[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 29738]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE TENNESSEE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD'S 278TH 
                        ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 7, 2009

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, two days ago, thousands of Tennessee's 
finest men and women boarded buses and began the first leg of a long 
journey that will eventually lead them to the other side of the globe. 
Tennessee's largest National Guard unit, the 278th Armored Cavalry 
Regiment, has received its orders and begun its deployment--first to 
Camp Shelby, MS, and then on to Iraq.
  The 278th has proven itself to be an essential part of our Nation's 
Army. Without the citizen-soldiers that make up today's National Guard, 
our ability to defend ourselves and our allies would be severely 
diminished. A long deployment is very difficult, however, and for many 
of these soldiers this is not their first deployment. I hope these 
soldiers know how valuable, essential, and honored their service to our 
country is.
  I specifically think today of Troop A, 278th Support Squadron, based 
in Lobelville, Tennessee. These fine men and women were appropriately 
honored by their community on December 4, and I know will fulfill the 
high expectations placed upon them by their commanders and perform 
admirably.
  I ask my colleagues to lift up the 278th ACR in prayer, to honor the 
sacrifice their service represents, and support their families in every 
way possible.

                          ____________________