DeLauro Tells Embarking National Guard Unit: You Will Build the Bridges to Democracy
Thursday, January 6, 2006
DeLauro Tells Embarking National Guard Unit: You Will Build the Bridges to Democracy
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today helped send off the 1st Battalion 102d Infantry unit of the Connecticut National Guard at a ceremony on the Yale campus. Over 500 Connecticut soldiers representing 135 Connecticut towns will be deployed January 7 for 3 weeks of training followed by a year-long deployment on the ground in Afghanistan. Among the duties of the infantry unit will be to build portable bridges.
"At this critical juncture in the war against terrorism, you are about to embark on the noblest of missions - to help the Afghan people continue to take their first steps toward democracy," DeLauro told the soldiers. "In so many ways, you are our ambassadors to their liberty and to their freedom. As you give of yourselves for the freedom and opportunity of others, we see in you the best of America - in your commitment, we see inspiration."
DeLauro also told the troops that they were not alone in the ongoing war.
"Know that your countrythose here in your state, your communities, your governmentare with you. Know that we will supply you with the equipment, resources, and support you need to complete your mission there and safely return to civilian life," said DeLauro. "And know that we will be there for your families - each of whom share in your sacrifice. Because standing by our troops and honoring those who look out for us - that is not only what community is all about, it is also what our values tell us is right. And we will act on those values."
Major General Thaddeus Martin and Lieutenant Colonial John Whitford of the Connecticut National Guard were also on hand to send off the soldiers as were Governor Jodi Rell and Congressman Rob Simmons.
http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2006/January/Guard_deployment_1_6_06.html