Honoring the 367th Engineer Battalion

HONORING THE 367TH ENGINEER BATTALION -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 09, 2004)

Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, almost every Member of Congress has constituents who are honorably serving overseas in Afghanistan or Iraq. Many are regular military personnel, while others are serving in the National Guard or Reserves. They are all to be commended and thanked for their dedicated service to our nation.

Today I would like to recognize the service of one particular group of Minnesota soldiers in the 367th Engineer Battalion. The 367th Battalion is currently serving in Afghanistan where they are helping to clear Afghanistan's minefields of the millions of explosive devices left over from decades of conflict. Donning body armor, protective boots and face shields, the men and women of the 367th canvass the countryside looking for unexploded ordnance and other remnants of past battles in Afghanistan. Their work is dangerous and difficult, but they are doing a tremendous job.

All too often, the hard work of our military personnel in Afghanistan is overlooked and unknown to the American public. Unfortunately, many remarkable stories, like the story of the 367th Battalion, are never told.

I am pleased that a local paper in Minnesota has highlighted the work of the 367th and put the article on the front page. I mailed this article to the soldiers of the 367th in Afghanistan, so they are reminded that the families they protect back home in Minnesota are thinking of them and are thankful for their service. I would like to include this article ("A delicate and dangerous job"-July 7, 2004) in the RECORD following my remarks.

The reconstruction of Afghanistan will take many years and require a sustained U.S. commitment. Much more work needs to be done before the Afghan people can truly begin rebuilding their lives and providing for their children and families. I am proud that men and women from all across Minnesota-including those of the 367th Battalion-are playing an important role in this process. [From the Star Tribune, July 6, 2004]

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