November 11, 2007
Sunday PM

This weekend, as we spend time with our family and friends let us remember those that have so bravely risked their lives, so that we may have the freedoms that we enjoy daily. Alaska is home to the highest amount of veterans, per capita, in this country, and I am very proud to humbly represent every one of them. Alaska is a state like no other that supports and respects its troops like no other. With five major military installations, we are home to countless military members and their families.

Last month I had the pleasure of welcoming home the Third Battalion, 297th Infantry Brigade of the Alaska National Guard as they returned from Iraq and Kuwait. These brave men and women fought against all odds, in a climate some feared they could not cope with, and brought every one of their deployed soldiers back home. The pride I feel in them cannot be put into words.

Now we await the safe return of the entire 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division from Ft. Richardson, making their way back from Iraq. They have been there for fifteen months while their families have been patiently anticipating their return. My prayers are with each and every one of them.

Our Nation's veterans and their families are an incredibly special group of people. They are people whose love of their country is so great that they are willing to put themselves in harm's way to defend it. Without them, we are nothing and with them, we have everything.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every soldier past and present who has chosen to serve their country and its people, to keep us the strong union we are. Thank you and God bless.

Don Young
Alaskan Congressman
(U.S. Army 1955-1957)


Received November 09, 2007 - Published November 11, 2007

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