New York National Guard

NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD

Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I thank both the chairman and the ranking member of the Finance Committee for allowing me to speak for 5 minutes on this issue.

I wish to take this opportunity to recognize the important and significant role that New York's 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry Regiment recently played in the rescue of Thomas Hamill, the civilian contractor held captive for 3 weeks in Iraq.

Seeing this unit in the area surrounding the farmhouse in which he was kept gave Mr. Hamill the courage to stand against his captors and escape to freedom. That is why I wish to recognize the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry Regiment today.

I know it must be of great comfort to Mr. Hamill's family and friends that when he first stepped in the light of freedom, he was greeted by these fine New Yorkers. This is what it is all about. A man from Mississippi escaping bravely, and there were New Yorkers. They are headquartered in Utica, NY, with companies in Whitehall, Morrisonville, Gloversville, Rome, and Glens Falls. The unit has served this country since 1898 at home and abroad, and there they were in exactly the right place at the right time to help Mr. Hamill.

The bottom line is that after the attacks on September 11, many of the men and women of the 2nd Battalion were activated and came to New York City to protect our citizens. They are aware, better than anyone else, that this war on terror is a war we must fight both at home and abroad, protecting us at home and protecting us abroad.

A full 11 of these National Guardsmen have such love for their fellow New Yorkers and for America that they are fighting in Iraq as new citizens, having been sworn in at a send-off celebration in February. The 2nd Battalion is fortunate to have guardsmen hailing from Africa, South America, the Ukraine, Japan, and across the world now serving as American citizens. What an extraordinary first act as an American to serve and protect the Iraqi people and lead Mr. Hamill to freedom.

Family, friends, and neighbors from Albany to New York City, from Westchester to Plattsburgh, Syracuse and Buffalo all gathered together at that send-off celebration to show their support and honor their bravery.

In the 2 months they have been in Iraq, these men and women have been serving under the leadership of LTC Mark Warnecke, having truly served their country in the true tradition of the National Guard. Today I recognize the efforts of the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry Regiment. When they return home to their families, they will do so as heroes.

Mr. Hamill is now safe and recovering in Germany and looking forward to a reunion with his wife and his return to Mississippi, after his courageous ordeal. I look forward to the day when the men and women of New York's 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry Regiment can return as heroes to their own families. May God grant them safety and security as they finish out their tour. I hope their example will bring courage and pride to all those serving in Iraq, resiliently going about their task of bringing peace and freedom to the Nation.

All New Yorkers and all Americans congratulate the 108th Infantry Regiment of New York today, and we say two words to the 108th Infantry Regiment: Thank you.

I yield the floor. I ask unanimous consent that the time on the quorum call be charged equally against both sides.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Mr. SCHUMER. I suggest the absence of a quorum.