Soldiers at Guantanamo Serve with Distinction

SOLDIERS AT GUANTANAMO SERVE WITH DISTINCTION -- (House of Representatives - June 28, 2005)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this weekend I joined a bipartisan delegation to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba led by the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), House Committee on Armed Services chairman. We were all impressed by the professionals serving at Guantanamo and their commitment to maintaining a humane detention facility for hard core killers.

The patriotic U.S. soldiers protecting America's families are successors to the 132nd Military Police Company of the South Carolina Army National Guard. Commanded by Major Brian Pitts, the 132nd served with distinction from September, 2002, through September, 2003.

Upon their return, the media reported that Major Pitts summarized his service when he stated: ``Our goal was to treat the detainees well, and hope that if we were detained, that we would be treated as well.''

Guantanamo should be kept open as a symbol of America's resolve to win the war on terrorism. Ten released detainees have already resumed their horrific efforts to kill Americans, and further releases must be subject to administrative review.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.

http://thomas.loc.gov