[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 17351-17353]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING THE MEMBERS OF THE NEVADA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AND AIR 
                             NATIONAL GUARD

  Mr. ELLSWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 358) commending the members of 
the Nevada Army National Guard and Air National Guard for their service 
to the State of Nevada and the United States, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 358

       Whereas since May 2003, more than 1,600 members of the 
     Nevada Army and Air National Guard have been mobilized and 
     deployed to or in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and 
     Operation Enduring Freedom;
       Whereas since May 2003, more than 1,500 residents of Nevada 
     have been mobilized and deployed to or in support of 
     Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as 
     members of the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, 
     Marine Corps Reserve, and Coast Guard Reserve;
       Whereas those deployments have been marked by the 
     dedicated, unselfish, and professional service and commitment 
     of the members of the reserve components so deployed, as well 
     as by their personal sacrifices;
       Whereas members of the 1st Battalion, 221st Cavalry, based 
     in Las Vegas, Nevada, deployed to Fort Irwin, California, 
     from July 2004 to July 2006, and to Iraq from May 2006 to 
     July 2007;
       Whereas members of the 321st Signal Company, based in Reno, 
     Nevada, deployed to Kuwait and Iraq from November 2003 to 
     March 2005;
       Whereas members of the 777th Engineer Company, based in 
     Henderson, Nevada, deployed to Kuwait from March 2003 to May 
     2004;
       Whereas members of the 1864th Transportation Company, based 
     in Henderson, Nevada, deployed to Kuwait and Iraq from 
     November 2004 to November 2005;
       Whereas members of D Company, 113th Aviation, based in 
     Stead, Nevada, deployed to Afghanistan from March 2005 to 
     June 2006;
       Whereas members of Detachment 45, Operational Support 
     Airlift, based in Stead, Nevada, deployed to Kuwait from 
     February 2005 to October 2005;
       Whereas members of the 593rd Transportation Company, based 
     in Stead, Nevada, deployed to Iraq from July 2006 to October 
     2007;
       Whereas members of the 140th Military Police Detachment, 
     based in Henderson, Nevada, deployed to Iraq from February 
     2008 to April 2008;
       Whereas members of the 152nd Airlift Wing and 152nd 
     Intelligence Squadron based in

[[Page 17352]]

     Reno, Nevada, deployed to Iraq from September 2005 to 
     September 2006, and again from February 2007 to March 2008;
       Whereas members of the 192nd Airlift Squadron and 152nd 
     Maintenance Squadron, based in Reno, Nevada, deployed to 
     Puerto Rico from July 2005 to October 2005;
       Whereas members of the 232nd Operations Squadron, based in 
     Las Vegas, Nevada, are currently deployed in ongoing 
     operations in Afghanistan and Iraq: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress commends the members of the Army 
     National Guard, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy 
     Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air Force Reserve, and Coast 
     Guard Reserve from the State of Nevada for their dedicated, 
     unselfish, and professional service, commitment, and 
     sacrifices to the State of Nevada and the United States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Ellsworth) and the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Drake) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Indiana.


                             General Leave

  Mr. ELLSWORTH. 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 
gentleman from Indiana?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ELLSWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I consume.
  I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 358 which commends 
the members of the Nevada Reserve components for their service to the 
State of Nevada and the United States of America.
  More than 1,600 brave members of Nevada's Army and Army Air National 
Guard have been deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and 
Operation Enduring Freedom since May of 2003. In addition, more than 
1,500 Nevada residents have been mobilized as members of the Army 
Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, and 
Coast Guard Reserve. The courageous servicemen and women of Nevada come 
closest to embodying the motto of their great State, ``All for our 
country.''
  These heroes risk their lives and make tremendous personal sacrifices 
to protect our Nation and our freedom. Many have served extended tours 
of duty in active combat zones or provided invaluable support to our 
forces abroad. Beyond their military role, these men and women assume a 
myriad of responsibilities on behalf of our communities. From fighting 
wildfires to civic support, from drug enforcement, to search and 
rescue, it is their dedication and professionalism which we honor 
today.
  Take the members of 1st Battalion, 221st Cavalry, operating out of 
Las Vegas, who added a distinguished new chapter to their unit's rich 
history--dating back to the early days of the Nevada Territory--with 
their service in Iraq from May 2006 to July 2007. Or consider the 
invaluable support of the men and women of the 321st Signal Company, 
based in Reno, who operated and maintained crucial digital 
communications equipment during their deployment to Kuwait and Iraq 
from December of 2003 to March of 2005. We honor them.
  Consider the 777th Engineer Company, deployed to Kuwait from May of 
2003 to 2004, and the 1864th Transportation Company, deployed to Kuwait 
from July 2004 to November 2005. We pay tribute to D Company, 113th 
Aviation, who brought their experience of desert conditions in the 
Sierra Nevada to their trials in Afghanistan from January of 2005 to 
June of 2006, and to Detachment 45, Operational Support Airlift, 
deployed to Kuwait from February to October 2005.
  We thank the members of the 593rd Transportation Company out of 
Stead, Nevada, who braved IEDs and ambushes in Iraq from July 2006 to 
October 2007. They were joined in Iraq by the men and women of the 
140th Military Police Detachment, based in Henderson, Nevada, who 
deployed from February to April, 2008. Much needed support was provided 
by the 152nd Airlift Wing and 152nd Intelligence Squadron, deployed to 
Iraq from September of 2005 to 2006, and again from February 2007 to 
March 2008. And, finally, the members of the 232nd Operations Squadron, 
based in Las Vegas, Nevada, who are currently deployed as part of 
ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  These brave men and women have answered the call of their country, 
their State, and their community with honor, bravery, and great skill. 
Their sacrifices, through extended and repeated deployments far from 
families and loved ones, deserve our highest respect and our deepest 
gratitude.
  I therefore trust you shall join me in support of this resolution, a 
small token of our heartfelt thanks.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 358, as amended, which recognizes the National Guard and 
Reserve members from Nevada for their extraordinary service, not only 
to their State but also to this country.
  I want to thank my fellow Republican, Mr. Heller of Nevada, for 
introducing this resolution. All of America should be proud of what the 
citizen soldiers of Nevada have accomplished while mobilized and 
deployed for or in support of the war on terror. Since 2003, more than 
3,100 people from the Nevada National Guard and Reserves have performed 
above and beyond the call of duty in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and 
Operation Enduring Freedom. They have served in combatant support roles 
putting their lives on hold while serving the country they swore to 
protect. They temporarily left their families and jobs behind to 
support the needs of the country, and they should be recognized and 
thanked for their sacrifice.
  I would also like to thank the families of these brave men and women, 
for they become military families when this country needs them the 
most. They provide essential support to those National Guard and 
Reserve men and women. For that, we are forever grateful.
  Since the earliest days of this great Nation, we have required a 
strong military, a military that is ready and willing to protect the 
Nation's interests. The Nevada Army National Guard and Reserves are 
essential to that strong military. They have always acted gallantly 
when called upon in any situation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent 
Resolution 358 and pay respects to the brave men and women of the State 
of Nevada.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ELLSWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to my good friend and 
colleague, a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, who I know is 
very proud of Nevada's Reserve components, the gentlelady from Nevada 
(Ms. Berkley).
  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, Congressman 
Ellsworth, for giving me a few moments of his time in order to sing the 
praises of Nevada's National Guard. I particularly want to thank my 
colleague from Nevada, Dean Heller, for having the good sense and good 
taste to introduce this resolution honoring our National Guard. I am 
very grateful to him for that.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution and in deep 
gratitude to the members of the Nevada National Guard who have made so 
many sacrifices to serve our country and my home State of Nevada.
  Since 9/11, more than 1,850 of our soldiers have mobilized to support 
the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. That's 64 percent of our Nevada 
Guardsmen deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. As we speak, 263 Nevada 
National Guard members are serving on active duty in support of a 
number of operations around the world, with 136 of them currently 
serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  These brave men and women have had to endure years of separation in 
long and difficult tours of duty overseas. Their service takes an 
enormous toll on them and their families, and this resolution is just a 
small token of our appreciation. Some of them have

[[Page 17353]]

made the ultimate sacrifice, and for that we will forever be in their 
debt and the debt of their loved ones.
  I want to highlight the actions of just one of these brave soldiers. 
Specialist Douglas Pierce of the 221st Cavalry was recently presented 
the Army Commendation Medal with Valor for his actions in Iraq on June 
3, 2007. Specialist Pierce was providing escort security when his 
convoy came under attack. After escorting the convoy out of danger, 
Pierce returned to the area under enemy fire to provide medical aid to 
wounded soldiers. He didn't have to go back into the area, but because 
of his brave action, one of the soldiers he assisted is alive today and 
recovering at Walter Reed Hospital.
  I am also proud that this Congress is giving back to those like 
Specialist Pierce who have served our country so bravely. We recently 
updated the GI Bill for the 21st century, increasing education benefits 
for those who have served since 9/11, including reservists and members 
of our National Guard. We have once again restored our promise to our 
veterans by guaranteeing a 4-year education for those returning from 
Iraq and Afghanistan and providing members of the National Guard with 
the tools they need to succeed in the workplace. And, at long last, we 
have finally given the same benefits to our National Guardsmen as we 
have long provided the rest of our Armed Forces.
  Mr. Speaker, the debt we owe to our soldiers can never be fully 
repaid, but I hope this Congress, and I'm confident that this Congress, 
will continue to support them as much as we possibly can.
  I urge support for this resolution. Before I yield back, I want to 
thank my colleague from Nevada once again, Mr. Heller, for introducing 
this resolution. I appreciate it, and I know the Guardsmen and their 
families do as well.
  Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Heller).
  Mr. HELLER of Nevada. I want to express my appreciation to the 
gentlewoman from Virginia for yielding time and thank her for her kind 
remarks and also to my colleagues from Indiana and, of course, from 
southern Nevada (Ms. Berkley) for the remarks that she made. Thank you 
very much.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to honor and thank the members of 
the Nevada Army National Guard, Air National Guard and the members of 
the Nevada Reserve for their service to the State of Nevada and the 
United States. Members of the Nevada National Guard and Reserve serve 
our State and country with honor and distinction. Whether they are 
saving lives during natural disasters or protecting our country abroad, 
Nevadans and our Nation owe our Guardsmen and Reservists a debt of 
gratitude for their service. America must remain committed to our men 
and women overseas, and I pray for the safe return of every 
servicemember of the United States.
  Today I consider it a privilege to offer this resolution along with 
the Nevada House Delegation, Ms. Berkley and Mr. Porter, in order to 
honor some of Nevada's finest citizens.
  As we all know, the people who make the greatest sacrifices for our 
country are the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. Very often 
this means servicemembers are deployed for extended periods of time 
away from family, children, and friends, sometimes in hostile 
conditions. In addition, when members of the National Guard deploy, 
their families are not the only ones that are affected. Since our 
servicemembers live and work in their hometowns throughout Nevada, 
employers and communities are also affected by these deployments. I 
would like to recognize and thank those employers who have displayed 
patriotism by saving positions for returning servicemembers and 
supporting the servicemembers' families during this time.
  The Nevada National Guard is regarded as a technically and tactically 
proficient fighting force fully capable of seamlessly serving alongside 
active duty personnel. Nevada's Guardsmen and Reservists have bravely 
served both domestically and abroad in support of the global war on 
terrorism.
  The Nevada National Guard has experienced both triumphant and 
disappointing moments during the past few years. Most of the Nevada 
National Guard's wartime deployments have been in support of Operations 
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The Nevada National Guard has had 
the pleasure of welcoming hundreds of our airmen and soldiers home from 
worldwide deployments but also has had the sorrowful task of mourning 
the loss of three Army Guard combat casualties, the first casualties 
for the Nevada National Guard since World War II.
  At this time, I want to extend my deepest condolences to family 
members of Chief Warrant Officer John Flynn, Sergeant Patrick Stewart, 
and Specialist Anthony Cometa who lost their lives in defense of our 
country. Generations of Nevadans will enjoy greater peace and security 
because of the sacrifices of John, Patrick, and Anthony.
  Despite trying times, I am proud of the accomplishments of the Nevada 
Guard during the past 5 years. The Nevada National Guard pledges to 
fulfill its commitment to the citizens of the Silver State and the 
Nation in the same conscientious and professional manner they have 
maintained for nearly 150 years.
  I support all our men and women in uniform. From the Middle East to 
Fallon Naval Air Force Station and Nellis Air Force Base, our troops 
are doing an excellent job of protecting Americans from new threats. 
Recognizing the sacrifices our troops have made in the past and 
continue to make today is critical for every citizen.

                              {time}  2000

  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 358 and 
honor the bravery of America's best servicemembers.
  Mr. ELLSWORTH. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I have no further requests 
for time and am prepared to my close after my colleague has yielded 
back. I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DRAKE. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ELLSWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I would also yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Ellsworth) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 358, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.
  The title was amended so as to read: ``Concurrent resolution 
Commending the members of the Nevada Army and Air National Guard and 
the Nevada Reserve members of the Armed Forces for their dedicated, 
unselfish, and professional service, commitment, and sacrifices to the 
State of Nevada and the United States during more than five years of 
deployments to and in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation 
Enduring Freedom.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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