Joe Wilson: “In May we celebrate National Military Appreciation Month. This month we are reminded to actively honor and support all…”

“In May we celebrate National Military Appreciation Month. This month we are reminded to actively honor and support all of our men and women in uniform who voluntarily risk their lives so we may achieve peace through strength. I would like to give special recognition to America's oldest military branch, the National Guard, which has celebrated 365 years of service. As a son of a World War II veteran, myself a colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard and with three sons in the military, I have seen the service the Guard provides in defense of America's homeland. My colleagues are extraordinary people who train year-round and are ready at a moment's notice to leave their families and jobs to defend liberty. In South Carolina we are fortunate to have dedicated leadership with Adjutant General Stan Spears. Most recently in the war against terrorism, over 50,000 Guardsmen and women have been called to duty. Today's National Guard continues its historic dual mission: protecting life and property within our borders while providing units trained, equipment, and ready to defend the United States and its interests all over the globe.”