Recognizing National Military Appreciation Month

Floor Speech

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of our service men and women by celebrating National Military Appreciation Month.

Since 1999, veteran and service organizations have held events around the country to demonstrate to current and former men and women in uniform and their families that we honor their service. From Military Spouse Appreciation Day to Victory in Europe Day, and from Loyalty Day to Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, the month of May is a time for our Nation to come together. It is important for all of us to recognize the tremendous service of military members and families across the globe.

The men and women who serve in uniform are guided by their tremendous sense of duty to America and their fellow citizens. In California's 37th District, we've had over 190,000 troops deployed to either Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001. It has been my honor to represent these constituents and I am extremely proud of their service.

In my district, we suffered the loss of 12 remarkable servicemen. We remember Long Beach residents: Pfc. Stephen A. Castellano, Sgt. 1st Class Randy D. Collins, Sgt. Anthony J. Davis, Jr., Sgt. Israel Garcia, Pvt. Ernesto R. Guerra, Pfc. Lyndon A. Marcus, Jr., Spec. Roberto L. Martinez Salazar, Spec. Astor A. Sunsin-Pineda, Pfc. David T. Toomalatai, Pfc. George D. Torres and Staff Sgt. Joshua Whitaker, as well as Carson resident Pfc. Daniel P. Cagle, who were all killed in action.

As we acknowledge our former, current and future military men and women, it is essential that we provide the resources necessary to help wounded warriors and their families adjust to life outside of the military. I am extremely proud that from 2007 2010, under Democratic Leadership, Congress showed unprecedented support for the troops, their families, and veterans by strengthening health care for more than 5 million veterans, giving troops a pay raise, and strengthening support for military families.

Mr. Speaker I rise today to praise our most heroic citizens. I hope you'll all join me in reflecting on the valor and courage our solemn warriors display in defense of our freedom.

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