Burgess Owens: “I represent the 10th Mountain Division, which is located at Fort Drum in my district, and I rise today to honor the…”

“I represent the 10th Mountain Division, which is located at Fort Drum in my district, and I rise today to honor the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who are serving both home and abroad to prevent future terrorist attacks against our homeland. After 8 years of failing to identify a clear plan in Afghanistan and provide the resources necessary for our troops to succeed, we are now taking the fight against the terrorists to their own turf, and we have them on the run. Democrats have worked with this President to successfully kill and capture hundreds of al Qaeda and Taliban leaders in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Last week, a suicide bombing attack on a convoy in Kabul reminded us of the brave sacrifice the men and women on the front lines of this fight are making. Two officers from the 10th Mountain Division, both lieutenant colonels, were among those killed. Lieutenant Colonel Paul R. Bartz and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Belkofer were part of a team that was conducting training and setting conditions for the 10th Mountain Division deployments to Afghanistan later this year. This is a heartbreaking loss for the Fort Drum community, and our hearts go out to their families.”