Honoring Alabama's Army National Guard

HONORING ALABAMA'S ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

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

* Alabama has distinguished itself by having sent more Army National Guard troops to Iraq and Afghanistan than any other State except Texas since September 11, 2001. As of December 2006, a total of 7,068 men and women have been deployed to these two fronts: 6,281 Alabama Army National Guard troops to Iraq and 787 to Afghanistan.

* The men and women of Alabama's Army National Guard should not simply be commended for their bravery, but for their dedication and commitment to the cause of freedom. Alabama's Army National Guard continues to distinguish itself through brave and honorable service, which is evident from the numerous awards and decorations conferred upon many units of Alabama's Army National Guard. These high deployment levels confirm that Alabama's Army National Guard units are equipped with the necessary skills to meet the United States military's mission requirements in Afghanistan and Iraq.

* The dedication of the men and women of Alabama's Army 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 much, while some have paid the ultimate price ensuring our freedom. The diversity of units sent to Iraq and Afghanistan includes medical, engineering, water purification, military police, special forces transportation, and communication units. Currently, seven of Alabama's Army National Guard units are serving in Iraq, comprised of approximately 1,100 troops, and others around the State are on alert awaiting possible deployment.

* 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 Army 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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