Joe Wilson: “They can be cheerful because they know they have a chairman of the Committee on Armed Services who is personally…”

“They can be cheerful because they know they have a chairman of the Committee on Armed Services who is personally interested in their safety and security and in promoting democracy and protecting the American people. Additionally, I am very grateful to be here with my colleague from the north, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes). I had an opportunity to visit with the gentleman at Ft. Bragg and visit with the Special Forces. It is so reassuring to see this new generation, to see how dedicated they are. Many of us had somewhat dismissed them as the Nintendo generation. Well, that is actually very positive because the equipment that they use is so high tech, it is crucial that they be able to operate equipment that is almost inconceivable in terms of advances in just a few years, and particularly even over the first Persian Gulf War, and the success of our troops and dedication is so heart warming. Additionally, I was happy to hear the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes) reference Pope Air Force Base. I have a nephew who is currently still in the Air Force, and I am really proud that he served at Pope. But the perspective I would like to make tonight is indeed as a veteran, I retired after 31 years of service, it was last July, with my service with the Army National Guard, and I saw again firsthand the capable people who are protecting our country, because my job was as pre-mobilization legal counselor and additionally mobilization counseling.”