Glenn Thompson: “Yesterday, April 23, the Army Reserve marked 110 years in service to the Army and the United States of America, evolving…”

“Yesterday, April 23, the Army Reserve marked 110 years in service to the Army and the United States of America, evolving from the Medical Reserve Corps in 1908 to the most capable, combat-ready, and lethal Federal Reserve force in our Nation's history. I rise to say thank you to our soldiers, both past and present, and their families for serving all these years. In today's full-spectrum environment, America's Armed Forces must be prepared to respond quickly to capable and sophisticated high-end threats. They must conduct sustained counterterrorist operations, and they must deter aggression in multiple regions of the world while simultaneously defending the homeland. The Army Reserve has a congressionally authorized strength of 199,000 soldiers, more than 11,000 civilians, and 2,075 units. The Army Reserve accounts for 20 percent of the Army's organized units and provides nearly half the Army's total maneuver support. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly thank the Army Reserve for defending our Nation with honor and distinction for the past 110 years. ____________________”