them the benefits and the health care that they need. The Minnesota 
National Guard has a world-class reintegration program, the Beyond the 
Yellow Ribbon program, which helps soldiers readjust to civilian life.
  I want to thank my friend and colleague and fellow Minnesotan, 
Congressman Kline, for working to expand this program nationwide for 
all soldiers. His leadership in this is appreciated by soldiers and 
families across this Nation.

                              {time}  1515

  Their needs will go far beyond reintegration. Long after the initial 
fanfare fades, Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs must 
stand ready to assist these brave warriors throughout the rest of their 
lives. They have more than earned our support, and we must be certain 
they always have it.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to show their support for 
the Red Bulls by adopting this resolution.
  Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself a moment to say 
that I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution. 
The service that these men and women performed is truly historic and 
commendable. Again, I thank Mr. Walz for bringing this measure forward.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues from 
Minnesota, Mr. Kline and Mr. Walz, the sponsor of this thoughtful 
concurrent resolution, and urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 
185.
  Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud support of this 
legislation which commends Minnesota's First Brigade Combat Team of the 
34th Infantry Division for their completion of the longest continuous 
deployment of any United States military unit during Operation Iraqi 
Freedom.

[[Page 26050]]

  This extraordinary group of men and women, also known as the Red 
Bulls, is comprised of about 3,700 dedicated Minnesotans and some 1,300 
more soldiers from other Midwestern States. Recently, more than 1,000 
of our courageous Red Bulls returned home from a 22-month deployment to 
Iraq.
  During their time in the Middle East, the First Brigade Combat Team 
protected lives and helped to preserve the blessings of liberty here at 
home. They discovered 462 improvised explosive devices, IEDs, before 
they were able to wreak havoc on the innocent. By finding these IEDs 
prior to detonation, the First Brigade Combat Team surely saved the 
lives of countless fellow soldiers and Iraqi citizens. They also 
captured over 400 suspected insurgents and completed 137 reconstruction 
projects. In addition, the First Brigade Combat Team successfully 
processed over 1.5 million vehicles and 400,000 Iraqis into entry 
control points without any insurgent penetrations.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor the First Brigade Combat Team, 
whose bravery and commitment to serving our country is as apparent 
today as it has been in wars long past. These soldiers have returned 
with an outstanding record of achievement and have earned hundreds of 
awards including: one Silver Star, 151 Bronze Stars, 32 Purple Hearts, 
771 Army Commendation Medals, 136 Combat Infantry Badges, 302 Combat 
Action Badges and 14 Combat Medical Badges.
  The important measure before us today recognizes the service of our 
Red Bull soldiers, and reminds us of the price of our freedom, and 
those who have freely chosen to honor it.
  To our Red Bulls, and all of the men and women that defend this 
Nation, my colleagues and I continue to stand in awe of you.
  Thank you, and may God bless you and your families.
  Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of the 
men and women of the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division of 
the Minnesota National Guard and in strong support of H. Con. Res. 185.
  I want to thank my colleague and friend Tim Walz for bringing this 
important resolution before the floor.
  The dedicated men and women of 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry 
Division of the Minnesota Guard have just finished serving the longest 
continuous deployment of any United States military unit during 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. This Minnesota National Guard unit served 22 
months, 16 of which were in Iraq.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe our Nation owes a debt of gratitude to the 
members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team/34th Infantry Division along 
with all the men and women who have honorably served in Iraq.
  H. Con. Res. 185 represents a small token of appreciation for our 
grateful Nation. The resolution formally recognizes the achievements of 
these citizen soldiers and officially thanks them for their service.
  This resolution thanks the 1st Brigade Combat Team for their work and 
the time they have sacrificed from their families, neighbors and 
communities in their valiant service to our country.
  I urge my fellow colleagues in Congress to support this important 
resolution.
  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today I rise strong support 
of H. Con. Res. 185. I join the gentleman from Minnesota, Mr. Walz in 
offering this resolution. Our entire State joins together in welcoming 
home the 2,600 members of the Minnesota National Guard's 1st Brigade 
Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division who recently returned from Iraq.
  During the 22-month deployment of the 
1/34th BCT, these courageous citizen soldiers served Minnesota and our 
Nation with honor and dignity. Their service frequently put them in 
harm's way, and we are grateful for their safe return to their 
families. Since the war in Iraq began our friends, families and 
neighbors who serve in the National Guard and Reserves have seen their 
dual roles as citizen soldiers expand as they have been called to serve 
in deployments across the world even as they continue the most 
important mission of all, protecting us in our communities here at 
home.
  The men and women of the 1/34th have demonstrated an exceptional 
commitment to our country--a commitment to serve and a willingness to 
sacrifice in combat operations. Their 22-month activation in Iraq was 
the longest tour of any military unit to have served in Iraq thus far. 
These Minnesota soldiers have completed some of the most grueling 
combat assignments. We should also pause to remember the brave members 
of this unit who made the ultimate sacrifice during their deployment. 
Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
  My office stands ready to assist all military personnel and their 
families. I believe strongly that our Federal Government must keep its 
promise to all those who have served. Providing the necessary 
healthcare, education, and disability benefits to meet the needs of our 
veterans is both a responsibly and a moral obligation.
  Regardless of where individuals stand on the issues that face this 
Nation in Iraq we all must continue to support the men and women who 
volunteer to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces all around the world.
  As we welcome home members of the 
1/34th, we must also keep in our thoughts and prayers the many active 
duty military personnel, Reservists and Minnesota Guard members who 
continue to serve in harm's way in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and 
elsewhere around the world. I commend each and every one of them for 
their strength, courage and dedication.
  I would like to thank my colleague from Minnesota, Mr. Walz, for 
bringing this important resolution to the House floor, and for his 
service to this country. I commend members of the Minnesota National 
Guard's 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division.
  Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today, with the passage of H. 
Con. Res. 185, we honor the brave young men and women from the 
Minnesota National Guard who returned home this past summer from a 22-
month deployment, the longest of any combat unit during Operation Iraqi 
Freedom.
  I want to recognize these citizen-soldiers, because that is what they 
truly are--citizens first, soldiers second. They have full time jobs, 
families to take care of and daily commitments that regular army 
soldiers don't have.
  When these men and women were initially deployed, no one imagined 
they would be gone for so long and so often. Some of them spent close 
to a year in Bosnia before being deployed to Iraq.
  The soldiers of the Minnesota National Guard performed their duties 
admirably. They knew their mission and I know from my personal 
experience with these men and women that they would always do more than 
what was asked of them.
  Today I also would also like to recognize the families of the 
Minnesota National Guard. They were not in harm's way, but they woke up 
every day worrying, not knowing what that day would bring for their 
loved ones. They didn't enlist, but they shared the daily effects of 
this war.
  I also want to thank the families of the fallen soldiers. These 
families have sacrificed more than anyone could have imagined. We thank 
you for giving us one of your own to defend this great Nation from its 
enemies and we honor all who believe that doing your duty is a noble 
act.
  I would like to enter for the Record the names of the Minnesota 
National Guard soldiers who lost their lives: Staff Sergeant David Day 
of Saint Louis Park, MN; First Lieutenant Jason Timmerman of Tracy, MN; 
Sergeant Jesse Lhotka of Alexandria, MN; Specialist Brent Koch of 
Morton, MN; Specialist Kyle Miller of Willmar, MN; Sergeant Joshua 
Hanson of Dent, MN; Specialist Bryan McDonough of Maplewood, MN; 
Specialist Corey Rystad of Red Lake Falls, MN; Sergeant James Wosika of 
Saint Paul, MN; Sergeant Greg Reiwer of Frazee, MN; and Sergeant Joshua 
Schmit of Willmar, MN.
  I ask my colleagues to remember these brave soldiers, their sacrifice 
on behalf of all of us, and the family they leave behind in Minnesota. 
You all will be missed but not forgotten.
  Once again, I congratulate the Minnesota National Guard and the first 
Brigade Combat team on a job well done and thank all the men and women 
who have served the State of Minnesota and the Nation as members of the 
Minnesota National Guard. We are thankful you are home.
  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 185, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. CASTOR. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

[[Page 26051]]



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