Jay Rockefeller: “I thank you for allowing me to speak on this important legislation, the Guardians of Freedom Act of 2010, that will make…”

“I thank you for allowing me to speak on this important legislation, the Guardians of Freedom Act of 2010, that will make the Chief of the National Guard Bureau a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As the former Governor of West Virginia, I recognize the importance of the National Guard. I can tell you that the National Guard is always there. Whether it is flooding, snow storms, tornados, or other disasters, the National Guard comes to the rescue of the community. And I would bet there is a member of the National Guard living in every congressional district and every community in our country. These citizen-soldiers are the Governor's 911 force. The National Guard is the oldest element of our Armed Forces. Our Guard members celebrate their 374th birthday on December 13, 2010. For 374 years they have served this country with great distinction. Unlike our active-duty forces, the National Guard has both a state and federal mission. Now I'm not taking anything away from our active-duty military as they have always performed, and will continue to perform, in an outstanding fashion. However, the National Guard is unique in that it serves each State's governor as well as the President and Commander-in-Chief.”