Washington, D.C., Jan 15 -

Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) delivered the following statement on the floor of the United States House of Representatives to recognize the contributions of Iowa’s National Guard at the upcoming Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.  Iowa will send 1,000 National Guardsmen and women to serve alongside 6,000 other National Guard members from states across the country.

“Today, I would like to highlight the special role the Iowa National Guard will play in the historic inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.

“Approximately 1,000 Iowa National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, including 140 from my District, will join 6,000 other National Guardsmen from seven states to assist in the inaugural events. 

“This historic trip to Washington, DC marks the first time in its 170 year history that the Iowa National Guard has participated in a presidential inauguration.

“I have had the honor of meeting many of Iowa’s citizen-soldiers both at home when they have responded to natural disasters such as last summer’s floods and abroad in Iraq and Afghanistan.  They are some of Iowa’s finest citizens and some of the finest troops in our military services. 

“I would like to extend a warm welcome to my fellow Iowans as they arrive in Washington. I am deeply proud of the role they will play in this historic event. “

To watch the Congressman’s floor speech, click here.

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