[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6701]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE RESOLUTION 459--COMMENDING THE 1ST STRYKER BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, 
     25TH INFANTRY DIVISION UPON ITS COMPLETION OF A DEPLOYMENT TO 
          AFGHANISTAN IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

  Mr. BEGICH (for himself and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services:

                              S. Res. 459

       Whereas the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry 
     Division, known as the ``Arctic Wolves'', is headquartered in 
     Fort Wainwright, Alaska and is made up of approximately 4,300 
     selfless, brave, and dedicated soldiers;
       Whereas the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry 
     Division has a distinguished history of service to the United 
     States, beginning with World War I and continuing through 
     Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom;
       Whereas the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry 
     Division most recently departed for Afghanistan in April 
     2011, following 2 deployments in support of Operation Iraqi 
     Freedom;
       Whereas, while deployed in Afghanistan, the 1st Stryker 
     Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division conducted more 
     than 60 named operations in Zabul Province and Southern 
     Kandahar Province;
       Whereas, while deployed in Afghanistan, the 1st Stryker 
     Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division conducted more 
     than 7,500 patrols;
       Whereas, while deployed in Afghanistan, the 1st Stryker 
     Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division cleared more than 
     600 improvised explosive devices and more than 9,300 pounds 
     of explosives;
       Whereas 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry 
     Division members Specialist James R. Burnett, Jr., Private 
     Danny Chen, Private First Class Matthew C. Colin, Specialist 
     Ryan J. Cook, Private First Class Douglas L. Cordo, First 
     Sergeant Kenneth B. Elwell, Specialist Douglas J. Green, 
     Private First Class Ryan J. Larson, Specialist Christophe 
     Jean Claude Marquis, Sergeant First Class Johnathan B. 
     McCain, Specialist Bradley L. Melton, Private First Class 
     Brandon S. Mullins, Private First Class Dustin P. Napier, 
     Specialist Calvin M. Pereda, Private First Class Cheizray 
     Pressley, Sergeant Rodolfo Rodriguez, Jr., Sergeant Timothy 
     D. Sayne, Sergeant Jeffrey C. S. Sherer, Private First Class 
     Tyler M. Springmann, Private Lamarol J. Tucker, and Private 
     First Class Brett E. Wood gave the ultimate sacrifice for 
     their country in support of the mission in Afghanistan;
       Whereas the members of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 
     25th Infantry Division are now returning to Alaska to their 
     proud families and to an appreciative and admiring country;
       Whereas the strength and unflinching support of the 
     families of the members of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat 
     Team, 25th Infantry Division have made the United States as 
     strong as it is today; and
       Whereas the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry 
     Division has served with courage, compassion, and 
     selflessness, and has earned the respect of not only 
     Alaskans, but of all people of the United States: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) commends the members of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat 
     Team, 25th Infantry Division for their exemplary service to 
     the United States and the completion of their first 
     deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and
       (2) recognizes the service and sacrifice of the members of 
     the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division 
     and their families.

  Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I rise to commend the members of the 1st 
Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division from Fort 
Wainwright, AK upon completion of their deployment to Afghanistan in 
support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I am pleased to offer a 
resolution with Senator Lisa Murkowski to recognize the service of 
these Arctic Wolves and honor the 21 brave soldiers who made the 
ultimate sacrifice for the Nation.
  Deployed to Kandahar, one of the most volatile areas of Afghanistan, 
the 1/25 SBCT conducted more than 7,500 patrols and over 60 named 
operations. They made significant gains against insurgents in the 
Southern region. Our nation will forever be grateful to them and we 
will never forget those who perished or were wounded during their tour.
  We must also never forget Private Danny Chen. While the actions of 
those involved in the maltreatment of Private Chen are not a reflection 
of the honorable service of thousands of others in the brigade, abuse 
and hazing of another individual must never be tolerated under any 
circumstances. Private Chen was a son, he was a friend, he was a 
soldier. He will be remembered.
  I also want to thank the families of the Arctic Wolves for their 
service and sacrifice. The support of their loved ones gives strength 
to our military.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking the Arctic Wolves and 
their families for the sacrifices they make every day on behalf of our 
country.

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