[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[House]
[Pages 24748-24750]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 81ST BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM OF THE WASHINGTON ARMY NATIONAL 
                                 GUARD

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 627) honoring the citizen-soldiers of 
the National Guard of the State of Washington, including the 81st 
Brigade Combat Team (Heavy) of the Washington Army National Guard, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 627

       Whereas the members of the Army National Guard and Air 
     National Guard of the State of Washington reside throughout 
     the State and come from various communities, backgrounds, and 
     professions;
       Whereas units and members of the Washington National Guard 
     have been deployed, and are continuously being deployed, in 
     support of United States military operations at home and 
     overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, and dozens of other countries;
       Whereas one such unit, the 81st Brigade Combat Team (Heavy) 
     of the Washington Army National Guard, is composed of 
     approximately 2,478 citizen-soldiers from throughout the 
     State of Washington, 843 soldiers from the California Army 
     National Guard, 80 soldiers from the Texas Army National 
     Guard, 38 soldiers from the Indiana Army National Guard, 23 
     soldiers from the Arkansas Army National Guard, 20 soldiers 
     from the United States Army Reserve, 13 soldiers from the 
     Montana Army National Guard, 2 soldiers from the Kentucky 
     Army National Guard, 2 soldiers from the Maryland Army 
     National Guard, and 1 soldier from each of the Alabama Army 
     National Guard, New Mexico Army National Guard, Virgin Island 
     Army National Guard, Wisconsin Army National Guard, Hawaii 
     Army National Guard, New York Army National Guard, Utah Army 
     National Guard, Minnesota Army National Guard, Massachusetts 
     Army National Guard, Illinois Army National Guard, and 
     Michigan Army National Guard;
       Whereas the 81st Brigade Combat Team was placed on Federal 
     active duty for a second overseas mobilization on August 18, 
     2008, and deployed to Iraq in October 2008;
       Whereas, during the deployment of the 81st Brigade Combat 
     Team in Iraq, the brigade was primarily engaged in convoy 
     security, force protection, provincial reconstruction, and 
     base operations missions; and
       Whereas the 81st Brigade Combat Team returned to the United 
     States and demobilized in August 2009, upon completion of one 
     year of service in support of military operations in Iraq: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) expresses its gratitude to the members of the Army 
     National Guard and Air National Guard of the State of 
     Washington and their families for their service and sacrifice 
     on behalf of the United States;
       (2) commends the members of the 81st Brigade Combat Team 
     (Heavy) from the Washington Army National Guard, the Army 
     Reserve, and the other State National Guards specified in the 
     preamble on the completion of their most-recent deployment in 
     Iraq; and
       (3) recognizes the achievements of the members of the 81st 
     Brigade Combat Team, and all other formerly and presently 
     deployed Washington Army and Air National Guard units and 
     members, for their exemplary service.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Washington (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Shuster) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. 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 Washington?
  There was no objection.

                              {time}  1115

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as 
I may consume.
  I rise today to pay tribute to the men and women of the Washington 
National Guard, including the members of the 81st Brigade Combat Team, 
who recently returned from an overseas deployment in Iraq.
  I want to thank the entire Washington State delegation, who have all 
cosponsored this resolution in honoring this unit for their service to 
our State and to our country.
  Throughout the Nation, hundreds of thousands of men and women in the 
Guard and Reserves serve our country. Over the last 8 years, we have 
asked more of them than anybody could have possibly imagined, and every 
single time, they have answered that call at great personal sacrifice. 
These are men and women who have lives, they have other jobs, they have 
families, and it is highly unpredictable when they are going to be 
called up and asked to serve, and yet they always respond.
  It is critical to the safety and security of our country that they do 
this. They do it with great courage and dedication, and they honor our 
country by their service.
  In my home State, various elements of the Washington National Guard 
have been deployed over that time period overseas in Iraq and 
Afghanistan, but also we must remember that the Guard and Reserves 
serve us here at home as well. We have had numerous emergencies in the 
State of Washington during that time period on which the Guard and 
Reserves have helped us out. As well, we have had them deployed across 
the country in places like Louisiana. When Hurricane Katrina hit, they 
were called upon to do that. Their service continues for all of us in 
the State and across the country.
  Most recently, the 81st Brigade Combat Team, led by Colonel Ronald 
Kapral and Command Sergeant Major Robert Sweeney, just completed their 
second 12-month deployment to Iraq. The brigade primarily engaged in 
convoy security, force protection, provincial reconstruction, and base 
operations missions around Iraq during their yearlong deployment.
  They made our State proud during this service, as they have during 
all of their previous deployments. Again, this is done at no small 
sacrifice both by the individual members of our Army National Guard and 
also by their families, who have to deal with the disruption.
  One of the most important things we can do in our State and across 
the country is to always support the families when the men and women 
are deployed, and to let them know that they are not alone in their 
service.
  Their deployment was highly successful, honored by all who watched 
them serve. Tragically, one member of the team died during the course 
of his service. Specialist Samuel Stone, of Port Orchard, was killed on 
May 30, 2009. We all honor his loss and his service, and I ask that we 
keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
  The National Guard serves our State and our country in ways that most 
of us are unaware of, but it is absolutely critical to the security of 
our country. With our all-volunteer force, it simply could not function 
without men and women who are willing to take on this dual 
responsibility to continue in their civilian lives and who are also 
making themselves available for service whenever they are called, and 
they do not know when that is going to be.
  As I said, it can be from the Governor in the State or across our 
country, or as has happened most recently, overseas deployments can 
come up when they are asked by our Federal Government to serve our 
Nation. Yet they are always ready, and they always respond, and they 
have served our Nation in a way that should make us all proud.
  We literally could not have the national security we have in this 
country without their willingness to serve, and I thank the 81st 
Brigade Combat Team for their service on this most recent deployment, 
and I thank all those in the Washington National Guard who have served 
and who, today, stand ready to continue to serve. We honor their 
service. We thank them.
  Again, I want to thank my colleagues in the Washington State 
delegation for unanimously signing onto this resolution honoring their 
service.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHUSTER. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

[[Page 24749]]

  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support and as a cosponsor of House 
Resolution 627, which does recognize the service and sacrifices of 
members of the 81st Brigade Combat Team, Washington Army National 
Guard, during the unit's recent tour of duty in Iraq.
  I want to commend Representative Smith for putting forth this 
legislation. The 81st Brigade came home in August, having successfully 
completed its second overseas rotation. While in Iraq, its men and 
women performed admirably in a range of missions that included convoy 
security, force protection, provincial reconstruction, and base 
operations support.
  The 3,500 remarkable men and women who comprised the brigade combat 
team came not only from the Washington State Army National Guard but 
from around the country, which is so typical of our Guard units today. 
That so many citizen soldiers came from so many different locations and 
different walks of life and operated so successfully is a tribute not 
only to the patriotism and to the commitment of those men and women but 
also to their professionalism, adaptability and leadership.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution that expresses 
the House's gratitude to the 81st Brigade Combat Team for their service 
to our Nation. It commends them upon the completion of their most 
recent deployment, and it recognizes their achievements.
  With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Baird).
  Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution 
and, most importantly, in strong support of the men and women of the 
81st Brigade and of our entire National Guard, not only in Washington 
State but across the Nation.
  These brave men and women have served our country multiple times, as 
my colleagues have said, not just in times of war but in times of 
peace. We have had catastrophic flooding in my district a number of 
times, and the National Guard has always been there to respond to that 
call. It has been my great privilege to join our National Guard during 
their training in Yakima, during deployment ceremonies here Stateside, 
at Camp McCoy, then again in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and back home.
  I will tell you, as we all know, they make us proud every single day. 
They are truly the finest that America has to offer, and it is their 
example of courage, professionalism, integrity, and compassion more 
than anything else, in addition to their combat and civilian skills, 
which help them successfully complete their mission at home.
  I want to particularly congratulate General Timothy Lowenberg, who 
has been an outstanding leader of the Guard, again during both war and 
peacetime; Colonel Sabatini, whom I met with this last week on a 
homecoming visit with the troops; and Daniel Kern, who served in 
Afghanistan while many of the other Guardsmen were in Iraq.
  Particularly, I want to thank the families. As Congressman Smith 
mentioned, the families serve as well. While their loved ones are 
overseas and are in harm's way, it is the families back home--the moms 
and dads, the brothers and sisters, and the children--who keep the home 
fires burning, and we must not forget them.
  In knowing the fact that our unit is back home, we must keep in our 
hearts all those who are still deployed and who have been deployed.
  I also want to mention the employers. Employer support of the Guard 
and Reserves is an incredibly important organization. They make sure 
that, when our men and women are deployed overseas, they have a chance 
to come home and resume their employment. Also, there are the educators 
who are helping people. There are our community colleges and 
universities and our vocational and technical education schools, which 
are helping retrain our soldiers when they come home.
  Most importantly, I think it's essential that we acknowledge that 
Iraq is a better place because of the service of these men and women. 
Afghanistan is a better place. Our country is a better place, and we 
are grateful, and we cannot express in words our profound respect and 
gratitude.
  I thank the gentleman for introducing the resolution.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as 
I may consume just to offer closing remarks.
  I want to thank Congressman Baird for his very well-expressed remarks 
and Congressman Shuster for his support as well. I urge us to support 
this resolution honoring the 81st Brigade Combat Team for their service 
in Iraq. I think we also need to remember, as we go forward in a number 
of policy areas, the support that we need to show for the Guard and 
Reserves and for their families, whether we're talking about dealing 
with their retirement issues, with the GI Bill, as Congressman Baird 
mentioned, with the ability to retrain and to give more service to the 
men and women who serve in the Guard and Reserves--anything we can do 
to support them and make it easier and more possible for them to 
continue to serve and, as Brian mentioned, to make sure that their 
employers continue to employ them and to work with them.
  We need to do this in this House as we work not just on these 
resolutions but on the legislation that offers the support that is so 
critical to the men and women who serve in the Guard and Reserves and 
to their families.
  With that, I urge passage.
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my strong support for H. 
Res. 627, legislation I co-sponsored honoring the citizen soldiers of 
the National Guard of the State of Washington, including the 81st 
Brigade Combat Team of the Washington Army National Guard.
  The National Guard plays a vital role in the defense of our 
communities and country. When we need them, they are always there, 
whether it be responding to a natural disaster at home or deploying to 
a combat zone overseas. The men and women of the Washington National 
Guard are our friends and neighbors, and their dedication and 
patriotism make us all very proud every time they put on the uniform.
  More than 11,000 Washington State citizen soldiers have answered the 
call to duty since 9/11, including the 81st Brigade Combat Team that 
recently returned home from a mission in Iraq. Tragically, Specialist 
Samuel Stone, of Port Orchard, Washington, was killed during the 
deployment.
  Outside my office in the Longworth House Office Building I have 
placed pictures of all the soldiers from the State of Washington who 
have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Every day, visitors coming to or 
passing by the 7th Congressional District Office stop and look at the 
faces of the fallen. In so doing, we honor those who have died in 
service to their country and consider the consequences of sending 
soldiers off to war.
  We are proud of the men and women of the Washington National Guard 
who willingly place themselves in harm's way to protect our lives, 
property and country. They deserve public recognition and our heartfelt 
thanks. I think of H. Res. 627 as a medal awarded to every citizen 
soldier for service above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you on 
behalf of a grateful State and Nation.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H. Res. 627, a resolution honoring Washington's National Guard, and 
specifically the members of the 81st Brigade Combat Team. The brave men 
and women of the Army National Guard who make up the members of the 
81st Brigade recently returned to Washington after a one-year 
deployment to Iraq where they served with honor, valor and distinction.
  The 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team is headquartered in Seattle, and 
is comprised of units from all over our state filling its ranks. 
Deploying to Iraq in August of 2008, this Brigade spent the next year 
in support of the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom and our efforts to 
protect America and promote freedom and security in the Middle East. 
During their time in Iraq, the members of the Brigade were most 
frequently tasked with convoy security, force protection, provincial 
reconstruction and base operations.
  Many members of the 81st Brigade live in Central Washington, with 
units headquartered in Pasco, Yakima and Moses Lake within my district. 
These soldiers are also members of our local communities. They are 
husbands and wives, small business owners, lawyers, and farmers. Not 
only do they fight to protect

[[Page 24750]]

our freedoms overseas, but they also work every day for a brighter 
future back home.
  The deployment of combat troops does not just affect those serving in 
Iraq, however. I must also recognize the support and sacrifice of the 
families of these brave soldiers. The patient and steadfast support of 
all the wives, husbands, mothers, fathers and children should be 
applauded; I send my thanks to each and every one of them today.
  Our community and the entire nation are proud of these brave men and 
women, and we are glad to see them home safely. Soldier-citizens who 
voluntarily make such a tremendous sacrifice are what have kept our 
nation safe, free and strong for over 200 years. The work performed in 
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom is important--requiring personal 
commitment and sacrifice. Your service to our country will not be 
forgotten.
  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
return home of the 81st Brigade.
  In August 2008, it was a cloudy day in Eastern Washington when our 
community said goodbye to the men and women serving in the 81st 
Brigade. These citizen soldiers volunteered to serve a year in Iraq. 
The day they departed, we all had tears in our eyes. However, I also 
saw in every mother, father, wife, husband, and friend how proud they 
were of their soldier. I am grateful for the uncommon commitment as a 
``citizen soldier'' leaving not only family and friends, but putting 
your job and perhaps educational goals on hold.
  I also want to applaud the families of the 81st Brigade. More often 
than not, as soon as a servicemember deploys, the spouse is faced with 
an unforeseen obstacle like their brand new car needing to go back to 
the shop or the refrigerator deciding not to work. The families of the 
81st Brigade have much catching up to do. They will have a Thanksgiving 
to celebrate, Christmas presents to open, birthday candles to blow out, 
Easter eggs to hunt and many, many kisses and hugs to share.
  The operations we face in Iraq and Afghanistan have now lasted longer 
than World War II. In the last five years our nation has tasked every 
branch of the military and every component; active duty, National Guard 
and Reserve. Each has responded admirably and consistently. Our 
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines are a vital part of that 
critical response in keeping America safe. We could not protect our 
nation if it were not for what each of them bring to the fight.
  Mr. Speaker, the 81st Brigade recently returned on a sunny day back 
to Washington State. I am proud to welcome them home and congratulate 
them on a job well done.
  Mr. SMITH of Washington. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 627, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________