| Remarks by Governor Kulongoski |
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| March 31, 2005 |
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Demobilization of 2-162 of the Oregon National Guard
General Byrne, honored guests, family, friends and most important – Lt. Col. Hendrickson and the soldiers of 2nd Battalion 162nd Infantry.
Before I begin, I want to thank you General Byrne for your great leadership during one of the toughest years the Oregon National Guard has ever faced. The men and women under your command – who never fail in their service to Oregon when our nation is at peace – have now been tested by the fire of war.
This test did not break the spirit or professionalism of the 2-162. It simply proved how extraordinary these soldiers really are. So it is a great honor for me to say to each of them: A grateful state and a grateful nation welcome you home. Job well done!
God knows we missed you. God knows we prayed for you. And God knows we’re proud of you.
I’ve been the Governor of Oregon for a little over two years and two months. In that time, I’ve had my share of great moments. But I tell you from the bottom of my heart – nothing compares with this moment. I know that with your families in sight, you don’t want to have stand in formation and listen to a long speech from your Commander in Chief.
So I’m going to take some very good advice from our nation’s World War II Commander in Chief. President Roosevelt said: Speakers should be brief. Be sincere. And be seated.
But first I was to say a few words about you – and about your brave brothers in arms who came home to Oregon after giving their lives in service to their country.
A year ago last October, I stood before you for a mobilization ceremony that took you away from families and friends, and sent you on a perilous mission to Iraq. I promised at that time, that I would be here to welcome you home – and I have kept that promise by being here with you this evening.
I have also been there when members of the 2-162 who paid the ultimate price in service to their country came home before this evening.
At the mobilization ceremony I said this: “I have absolutely no doubt that you will carry out your duty with skill, determination and valor. That you will watch out for your fellow soldiers. And that you will live up to the highest standards of the Oregon National Guard.” You did all that – and much more.
So in the presence of your families, and with great pride, I say to you: Honor viratis preamium, which means – honor is the reward of virtue.
By your courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty, each of you has proven your virtue – and earned the love and honor that Oregonians and all Americans offer you today.
I know that not a day went by in Iraq when the 2-162 wasn’t performing as an absolutely first rate unit. Other Marines and soldiers in Iraq – not to mention the people of Iraq – quickly learned what your Oregon National Guard commanders already knew: That the 2-162 is a superbly trained and highly skilled team of combat soldiers.
Under the outstanding leadership of Battalion Commander Dan Hendrickson, you provided a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi government. You helped train the new Iraqi army. Many of you conducted combat operations in some of the most dangerous cities in Iraq.
But last June, the world saw what the 2-162 is really made of. That was the day that soldiers from this unit stepped in and stopped the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners. War can bring out the best in us. It can also bring out the worst. In you it brought out the best – as I always knew it would. I congratulate you for your professionalism. For your conviction about what is right. And for your basic sense of humanity.
The first time I talked publicly about what happened to the Iraqi prisoners was last August at the funeral of one of your fallen comrades: Sgt. Ken W. Leisten. As you know, Sgt. Leisten – who was promoted posthumously – is one of nine members of the 2-162 who died while serving their country in Iraq.
Although this is a joyous day – I do want to take a moment to remember and honor Sgt. Leisten and the eight other fallen heroes of the 2-162. They are: 1st Lt. Erik McCrae; Sgt. Justin Eyerly; Spc. Justin Linden; Spc. Eric McKinley; Staff Sgt. David Weisenberg; Spc. Benjamin Isenberg; Sgt. David Johnson; and Spc. David Roustum of the New York National Guard who was assigned to the 2-162.
These were all Oregon brave hearts. They believed in duty – and defended their country and its principles with great courage. Each lived a unique and powerful Oregon story. We mourn them; but we will never forget the story of their lives nor the sacrifice they – and their families – have made for freedom.
We also will not forget the members of the 2-162 who returned from Iraq injured. Many of these injuries occurred while coming to the rescue or covering the backs of fellow soldiers. I hope that all of us – by the light of our individual faith – will pray for their rapid and complete recovery.
I cannot read your minds, but I wouldn’t be surprised if many of you are thinking: “Governor, thanks aren’t necessary. We were just doing our duty, and if our country calls again, we will answer again.”
But I want you to know that I not only thank you for your service and sacrifice – I understand what your time in Iraq has meant for you and your families, employers and communities. It has meant real hardship. But with that hardship has come a stronger America – and a more free and democratic Iraq.
That is the dividend that your heroic service has paid. So believe me – you have earned every word of praise. Every blessing. Every embrace. And every thank you that has come your way. The same is true for your loved ones. The wives and husbands you left behind had to carry on without you: Raising children. Paying bills. Handling emergencies. Fighting loneliness.
They had help from an Oregon National Guard family that believes in taking care of its own. Nevertheless, they had to overcome the day-to-day challenges of life without you. For their sacrifice, they too have earned the thanks of a grateful nation – and an even more grateful Governor.
Not all of your loved ones could be here today. Actually only a very few are here. Your parents and grandparents. Spouses and children. Brothers and sisters. But before you’re dismissed, I want to tell you that you have many more loved ones: 3.5 million – give or take a few. That’s the population of Oregon. Every citizen of this state honors you. Admires you. Thanks you. And wishes you a long and happy life with your families.
Collectively, Oregonians welcome you home – and want nothing more than that you get on with your lives and bring the same can-do spirit to building Oregon’s future that you brought to your service in Iraq.
As you know, there has been a lot of debate about the war in Iraq. Some people support the war – others don’t. That is what democracy and liberty are all about. But there can be no debate about the courage and heroism of each of you.
Just as you carry the American flag on your uniforms – you also carry the spirit of that flag wherever you go. So not only are you America’s greatest defenders, you are America’s greatest messengers of the values and principles we live by.
That makes you not just heroes – but patriots who have earned a permanent place in the hearts of Oregonians and history books of this nation. To paraphrase President Lincoln: What I have said about your service to our country will be little noted nor long remembered. But what you did in service to our country will never be forgotten.
On behalf of all Oregonians – thank you, God bless you, and welcome home.
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