Political Quotes

“I rise today to honor the service and the commitment of the Pennsylvania National Guard 111th Fighter Wing. Their bravery and sacrifice over the years has helped to ensure our Nation's safety and freedom. Originally growing out of the sod fields of the Philadelphia airport in 1924, the squad was first called to active service in February of 1941 to perform antisubmarine patrols off the coast of New England. The squad saw a lot of action during World War II. In 1943, they deployed and performed support operations in the China-Burma-India theater of combat. The same year, they earned the Distinguished Unit Citation for their execution of ground attack missions in France and the low countries in advance of the invasion of Normandy and in Germany for their support in the aftermath of the Battle of the Bulge. Members of the 111th honorably served in support of the U.S. war efforts during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. In 1963, the 111th ended their 39-year history at the Philadelphia airport and relocated to the Willow Grove Naval Air Station now in my district. In 1995 and 1999, they performed combat operations in support of Operation Southern Watch. Immediately following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the 111th Fighter Wing deployed on very short notice to support our joint combat operations for Operation Enduring Freedom.”