[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 17119]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO SOUTH DAKOTA NATIONAL GUARD

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today, on the 
376th birthday of the National Guard, I wish to honor all those who 
have served in the National Guard and to pay tribute to the South 
Dakota National Guard, which this year celebrates its 150th 
anniversary. The South Dakota National Guard has served in every major 
American conflict since the Civil War, in addition to helping countless 
communities recover from natural disasters and other emergencies. This 
June, South Dakotans participated in celebrations across the State to 
commemorate the Guard's important milestone.
  The history of the South Dakota National Guard dates back to the 
early days of the Dakota Territory. On January 27, 1862, the Guard 
first formed in Yankton, SD, to protect settlers in the fledgling 
territory. Since that time, the South Dakota National Guard has served 
our Nation in every major conflict, sending units to the Spanish-
American War, World Wars I and II, and Operations Just Cause and Desert 
Storm. The Guard has also been called to aid in our country's military 
efforts during the Mexican border conflict, the Korean war, the Vietnam 
war, and peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Kosovo.
  Since the attacks of September 11, over 8,000 South Dakota guardsmen 
have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we honor the service of those 
guardsmen who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. As 
the father of a soldier in the National Guard, I personally understand 
the sacrifices these service members make and the burdens placed on 
their families during deployments. I know our entire Nation shares in 
my gratitude for their service.
  When disaster strikes, the South Dakota National Guard comes to the 
aid of our State and Nation. Throughout its history, the men and women 
of our Guard have battled floods, fires, blizzards, tornadoes, and a 
host of other disasters. Last year, when flooding from the Missouri 
River threatened communities along its banks, guardsmen were there to 
shore up levees, pile sandbags, and help citizens prepare for the 
worst. When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated states along the 
gulf coast, units from the South Dakota National Guard were deployed to 
help the region recover.
  The Guard personnel from the Mount Rushmore State represent the best 
South Dakota has to offer. They have consistently served our State and 
country with resolve, compassion, and honor. On the occasion of the 
South Dakota Guard's 150th anniversary observance, please join me in 
commending Guard personnel for their great service, both to the 
citizens of South Dakota as well as to the Nation. I applaud their 
willingness to answer the call to duty.

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