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Cole Joins Okla. Delegation in Honoring State's National Guard

September 17, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, in separate legislative sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, respectively, approved legislation sponsored by the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation to honor the service members of Oklahoma’s Army and Air National Guard. The identical resolutions, H. Res. 1052 and S. Res. 624, express gratitude to the members of the Oklahoma Guard and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the U.S. since September 11, 2001, and recognize them as invaluable to the national security of the United States, vital to defending against threats both foreign and domestic, and essential for responding to State and national emergencies.

U.S. Rep. Tom Cole
"It's an honor to join my colleagues in paying tribute to members of Oklahoma's Army and Air National Guard forces. I met with Guard members serving in Afghanistan earlier this month, and their professionalism, skill and dedication should make all Oklahomans proud. Guard forces are indispensable to our security, both at home and overseas, and service members and their families deserve our utmost appreciation.”

U.S. Rep. Dan Boren
“I am honored to join the Oklahoma Delegation to recognize the Oklahoma National Guard for their service and sacrifice since September 11, 2001. During this time, the Guard has deployed on numerous fronts, ranging from the deserts of the Middle East for Operation Iraq Freedom and the mountains of Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom to the Gulf of Mexico states that were battered by Hurricane’s Katrina and Rita. Whether deployed abroad fighting terrorism or providing relief here at home, they have brought honor to Oklahoma. As members of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team prepare for a possible deployment to Afghanistan in 2011, this resolution is just one of the ways we can honor the continued service and sacrifice they have made and that their families have made.”

U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin
“The members of the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard have served with distinction in every theater of the War on Terror, deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan and support areas. Throughout their service, Oklahoma Guard servicemen and women have been simply outstanding, and as the 45h Infantry Brigade and other Guard units prepare for further deployments in 2010 and beyond, it is fitting that Congress recognizes their efforts and sacrifices with this resolution. Just as they did in World War II and Korea, the Oklahoma Guard is on the front lines of America’s defense. I know the entire Oklahoma delegation is proud to salute them.”

U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas
“I am proud to join my colleagues from Oklahoma to honor the brave men and women who serve in the Army and Air National Guard of Oklahoma. They are an invaluable addition to our Oklahoma community and their service and sacrifice will not soon be forgotten.”

U.S. Rep. John Sullivan
“I am proud to join my colleagues in the Oklahoma delegation in paying tribute to the brave men and women who serve our country as members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard and Air National Guard. These citizen soldiers and airmen represent the best of our state, and all Oklahomans can be grateful for their service, sacrifice and dedication to defending the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens. Their contribution to the war on terrorism and protecting us here at home have made our nation realize the vital role they play in keeping us safe and eliminating global terror. May God continue to bless our troops both home and abroad.”

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn
“I am honored to recognize the service members of Oklahoma’s Army and Air National Guard as well as their families. The unimaginable sacrifices made by these brave men and women throughout the state of Oklahoma, and across the nation, will not be forgotten. Protecting our country and preserving individual freedoms is an invaluable service performed by members of the Oklahoma National guard, and something for which we are all deeply grateful.”

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe
“Having visited the members of the Oklahoma National Guard many times while at home and while they have been on the front lines in both Iraq and Afghanistan, I have seen first-hand their dedication to their country and the hardships they have faced. Whether serving here at home or in various places overseas, the members of the Oklahoma National Guard have sacrificed much to keep us free as they have served both their nation and their state with honor and distinction. It is fitting that Congress honor these true patriots.”


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