David Thomas: “I rise to talk about several issues. First, of course, we all know so well that we are involved now in this war on…”

“I rise to talk about several issues. First, of course, we all know so well that we are involved now in this war on terrorism, and I wanted to speak a moment about that, the fact that it affects us all. Since that terrible day on September 11, virtually none of us have been untouched by those acts of cowardice and the effort to break the American spirit. Fortunately, they did not succeed. We were shaken but probably strengthened from that. Our efforts to combat the production and proliferation of weapons require that we prepare forces in the Middle East, and everyone has a role in that. I just learned that one of my staff members will be called in the Reserve to active duty tomorrow. Sgt John Travis Deti of the Marine Corps Reserve will be serving as an operations specialist with the Marine Corps combat engineers. He was promoted from legislative correspondent to legislative aide just 1 day before learning of his orders to report to duty. As a fellow marine, I know that Travis is ready to do what he can, prepared to serve his country. I am very proud of what he is doing during this difficult time. Travis, semper fi.”