| Remarks as Delivered by Governor Kulongoski |
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| November 13, 2005 |
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Demobilization of 82nd Cavalry
Thank you Lt. Gary O’Connell
You probably think that your Commander in Chief only gives orders to other people. But every once in a while, I give one to myself.
The order I gave myself this morning was simple enough that even as a young Marine I could have followed it: Keep your speech short!
I know you want to see your families. I know you want to be home. I know you want some peace and quiet – and to watch a good football game.
So I’m only going to keep you for a few minutes. But I want to say to you – from the bottom of my heart: Welcome home – job well done!
You have been gone for 18 months – serving your country on one of the most dangerous battlefields in the world. Last April, you lost one of your own – Staff Sgt. Kevin Davis.
I want to acknowledge the Davis family who are here with us today. His wife Robbin, son Drew and daughters Laurynn and Mackenna.
I had the privilege of speaking at Sgt. Davis’ funeral. Let me read you a couple of sentences of what I said that day: . . .
. . . “I am deeply proud that such an outstanding – and upstanding – servant of American values called Oregon his home. This wonderful soldier of the Oregon National Guard never failed in his duty or faltered in his courage.”
I could say the same for each of you.
Your service in Iraq was in the finest tradition of the Oregon National Guard. And although not a day went by when we didn’t worry about you – or miss you – we always knew that you were carrying out your duties in Iraq with skill and professionalism.
Nobody could have asked for more from the 82nd Cavalry, G Troop. And no other unit – from any service or any state – could have given more.
Through your courage and willingness to endure the hardships of war in service to your country – you have earned the love and honor that Oregonians and all Americans offer you today.
You left Oregon first-rate soldiers. You return – first-rate heroes.
I also want to say a few words in recognition of your families – and your employers. You were on the frontlines – in combat and in trying to protect and help Iraqi civilians, especially children.
But back here your families and communities were facing the day-to-day challenges of home and work without you. That wasn’t easy. To carry on without you for such a long period of time was a great sacrifice. No one should ever doubt that.
So just as I thank you for your service – and for never failing to prove me right when I say that our National Guard soldiers are the best Oregon has to give – I also thank your families and employers for standing behind you and sharing the terrible burdens of war.
Having said that, I will tell you what I told many of your National Guard colleagues last Friday on Veterans Day, . . .
. . . I believe in shared sacrifice. The time has come to return to our long tradition of going to war as a nation – where everyone gives up something – not just the brave men and women in harms way – and their courageous families back home.
There is a lot more I could say about this. But today is not the day.
Today is for saying thank you. For telling you that you’ve been in my prayers for 18 months – and that you will stay in my prayers. And for following President Roosevelt’s great advice to be brief. Be sincere. And be seated.
Again, congratulations for a job well done. Thank you. And most of all – God bless you.
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