I want to reiterate my appreciation for your military service, your extraordinary diplomatic service and wish you well on your return to the State Department.

When do you believe that JPAC will be fully manned at 100 percent of your current authorizations?

Would the study provide a basis for decisions related to increasing identifications three-, four-, or five-fold?

We look forward to hearing your testimony and working with you to fulfill our commitment to our American heroes who are missing in action or prisoners of war.

I am very proud and grateful today.

I have had two sons serve in Iraq.

I believe, successfully defeated the terrorists overseas to protect American families at home.

Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to present the American Legion's views on these pieces of legislation.

While fiscally more difficult, many of the proposals that will make an immediate and positive impact on our service members and their families fall into the latter category.

I am especially grateful that we will hear today from Ms. Margaret McCloud, a Gold Star Wife whose husband, Lieutenant Colonel Trane McCloud, was killed in action in Iraq.

We believe that a civilian-style plan is inappropriate for military service conditions.