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For video of Rep. Young’s floor remarks click here

A Resolution Commending the Alaska Army National Guard for its service to the State of Alaska and the citizens of the United States (H.Res.961), sponsored by Alaskan Congressman Don Young, passed the House this afternoon.

Congressman Young’s remarks as prepared:

"I rise today to honor the Alaska Army National guard and the 586 members of the Alaska Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry who returned in October from their year long deployment to Southern Iraq and Kuwait, in the largest deployment of the Alaska National Guard since World War II.

"The 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry was deployed from October 2006 to October 2007 and spent the year as security forces in northern Kuwait and southern Iraq, successfully guarding camps and convoys heading into Iraq.

"The guardsmen came from all over my state, with members of the unit hailing from 80 different communities across Alaska, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kodiak, Soldotna, Kenai, Nome and many Native villages. Thankfully, all 586 who deployed overseas, were able to return safely to those communities.

"Many of these Alaskans had never ventured Outside prior to mobilizing, and the climate in the Middle East could not be more different from that of Alaska, but not one hesitated to serve their country, even if it meant facing temperatures of 130 degrees.

"They served with distinction as well, inspecting and searching over 30,000 semi-trucks and designing all of the force protection plans for northern Kuwait. They were recognized for their service, earning 3 Bronze Stars, 12 Meritorious Service Medals, 142 Army commendations and more than 200 Army Achievement Medals over the course of their deployment.

"I was honored to be invited to their Welcome Home celebration at Camp Shelby in Mississippi this past October. I was humbled to spend time with them and, as I told the National Guardsmen at Camp Shelby, "You can’t support the troops unless you respect them.  I humbly respect you because you have done your job as you were charged to do so, and as volunteers.  You left your families and you went forth and accomplished what you were taught to do."

"I truly believe that the importance of the National Guard to our country cannot be overstated, which is why it is important that we honor these citizen-soldiers. We must not, however, forget the families of these citizens-soldiers, who make their own sacrifice for our country and earn nothing but the thanks of the Republic.

"And so I respectfully urge the House to pass this resolution, to thank those citizen-soldiers from Alaska and to thank their families. It is the greatness of these citizens from which America derives its own and we would all do well to remember that.

"Finally, I would like to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that cosponsored this resolution."

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