[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 15156]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       MARSHALL LEGACY INSTITUTE

  Mr. REED. Madam President, I want to recognize the work of the 
Marshall Legacy Institute, MLI, and extend my congratulations on its 
16th anniversary. While serving as Secretary of State, GEN George C. 
Marshall devised a plan to rebuild Europe after the devastation of 
World War II. Founded in 1997 on the 50th anniversary of the plan that 
bears General Marshall's name, the MLI's goal is to extend the plan's 
legacy by helping rebuild today's war torn countries.
  Over the past 16 years, the MLI has focused on assisting severely 
mine-contaminated countries, like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, and 
Afghanistan, by clearing mines, offering survivors' assistance 
programs, and providing educational outreach to children. This work is 
vital to civilians who, when they are finally able to return to their 
homelands after war, often face the unpredictable threat of landmines. 
It is also critical to protecting the brave men and women of our Armed 
Forces, who risk their lives every day to defend our country and often 
serve where landmines pose a significant threat to their safety.
  One such servicemember is PFC Barrett Austin, a combat engineer in 
the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat 
Team, 3rd Infantry Division who bravely served our country in 
Afghanistan, and who died on April 21, 2013, after his vehicle was 
struck by an improvised explosive device. Private First Class Austin's 
dedicated service, selflessness, and sacrifice were the qualities that 
General Marshall exemplified and valued. It is therefore fitting that 
the MLI pay tribute to this soldier through its Mine Detection Dog 
Partnership Program by naming a mine detection dog in his honor.
  I thank MLI for its 16 years of service, and for its continued 
efforts to make our world a safer place.

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