Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Staff Sergeant Benjamin Cotten and Staff Sergeant Allen Smith of the Arkansas Army National Guard for winning this year's International Sniper Competition. This competition allows soldiers to display their abilities in a rigorous environment designed to put their extensive training to the test against 35 international teams. The team, including New Mexico Army National Guard member Erik Vargas, competed three days straight testing their shooting skills, physical endurance, and problem solving as they took on a variety of scenarios with multiple weapon systems. Staff Sergeant Smith enlisted in 2003 and Staff Sergeant Cotten in 2006. Both have deployed to Iraq, and they have served as sniper team leaders and marksmanship instructors with Army National Guard. In addition to serving their country, they serve our communities as firefighters. Their leadership abilities and mental fortitude earned them this competition, and I am honored to add these men to my recognition for this outstanding accomplishment across 35 very competitive international teams. Congratulating Mack McLarty”