House Resolution 37

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MERITORIOUS AND UNSELFISH SERVICE OF THE 238TH AIR SUPPORT OPERATIONS SQUADRON DURING THEIR TOUR OF DUTY IN THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Legislature wishes to acknowledge the many sacrifices made by the service of the 238th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) for their meritorious service in the war against terrorism that is being waged by the United States both at home and overseas; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi's citizens have always been more than willing to serve their country during times of conflict across the world, as indicated by these valiant soldiers, and many have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in times of war; and

WHEREAS, in March 2003, when United States Armed Forces entered Iraq from Kuwait at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, six members of the 238th ASOS were embedded with the 101st Airborne to provide Close Air Support (CAS), while three other members were working with Special Operations Command in the Pacific, Europe and Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the global war on terror; and

WHEREAS, receiving notification in October 2003 of a one-year mobilization commencing in January 2004 to support Arkansas' 39th Infantry Brigade, the 238th's presence completed the round-out brigade to the 1st Cavalry Division with division headquarters to be located at Camp Victory, just outside of Baghdad International Airport (BIAP), Baghdad, Iraq; and

WHEREAS, the 238th ASOS embarked upon both missions to secure and preserve peace and to protect the lives and interests of all Americans, thus exhibiting the high caliber and readiness of our state’s military personnel; and

WHEREAS, in the fall of 2004 the squadron again received notification of another one-year mobilization to begin in January 2005 supporting Mississippi’s 155th Brigade Combat Team at Forward Operating Base (FOB), Kalsu, Iraq; and

WHEREAS, the squadron's mobilizations were accomplished through eight separate rotations of approximately 120 days duration and rotation size of six to 12 airmen; and

WHEREAS, 49 airmen from the 238th ASOS served at least one tour, 17 of which served two tours and one, Tech Sergeant Scott Self, served three tours, once in 2003, 2004 and 2005; and

WHEREAS, unselfishly exhibiting courage under fire at every moment, 238th personnel served in An Najaf, Sadr City, Taji, Fallujah, Mosul, Baghdad and Karbala while providing support to: the 101st Airborne Division, 1st Cavalry Division, 39th Infantry Brigade, 155th Brigade Combat Team, the 5th and 10th Special Forces Group, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, 25th Infantry and the 151st Aviation Brigade; and

WHEREAS, highlighting the commendable service of these selfless airmen of the 238th, 54 medals have been issued to members: six Bronze Star Medals have been awarded, one of which was awarded with Valor to Senior Airman James Munn for his actions in Fallujah; five Meritorious Service Medals; eight Air Force Commendation Medals; seven Air Force Achievement Medals; 26 Army Commendation Medals; one Army Achievement Medal; and the issuance of additional medals pending certification; and

WHEREAS, since September 11, 2001, a countless number of soldiers and airmen of the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard have been called to active service in defense of our nation’s freedom, constituting the largest overseas deployment of the Mississippi National Guard since the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, the dedication of the airmen of the 238th Air Support Operations Squadron of the Mississippi Air National Guard in providing valuable assistance to the United States military has helped instill confidence in the general public that they have been, are and forever will be committed to this nation’s security; and

WHEREAS, Governor Haley Barbour, Commander in Chief, along with Adjutant General Major General Harold Cross, whose leadership and dedication is known throughout the military of the United States, continues to guide and command units of the Mississippi National Guard in mobilizations and deployments, and through state emergencies including hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes and security at critical sites in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the diligence of these outstanding Mississippi men and women for the devotion, courage and service to the state, the nation and the free world to secure and insure peace and to preserve and protect freedom for all:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the 238th Air Support Operations Squadron for their service to the State of Mississippi and the United States, congratulate them upon the completion of a successful tour of duty in Iraq and extend our heartiest wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the commanding officers of the 238th Air Support Operations Squadron, the Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.