Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan), a member of the Committee on Armed Services. (Mr. RYAN of Ohio asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), not only a member of the Committee on Armed Services but the ranking member on the Committee on the Budget. (Mr. SPRATT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson), who is not only a member of the Committee on Armed Services but is the ranking member of the Committee on House Administration.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire about the time remaining on each side, please.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Total Force.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ortiz), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Readiness. (Mr. ORTIZ asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Projection Forces.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield my myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this Armed Services bill. I would like to first pay tribute to our chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), if I may, for his sincerity, for his hard work, and for his determination in taking care of the troops and making sure that they have the right equipment and ammunition that they need to succeed on the battlefield. We are so very, very proud of the young men and young women and the victory that they have brought about in the fields of battle in Iraq for several reasons; and a lot of it is tied right back to the work we have done on the Committee on Armed Services through the years. The first is the high caliber of young men and young women that we have. They are professionals. They are dedicated and highly trained. The operation and maintenance dollars we have given towards training has paid off. Secondly, the equipment that they have had. When you speak of the M- 1, A-1 tanks, the Bradley fighting vehicles or the B-2 bombers or whatever, their equipment has been the very best available. Number three is the ammunition they have had, the precise ammunition, the targeted ammunition they have. Whether you are speaking about a red dot on the target through a rifle at 300 meters or a JDAM bomb being dropped from a B-2 bomber at 40,000 feet that goes through a window of choice, all of that has contributed. On top of that, it was interesting to note that the gentleman in charge of all of the British troops, Air Marshall Brian Burrage, gave tribute to the plans that came out of the American war colleges through this whole effort in Iraq. He said that the plans that were fulfilled in the Iraqi campaign will be studied in war colleges for decades to come. The last reason we did so well and as a result of a lot of work in the Committee on Armed Services going back a number of years was the jointness that was apparently seamless between each of the services. All of that came about as a result of the work that we did on the Committee on Armed Services. This bill, Mr. Chairman, is a good bill. As the chairman has noted, it does a lot of good things for the troops: the 4.1 percent average pay raise, the family housing, the medical care, all of this combined together does a great deal. The research and development that grows into future systems. The procurement of the weapons systems and ammunition that we provide for and authorize is so very important. The O&M, Operation and Maintenance, which allows not just keeping the lights on but allows for extensive training, whether it be at Fort Irwin or whether it be on a ship or on an airplane. All of this is so very important to the uniformed services. We are very proud of them, every one of them. We salute them on their recent victory. We are, as you know, compelled to remind ourselves sadly that we are in a war against terrorism and there will be great burden on the military forces as we proceed with this war against those terrorists of which we have learned so much. But I must say, Mr. Chairman, that there are provisions in this bill that I wish that the Committee on Rules had allowed full and fair debate thereon. We still have one more rule to go, so I am hopeful that the Committee on Rules will allow some of these amendments to be made in order, such as the one involving Civil Service. I think it is very important that we have a full and fair debate on that. Cooperative threat reduction should be a very important issue that we should debate here, among others. The base closing issue should be one that we should at least have a debate on in this forum. So with that exception, hoping that the Committee on Rules can reverse itself and help us have a more complete debate probably tomorrow as a result of the second rule that will be forthcoming from the Committee on Rules, I certainly hope we can continue that insistence. Overall, this is a good bill. Whether it is a young sailor on a ship or whether it is a general directing an operation, all of them fare well as a result of the work, and hard work by this committee. Again, let me thank Chairman Hunter for his sincerity through all of this. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I would say to the gentleman from Florida, we have examined the amendment. I find no objection to it. As far as I know, there is no opposition to it.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that a long and distinguished career in the field of education is coming to an end. Dr. Jack L. Howard, of Lebanon, MO, will retire his position as Superintendent of the Lebanon School District on May 30, 2003. Dr. Howard graduated from Southwest Missouri State College in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. In 1972, he earned his Master of Science in Education from Southwest Missouri State College and his Education Specialist degree from Central Missouri State University. Dr. Howard earned his Educational Doctorate in December 1982 from the University of Missouri, Columbia. Dr. Howard has had an exceptional career in education for many years. In 1966, Dr. Howard started his educational career at Macks Creek High School as a teacher of Biology, Social Studies, and Physical Education. In August, 1968, he became Macks Creek High School Principal. From 1969-1971, Dr. Howard left the public schools for a position as Personnel Specialist for the United States Army. He returned to the public school sector in 1972 as the Superintendent of Hermitage Public School. In 1974, he became Dallas County Schools' Assistant Superintendent and was promoted to Superintendent in 1976. He served there until 1984, when he became the Superintendent for Marshfield Reorganized School District. From July 1993 until the present, he has served as Superintendent of Lebanon R-3 Schools. In addition to his dedication to education, Dr. Howard is a member of Lebanon First Baptist Church and the Lebanon Rotary Club. He also is a member of the Southwest Missouri Administrators Association, the Missouri Association of School Administrators, and the American Association of School Administrators. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Howard has served the field of education for over 37 years. As he prepares for the next stage in his life, I am certain that my colleagues will join me in wishing him all the best.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to recognize the fine accomplishments of the late Lieutenant Hector Polla. Lt. Polla is a decorated hero of World War II whose wartime sacrifices must be remembered. The United States Army will name the new Defense Access Road at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, after Lieutenant Hector Polla. Hector John Polla was born in Lexington, Missouri, in 1916. He graduated from Higginsville High School and Wentworth Military Academy Junior College before heading to the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1937. Upon his graduation from West Point in 1941, Lt. Polla was deployed to the Philippines and stationed on the Bataan Peninsula. He was there when the Japanese attacked on December 8, 1941. His courage and gallantry during the defense of Bataan resulted in his being awarded the Silver Star Medal. He survived the Bataan Death March and spent nearly three years in Japanese prisoner of war camps. Survivors of the war camps praise him for the leadership, fortitude, and skill he demonstrated during the hard years of captivity. Lt. Polla died tragically in January 1945 after the Japanese ship on which he and other prisoners were being transported was bombed by American forces. In addition to the Silver Star Medal, Polla's military medals and citations include the Purple Heart Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, the Prisoner of War Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze service star, the American Defense Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, and the Philippine Defense Ribbon. Mr. Speaker, I believe this is a fitting tribute to a man who served his country with the utmost dedication and bravery. The Lieutenant Hector Polla Road will help us remember how he and so many other soldiers have given everything to defend our country in her time of need.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to pay tribute to OATS, Inc., an organization that provides transportation to Missouri's rural areas through the use of volunteer service. Founded in 1971, OATS has continued to rely heavily on volunteers for fund raising, scheduling, and publicity. The nation will commemorate the 30th annual National Volunteer Week, April 27-May 3, 2003, in recognition and celebration of volunteers at the state, local, and national level. The Week's theme, ``Celebrate Volunteers--The Spirit of America!'' reflects Americans' resolve to maintain the tradition of neighbor helping neighbor. Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation, this annual event is an opportunity for organizations to take a moment to thank the many millions of volunteers all over America who donate their time to worthy causes. In each of the counties that OATS serves, there is a County Support Committee comprised of 8-20 people in the community who volunteer on behalf of OATS. These volunteers serve as contacts, taking phone calls in their home from people who wish to schedule a ride; raise much of the funding needed to replace vehicles; and serve as media contacts, helping get the word out about OATS and getting the bus schedules printed in the local papers. Last January, 639 people reported over 4,200 hours to OATS, which would cost $46,634.16 if dollar value was assessed for the hours they gave. Mr. Speaker, the OATS organization provides a valuable service to the people of rural Missouri. I know the Members of the House will join me in recognizing OATS and their volunteers for their many hours of commendable service.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to bring to your attention a poem that was read at a ``Support the Troops Rally'' on March 22, 2003, in Jefferson City, Missouri. These words were given to the crowd by Rita Turley of Jefferson City, though they were written by an unknown author. Ms. Turley understands the words of the poem, as she has a son serving in Iraq, in the Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the members of the House should welcome these words of support and dedication. I am a small and precious child, my mom's been sent to fight. The only place I'll see her face is in my dreams at night. She will be gone too many days for my young mind to track. I may be sad, but I am proud. God, protect her in Iraq. I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go. There are times I'm terrified in a way most never know. I bite my lip, and force a smile as I watch my husband pack. My heart may break, but I am proud. God, protect him in Iraq. I am a caring mother, my son has gone to war. My mind is filled with worries that I have never known before. Everyday I try to keep my thoughts from turning black. I may be scared, but I am proud. God, protect him in Iraq. I am a Soldier, Serving Proudly, Standing Tall. I fight for freedom, yours and mine, by answering this call. I do my job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks. Say a prayer that I'll come home. . . . God, protect me in Iraq.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of Mr. William ``Bill'' Sellers of Waynesville, Missouri. Mr. Sellers was born in Davisville, Missouri, on August 5, 1926. Bill was married to his wonderful wife, Melba, on November 2, 1945. He has always been a community, religious, and business leader. Mr. Sellers has thirty-two years of sales experience in the automobile industry. He served as the General Manager of Springfield Lincoln-Mercury in Springfield, Missouri, and Sales Coordinator of Craig Distributing Company of Salem, Missouri. Bill went on to form Sellers-Sexton Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Mazda Dealership, in St. Robert, Missouri, with his partner Larry Sexton. Mr. Sellers was the Vice-President of Sellers-Sexton, Inc. He was also a member of the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association and a member of the National Automobile Dealers Association. Mr. Sellers was a successful businessman, but above that, he was a caring community leader and a loving Christian man. Bill was the past President of the Fort Leonard Wood Mid-Missouri Chapter of Association of the United States Army, a member and past Chairman of the Committee of Fifty, and past board member of the Waynesville/St. Robert Chamber of Commerce. He was a 32nd degree Mason, member of Tyro Lodge No. 12 in Caledonia, member of Abou Ben Adheim Shrine in Springfield, Missouri, and member of the Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society. Mr. Sellers was a strong Christian man who was not afraid to share his beliefs with others. Bill was ordained Deacon in 1973 from Southhaven Baptist Church, Springfield, Missouri, and was a member of Westside Baptist Church, Waynesville, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, Bill Sellers was a man who never met a stranger and was always willing to help his fellow man. He had a steadfast dedication to his family, church, community, and business. I know the members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family: his wife Melba; his three children Connie Sexton, Billie Jean Dalton, and J. Craig Sellers; and his five grandchildren.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of CDR William W. Cobb of Atlantic Beach, FL. CDR Cobb was born in Lexington, MO, on November 7, 1920. He was raised in Lexington and Long Beach, CA, and attended Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington. CDR Cobb was a 1943 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and was immediately ordered to sea duty in the Pacific. He saw combat action during several battle campaigns on the USS Indianapolis and the USS Wasp. After World War II, CDR Cobb completed flight training in 1947 and went on to his first squadron tour in VP-26 from 1947-1949. He subsequently was assigned as Executive Officer and Instructor, NROTC at the University of Missouri in Columbia, before returning to flight duty as the Deputy Director of Plans and Operations, 1503rd Air Transport Wing in Tokyo, Japan. CDR Cobb assumed duties as the Assistant Operations Officer, NAS Moffett Field, California, and from 1958 through 1960, he was assigned duties as Senior Pilot and Patrol Plane Commander in Airborne Early Warning Squadron Three, based in Aguna, Guam. CDR Cobb reported to the Pentagon for duty in the office of the Chief of Naval Information after a tour as a student at the Army Language School in Monterey, CA. He served under Admiral J.S. McCain, the father of Senator John McCain. CDR Cobb retired from the Navy in July of 1964 after 24 years of honorable and dedicated service. He had a second career in sales and as a realtor in McLean, VA. He resided in Alexandria, VA, from 1961 to 1990. After a second retirement, CDR Cobb and his wife, Jean, also a former Lexington native, moved to Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach, FL. His wife, a former Miss Lexington and runner up in the Miss Missouri pageant, passed away in 1999. They were married for 56 wonderful and productive years. Mr. Speaker, CDR Cobb was a valuable leader in the U.S. Navy. I know the Members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family: his son Rear Admiral William W. Cobb, Jr.; a daughter, Susan E. Cobb; a sister, Mrs. C.C. Shannon; a grandson, granddaughter, and a great-granddaughter.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, recently, Mr. Brian L. Cornelius, a resident of Higginsville, MO, submitted an outstanding op-ed for the Higginsville Advance newspaper. The words composed by Mr. Cornelius are very meaningful and well written, and I wish to share them with all Members of the House of Representatives. Now More Than Ever Prayers Better Than Protests (By Brian L. Cornelius) In May of 2002, I had the distinct privilege of attending the 49th Annual National Security Forum (NSF) at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. I attended this event on the nomination and request of Congressman Ike Skelton. The National Security Forum is held in conjunction with the Air War College of the Air Force and includes members of every branch of the U.S. Military. As background, the primary purpose of the forum is a frank and candid exchange of views on national security matters among invited civilian guests, Air War College students, and senior military and civilian leaders. Over 130 civilian guests from the fields of business, education, government, law, media and medicine attended the National Security Forum. The tragedies surrounding the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were still fresh in my mind when the 2002 National Security Forum commenced eight months later. I was in New York City ten days before the terrorist attacks of September 11th occurred. I stood and looked with awe at the World Trade Center. Our hotel was less than three blocks from the twin towers, and was later closed due to the damage it sustained when the towers collapsed. The format of the NSF places all attendees in seminar groups with Air War College students (those in the military). Each day, all the seminar groups attend a morning and afternoon lecture together and then break out into their respective seminar groups to discuss the issues raised during the lecture. These lectures were presented by several people from both military and civilian life. The presenters list included the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Middle East editor for a national magazine, a national network news Pentagon correspondent, and other very impressive people from the media, think tanks, and military personnel. I have seen several of the presenters on national news outlets such as NBC, CNN and Fox News in the months since attending the National Security Forum. The National Security Forum operates on a ``non-attribute'' method to encourage an honest and robust dialogue on the issues discussed. Therefore, anything said by anyone attending the Forum cannot be directly attributed to that person without the person's consent. The only other request of civilian attendees to the National Security Forum is that we share what we learned with our local communities. With the above background, I would like to share with my community a bit of what I learned while attending the National Security Forum last May. It is particularly relevant while the war with Iraq is on going. I went into the National Security Forum with a bit of skepticism and a healthy dose of intimidation. While my father was a veteran of World War II, I knew little of military protocol, and I wondered why the military would want the opinion of a common guy from Lafayette County. I was also a little bummed that I had to travel on Memorial Day and be away from my family. I was intimidated by the thought of staying on a military base for several days, especially after the events of the prior September. Once the NSF began, and I entered the room where my seminar group met, my skepticism and intimidation turned into complete respect, and the deepest feeling of privilege and honor I have experienced. The military members of my seminar group caused this metamorphosis. While the vast majority of Air War College students are officers in the United States Air Force, all other branches of service are also represented. Officers from foreign militaries also attend this year-long advanced training. I was told that it is more difficult for an officer to gain acceptance into the Air War College than it is for a Lieutenant Colonel to be promoted to full Colonel. Each and every military member of my seminar group was of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or Colonel. The military members of my seminar group were the most impressive people I have ever had the privilege to meet. While I wish I could tell you about all of these people serving our great country, I will confine this article to two representative samples. Air Force Colonel Tony Hinen sat next to me for most of the week. While he has served in various capacities, I was most interested in his experience as a pilot of the huge tankers that refuel fighter jets and other planes during long missions. Colonel Hinen, a graduate of the Air Force Academy, is a dedicated Christian, husband and father. He has a keen insight into our world today, and was in training in Afghanistan when the September 11 terrorist attacks occurred. Army Lieutenant Colonel Eddiy Daly sat across from me in our seminar group. An Airborne Ranger, Lt. Col. Daly made a combat jump in the Panama Canal campaign. Like local hero Stanton Thompson, Lt. Col. Daly received the Army's highest award for action taken in a non-combat or civilian situation. While piloting a plane for a civilian parachute jump club, Lt. Col. Daly climbed in and out of the plane, while flying it, to free the last jumper off the plane whose parachute gear had become hung up on the plane. After several attempts, Lt. Col. Daly finally cut the jumper free of the plane. The jumper safely parachuted to the ground and Lt. Col. Daly safely pulled himself back into the plane, by the pilot's seat belt, and landed the plane. Lt. Col. Daly is also a dedicated husband and father. It was a very humbling experience for me to be in a room full of these very impressive men and women serving our country. Their grasp of our security issues was only equaled by their desire to serve their country to the best of their abilities. National Security Forum seminars included topics such as ``Lessons Learned or Unlearned--Enduring Freedom and Beyond'', ``Middle East Challenges and the U.S. Security Policy'', and ``The Changing Security Environment and U.S. Military Strategy''. Of the daily seminars that all NSF attendees were required to attend, the environment in the Middle East was often a topic. The speakers on Middle East challenges were civilian experts from a national news organization and a research think tank. Many other speakers during the week also talked about the situation in the Middle East. While I am not allowed to directly quote anyone, I distinctly remember that each and every presenter at the National Security Forum was certain that Iraq, and Saddam Hussein, possessed weapons of mass destruction. Most, if not all, of these experts also felt that it was not a matter of ``if', but ``when'' these weapons would be used. Various positions and arguments were made for what the United States should do, if anything, in regards to Iraq. One speaker eloquently pointed out that the world is in a place that it has not been in since the Roman Empire. One country dominates the world in military and economic might for the first time in centuries. With the end of the cold war and the dismantling of much of the old Soviet Union, our United States of America is the dominant military and economic power in the world. The consensus during the NSF seemed to be that the United States would end up having to deal with Iraq, in one way or another. The only debate was whether we, as a nation, should deal with Iraq before a crisis situation arises or in response to a crisis situation. In other words, do we try to prevent a potential crisis by taking a preemptive action, or should we wait to see when and/or if a crisis event occurs to react? I went into the National Security Forum as a ``hawk''. That is, I thought it to be the responsibility of the United States to use its economic and military assets to right the wrongs committed across the globe and to work to protect all people from tyrants, terrorists, and corrupt regimes. If not us, I thought, then who? I supported President Clinton's military decisions on Bosnia and Somalia, just as I supported former President Bush's decision on the Gulf War. After attending the National Security Forum, I believe I am still a ``hawk''. However, now that I personally know members of our military who very well could come directly into harm's way, I am less hawkish than before. I watch the reports on the war in Iraq with a much deeper anguish and a much greater appreciation for our military personnel. These men and women are regular folks like you and me, who have to perform extraordinary duties, under extreme circumstances, because it is their duty. I am certain that it has been that way throughout history. Whether it be my dad, Walter Cornelius, who was a bombardier on a B-29 in the Pacific Theater, or my uncle Bud Bramblett who served in the infantry in the Korean War, or Gary Evans who served in a combat outfit in Vietnam, or Darrell Jeffries who is a veteran of the Gulf War, or Stanton Thompson who has served through several conflicts and crises, or a host of others I do not know or have the room to remember here, the members of the United States Armed Forces are just regular people who in normal everyday life are mothers, fathers, neighbors, friends, businessmen, teachers, or just plain old folks like me. These ordinary folks are called upon to do extraordinary duties during a time of war or crisis. They are not allowed the luxury of protesting a war. In fact, they are called upon to put their very life on the line in order to protect the right of the protester or to bring that right to the oppressed. Attending the National Security Forum was a very humbling and very rewarding experience. If I learned anything while there, I learned that those serving in our military are an extremely impressive group of people. They do not take their duty lightly and they are very aware of all the costs of war and conflict. I also learned that our elected and military leaders know a lot more about our world and the perils we face than I do. Wars have probably always been debated. While I believe the United States has a responsibility to the global community, I am not absolutely sure of what that responsibility should be. However, I trust our leaders to make the correct decisions based upon the evidence they face. I realize that I know little about world affairs or the evidence that brings our leaders to a decision to take military action. Only as our present circumstance with Iraq becomes history will we know the outcome. While I hope that history will show that the outcome was very positive, I cannot know that to be the case today. This, however, I do know: I am certain that once a military action ensues, our leaders and the men and women of our military deserve our prayers, not our protests. There will always be time to debate the war. Now, however, more than ever, our leaders and especially those serving in the military deserve our prayers. But for the extraordinary circumstance they have been put into, these great Americans who are serving our country in the combat zone are just regular folks like us. They need us to lift them up in our thoughts and our prayers. In my opinion, through their personal sacrifice and service, these servants have earned it and they deserve it.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the fact that I frequently take time in this chamber to salute the men and women of our nation's armed forces who serve America so well. Today, I am proud to join my colleagues in this special order to express gratitude to a special category of U.S. veterans on National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day. While the men and women of our Armed Forces may expect to experience some hardships during their service to our country--perhaps in boot camp, or in time away from home and family, or even in combat--our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who have been captured and held as prisoners of war have experienced hardships we can barely imagine and frequently even they cannot bear to share with anyone. Last year, our former colleague from Florida Representative Karen Thurman hosted a briefing with two survivors of World War II's Bataan death march and the Japanese prisoner of war camps. They came to Washington to discuss their war experiences with Members and with staff. It is no exaggeration to say that after hearing their testimony and other similar accounts, it is simply a wonder and a miracle they survived. A majority of their comrades in arms did not. One of the veterans said that although more than 50 years have passed, it was only in the last several years that he had even told his wife about the horrors he and his fellow soldiers suffered. After the war, I am told, many of the heroic Americans who made it through unspeakable suffering were encouraged not to tell anyone about their prisoner of war status. If this is true, and I have no real reason to doubt it, that in itself is shameful and I am so glad we can put that sentiment to rest by honoring and recognizing our former POWs today. Proclamations declaring National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day happen every year, but this year it is particularly meaningful as we remember those from past conflicts and also focus on those service members who are currently engaged in the war in Iraq. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our coalition forces and their families, particularly those who may have lost a loved one or whose family member or friend has been listed as missing or as a POW. Many families throughout the United States are having to call upon reserves of strength to get through this difficult time, but they should never forget that the entire nation shares their hope for the future, their joy in times of good news, and if need be, their grief in loss. In recent days, the harrowing accounts told by Americans who were held by the Iraqis during the 1991 Gulf War have raised fears that the men and women who are missing today may suffer similarly criminal treatment. The evidence that we have so far indicates that this is the case. I am very concerned, as I am sure my colleagues are concerned, that we must do everything in our power to ensure that those who have committed war crimes are brought to justice. Last Friday, the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing to examine the international law regulating the treatment of prisoners of war. Yesterday, House Armed Services Committee Chairman duncan Hunter and I sent a letter to the President suggesting that post-World War II's Nuremberg trials be used as a framework to convene an international military tribunal for the prosecution of war crimes committed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Just as the Nuremberg trials were conducted by the four nations who won that war--the United States, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union--so, too, could a tribunal resulting from this war be conducted by the principal coalition partners: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Poland, and Kuwait. Whatever system is put in place, justice will be our priority. Without a doubt, we live in a special country. Americans have a spirit of idealism that cannot be broken, and our citizens strive to serve our country however possible. This spirit is evident throughout our nation, but also in the U.S. Congress, where several former POWs serve with distinction. Congressman Sam Johnson of Texas, Senator John McCain of Arizona, and former Congressman Pete Peterson of Florida could have very easily and justifiably returned home from Vietnam and devoted their lives to things other than government service. But they chose to continue their contribution by participating in electoral politics and doing the work that makes our American democracy a success. Their stories, as young men in uniform and in their later careers, inspire us all. On this National Former POWs Recognition Day, we honor and express our gratitude to all former prisoners of war, whether they served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, or the current Iraq War. There is absolutely nothing we can do to make up for the sacrifices our service members and their families endured during their captivity in enemy hands. But as a nation, we can, and we must, thank them for their willingness to pay the price required to ensure America's freedoms. In the Congress, we must also be vigilant to ensure that our nation follows through on the promises we have made to our veterans and former POWs. As fellow citizens, it is the least we can do to begin to repay the debt that we owe them for their service to the American people.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend our troops on the battlefields in Iraq. Their continuing advance to victory is a product of that courage and ingenuity under changing conditions. It is also the results of extraordinarily detailed and adaptive planning. That itself was built on the knowledge and wisdom instilled by our war colleges. These institutions in every service make great officers into outstanding war-time leaders. Military historians have noted that the allied victory in World War II is due in no small part to the fact that some of our top military leaders both attended and taught at the services war colleges. I believe the same will be said for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In all of the services, including the Army's exceptional war college at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, our officers are skilled in the art of strategy, operations, and tactics that are the foundation of an innovative and effective military campaign. The instruction provided by our service intermediate- and senior- level war colleges came to fruition in the war plan developed by General Tommy Franks and his team. The plan outlined a truly joint effort that has kept American forces a constant 48 to 72 hours ahead of Iraqi responses. The strategy has hit hard at Iraqi leadership and Republican Guard targets, degrading command and control and isolating the bands of fighters unwise enough to take on our troops. Quite simply, the Iraqi military is already incapable of fighting in a coordinated way at division, brigade, and battalion levels. This is a stunning military achievement that would not have been possible without leaders educated in the art of war. And we as a Nation owe a debt to the professional military education system that provided that education to today's senior military leaders. The current American infiltration of Baghdad demonstrates our disciplined ability to encircle the city and deal with the remnants of resistance, sector by sector. The strategy also shows a sophisticated approach to enhancing the psychological impact of each military action taken. By removing the will of the Iraqis to fight, our victory and the Iraqi people's liberation will come that much more quickly. I believe that military historians and strategists will long study the plans of this operation, the planning that was a product of the American war college system will become the lesson plan for future officers. As British Air Marshal Brian Burridge said this morning, the U.S. advance into Bagdad has been unique. Historians and academics will pour over it for years, and this will be a required case study for students of war. We should be proud of our troops and of the officers who lead them. But we should also feel deep pride for the system of institutions that has made this leadership as exceptional as it is.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise to support this amendment offered by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), my friend and co-sponsor. The previous speaker spoke about national interest. This amendment provides at least some critical assistance to national interest, and that is of homeland security. Mr. Chairman, this supplemental bill that we are debating today is about the war in Iraq. It is about the crucial ongoing operations in the region of Afghanistan, and it is about protecting the American people from future acts of terrorism. This war is expensive, and its aftermath will be more expensive still. And I must tell the Members, Mr. Chairman, I have deep concerns and I am troubled so very much about the aftermath after we have a victory in Iraq because that of course will be the proof in the pudding as to whether the young men and young women's sacrifices have been in vain. I commend the Committee on Appropriations for providing the funding to give our troops everything they need to win the war, and I commend them too for making a downpayment on the costs of reconstruction in Iraq. We in Congress and the American people must know that rebuilding that nation will require substantial and sustained commitment. But we owe a commitment too to our first responders here in our own country. They are on the front lines of the war on terrorism right here at home. Our States remain underfunded for critical needs. The State of Missouri alone requires some $500 million to do the defense work concerning our first responders. And while this supplemental provides some funding for the States, it needs to do more. This amendment would provide more funding for the first responders by decreasing the amount of military and counterdrug assistance going to Colombia. I have deep concerns about our Nation's involvement in the ongoing conflict there, but today my larger concern is about where we face a bigger danger, and that is right here in the United States of America. That justifies emergency spending. This amendment, Mr. Chairman, allows funds for unforeseen needs in Colombia, notably search and rescue operations for the Americans held hostage, and increased security for President Uribe, who is trying so hard to bring peace to his nation. But, Mr. Chairman, on the other hand, Colombia's request can be and should be handled in regular order. There is simply no emergency that warrants funding for these other items and programs in this bill. Money is more urgently needed and it would be more appropriately spent in the supplemental supporting our first responders right here in the United States just as we support our troops. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern) for his leadership.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, yesterday the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed Concurrent Resolution 109, a resolution that calls on families of America's servicemembers to display the Blue Star and Gold Star banners in their homes or in their businesses. The gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Shadegg), the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), and I asked families to restore this proud tradition, first established during the First World War and because our country is at war in the Middle East and around the world in the fight against terrorism. I want to take this opportunity to encourage all Members of Congress, and indeed all Americans, to support our men and women in uniform, now and in the days ahead. I would like to explain why and suggest a few ways in which we could do something concrete to benefit our troops. When our Nation calls, servicemen and women volunteer. They volunteer to be the point of the spear, protecting the Nation's interests both here and abroad. Today we have an all-volunteer force, and let me say it is the finest, best-trained fighting force the world has ever seen. It is not just the 1.4 million active duty servicemembers I am referring to. There are also 875,000 citizen soldiers, National Guardsmen and Reservists, part-time volunteers who serve when called. A growing number of these service soldiers have been called. They have been called to serve on multiple deployments over the past decade. Over 218,000 National Guardsmen and Reservists have been activated since September 11, 2001. Over 31,000 of those are now serving in Iraq. The question is what can we do to show our appreciation to these dedicated men and women. Let me make a few suggestions. First, Members of Congress can reach out to the troops and their families in their districts. I urge my colleagues to visit the National Guard armories in their towns and cities across the country and talk with the servicemembers, talk with their families, or visit a Reserve center or active military base and spend time with these brave and courageous individuals. In the district I am privileged to serve is Whitman Air Force Base, the home of the B-2 bomber; and Fort Leonard Wood, which has an engineer battalion that is deployed. While I have always been a great believer in getting out and spending time with our troops, there are other ways we can support our military. Because of heightened security concerns, the Defense Department has discouraged Americans from sending letters and parcels to our deployed troops. However, the Department has a virtual thank you card at Defend America Web site which I will make available through the Congressional Record. Or one may want to send an e-mail greeting through Operation Dear Abby, which I will make available through the Congressional Record. To help servicemembers stay in contact with loved ones back home, donations to Operation Uplink at a Congressional Record address will help provide calling cards to the troops. During these times of conflict, recognition of our men and women in uniform grows. It does not take too many hours of watching our troops in action on the television to know that they are demonstrating acts of heroism on a daily basis. As we Members of Congress have an obligation to let our men and women know that we appreciate and admire their contribution to our national security, visiting facilities in our districts and using the Internet are just two ways we can let our servicemen and women know that we appreciate what they are doing for our country. Let me say that I know some of my colleagues do not agree with how the United States came to be involved in this war. Some Members feel the United Nations weapons inspectors should have been given more time to look for weapons of mass destruction. Others believe we did not exhaust all of our diplomatic options. I think it is of paramount importance that we support the troops, the men and women in uniform who are literally putting their lives on the line for our country, the United States of America, regardless of whether one agrees with the war itself or not. And I hope my colleagues will take these words of advice to heart. More than 65 servicemembers have died since the global war on terrorism began, and over 200 have been wounded or injured. These individuals and their families having sacrificed for our freedom, and our thoughts and our prayers are with them. The Nation will not forget the price these servicemembers have paid to defend our country and the freedoms and our interests. I hope that all Members will take advantage of the opportunities we have as Members of Congress to show our men and women in uniform that we care, that we really care.