Honoring Alabama's Air National Guard

HONORING ALABAMA'S AIR NATIONAL GUARD

* Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the men and women of Alabama's Air National Guard.

* The men and women of Alabama's Air National Guard are most deserving of our commendation. In the hours following the terror attacks of September 11th, members of Alabama's Air National Guard mobilized to patrol the skies above major southern U.S. cities. For the next year, these brave men and women vigilantly maintained a watchful presence in the skies.

* Shortly after responding to that call of duty, Alabama's Air National Guard was again called up to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alabama's Air National Guard has taken a leading role in Iraq, with units completing up to three tours of duty. This high deployment level is a testament to the bravery and professional preparedness of the men and women of Alabama's Air National Guard, and confirms that Alabama's Air National Guard units are equipped with the necessary skills to meet the United States military's mission requirements in Iraq. This deployment also marked a significant first for Alabama's Air National Guard and the U.S. military; it was the first unit to ever use the GBU-38, commonly referred to as the ``Smart Bomb,' in combat. This very effective weapon, which minimizes collateral damage, was effectively employed by Alabama's Air National Guard in the Battle of Fallujah.

* Currently, members of Alabama's Air National Guard are deployed to Arizona and New Mexico as part of increased efforts to secure America's southern border. The highest levels of the U.S. military leadership have recognized and honored the service of Alabama's Air National Guard. The Guard has received numerous Flight Safety awards from the Air Force Air Combat Command and the Air National Guard for its safety record, and it has also been recognized by Air Combat Command and the 9th Air Force Inspector General for excellence during Operational Readiness Inspections and Unit Compliance Inspections over the last two decades.

* The dedication of the men and women of Alabama's Air National Guard, as well as the vision and leadership of the officers in charge, has brought honor to the Guard, their fellow Alabamians, and fellow Americans. They and their families have sacrificed a great deal.

* It is an honor for me to rise today and recognize the brave men and women of America's armed forces, and in particular, the brave men and women of Alabama's Air National Guard. May their dedication to the cause of freedom be an example to their families, friends, neighbors, and citizens throughout Alabama and across the United States of America.

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