[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 21]
[Senate]
[Pages 28820-28821]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING THE 169TH FIGHTER WING

 Mr. DeMINT. Madam President, Senator Graham joins me today to 
congratulate the men and women of the

[[Page 28821]]

169th Fighter Wing stationed at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, SC, 
for their outstanding service in defending our Nation and for their 
great achievements at the 2009 Falcon Air Meet.
  It has been 8 years since the attacks of 9/11 and the record of 
continuous operations for the 169th is an inspiration to us all. 
Shortly after the attacks, McEntire personnel deployed to Southwest 
Asia, directly participating in combat operations in support of 
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, pounding al-Qaida and Taliban insurgents. 
Later, the 169th FW mobilized and deployed as part of what became 
Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. The Swamp Foxes flew more than 400 combat 
missions, performing the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission and 
flying numerous precision bombing missions over Iraq.
  However, when the 169th isn't defending freedom, they are winning 
awards and bringing home trophies. We are especially proud of the 
169th's accomplishments at the 2009 Falcon Air Meet, a multinational F-
16 competition. The Swamp Foxes represented the United States against 
other Nation's fighter crews. They finished first in four of five 
competition categories, earning the Large Force Employment Trophy, 
Scramble Launch and Intercept Competition, Weapons Load Competition, 
Top Overall Maintenance Award, and was recognized with the Top Overall 
Competition Award. These are impressive achievements that bring great 
credit upon the 169th.
  On behalf of the people of the State of South Carolina and our great 
country, Senator Graham and I want to salute the outstanding work of 
the 169th.
  We are amazed by their stories, and humbled by the immense burdens 
they have shouldered. Their dedication, and their families' sacrifices 
are an inspiration, and our country owes them a debt of gratitude for 
their patriotic service.

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