Steven Palazzo: “Today, I stand here to recognize and honor the servicemembers of the National Guard and Reserve components. Over the…”

“Today, I stand here to recognize and honor the servicemembers of the National Guard and Reserve components. Over the last few years, our National Guard soldiers have been more in the spotlight than ever before. These men and women proved true to their motto of ``Always Ready, Always There,'' as they face some of our Nation's toughest times. We have seen guardsmen from all over the country help in ways we never thought would be needed or possible: a 5-month deployment to defend the U.S. Capitol; to assist in an attempt to secure the southern border; to aiding our healthcare workers in the delivery of COVID-19 vaccinations and other COVID-related assignments. These men and women leave behind their loved ones and livelihoods to assist all Americans when we most need it. Today is an opportunity for Members of the House to thank these brave soldiers for the tremendous work and sacrifice our Guard and Reserve servicemembers have endured since the first muster of militia forces to present day. There are a lot of issues that divide our Nation and Congress, but I know for certain that support for our National Guard and Reserve continues to be bipartisan. I am proud of the work we are doing to assist these soldiers, their families, and the mission. Not all Members have a military base, but almost everyone has a National Guard Armory and National Guardsmen in their district.…”