Honoring Sentinels Of Freedom

Floor Speech

Honoring Sentinels Of Freedom

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of H. Res. 461, a resolution honoring the Sentinels of Freedom and commending the dedication, commitment, and extraordinary work of the organization.

The bills we have passed this year will make enormous strides in helping our Nation's veterans improve their lives.

However, the Federal Government cannot do this job alone. It is through the work of organizations like the Sentinels of Freedom that our injured veterans can get back on the road to self-sufficiency.

Started by the father of three Army Rangers after one of his sons was wounded in Iraq in 2003, this 2- to 4-year life scholarship program is meant to assist veterans with severe service-related injuries who have the aptitude, attitude, and drive to become independent and successful members of society. The scholarship recipients are called ``sentinels'' in honor of their sacrifice and commitment to guarding America's freedoms. Over 32 servicemembers have joined the Sentinels of Freedom program. These sentinels are flourishing because of the help and assistance they have received from volunteers in their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague and fellow committee member Mr. McNerney of California for introducing this legislation to honor the work and dedication of the Sentinels of Freedom, as well as to thank the many volunteers working with this organization all across the country to help our injured servicemembers move back into society.

I would also like to thank Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer for moving the bill so quickly to the floor for consideration.

I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 461.

Mr. Speaker, having no further speakers, again, I urge the passage of this very important resolution; and I yield back the balance of my time.

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