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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) this week received a certificate of appreciation from Oregon National Guard Adjutant General Fred Rees in recognition of his continued support of the Oregon National Guard, its brave members and their families. In addition to supporting legislation to ensure our troops have the equipment necessary to safely execute their mission, Walden has also cosponsored legislation improving benefits for Guard and Reserve personnel, families and retirees.
“The men and women of the Oregon National Guard exemplify the service, dedication and valor that I respect so dearly in those who wear our nation’s uniform. I consider it a tremendous responsibility to serve the members of our armed forces in the Congress and will continue to work hard in support of policies that not only aid them in their service, but respect and honor the commitment they have made in the name of protecting and advancing freedom,” said Walden. “I am proud and humbled to be honored by a group of individuals we cannot ever thank enough for their service.”
Knowing the best way to truly understand the needs of National Guard members is to stay in close contact with them and their families, Walden has traveled to Iraq, Fort Bliss, Texas, and Fort Polk, Louisiana, to meet with troops from Oregon already deployed overseas and those preparing for such deployment. Walden has also met with family members of deployed soldiers at the Ontario Armory and will be joining the Mustangs of Delta Company, 113 Aviation, Oregon National Guard, also known as the Mustangs, for their demobilization ceremony in Pendleton this Sunday, March 19. At the ceremony, Walden will present the Mustangs with a copy of a statement he submitted into the official Congressional Record this week before returning to Oregon from Washington, D.C. honoring them, their bravery and those among them who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Afghanistan.
Additionally, Walden has supported successful efforts to expand Tricare health coverage to Guard and Reserve members who are activated to federal service as well as improve access to Tricare for those who have no other health care. He also worked with leadership in the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee to ensure that Guard units serving in Iraq and Afghanistan were receiving the same equipment and training as active duty units. Specifically, Walden had several conversations with key Members of Congress and officials at the Pentagon about providing appropriate body and vehicle armor to soldiers in theater.
Walden is also a strong supporter of the Oregon National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program and met with two cadets from the Bend-based unit earlier this month while they were in Washington, D.C.
CAPTION: Congressman Walden receives an award of recognition from representatives of the Oregon National Guard in Washington, D.C. L-R: General Fred Rees - Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, Congressman Walden, Colonel Jason Schwabel and General Dan O’Hollaren.
Congressman Walden is in his fourth term representing the Second District of Oregon, which includes 20 counties in the southern, central and eastern regions of the state. He is a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as well as the Committee on Resources. |
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