LAREDO, Texas (Sept 18, 2009) – While the country paid tribute to the men and women who lost their lives on that fateful day in September, others assembled here, to unveil training equipment that has become essential to Soldiers and Law Enforcement Officers in the aftermath.
“What a great day, good morning ladies and gentlemen, Congressman Cuellar,” said Brig. Gen. Joyce Stevens, Commander Texas Army National Guard. “What a fitting day on the 8th anniversary of 9/11 to be here at the Texas Army National Guard Laredo Armory with Congressman Cuellar and our distinguished guests to unveil a combat simulator and mobile firing range that will enable our great Texas warriors and our law enforcement partners to hone their weapon skills and become more proficient in their duties.
The events of September 11, 2001,” she continued: “forever changed our Nation. No one knows that better than the Citizen Soldiers and families of the Texas Army National Guard who have willingly stepped forward to protect our freedom and secure our safety. Long gone are the days that the Guard served as a strategic reserve.
The Soldiers of the 436th Chemical Company here in Laredo typify an operational National Guard unit as they recently served well and returned from Afghanistan. More than half of these Soldiers have served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. The combat simulator which we will unveil here today is a tremendous resource to our Soldiers and area law enforcement partners.”
She then introduced U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar: “It is with great pleasure that I introduce the man who made this simulator and training facility possible. Congressman Cuellar has served the state of Texas for over 20 years as a Texas State Legislator, Texas Secretary of State and now U.S. Congressman.
Congressman Cuellar has traveled to Iraq, Afghanistan and Germany visiting our troops and has fought his own campaign to provide tools and support for Texas Soldiers.”
The Congressman who is known for bringing the most important food group - tortillas - to the troops in Iraq received a hearty applause from the audience.
Congressman Cuellar thanked the Soldiers for their service and joked, “Some of these Soldiers may have taken more tortillas than they were supposed to,” but soon became serious and said: “To our state and local law enforcement – Thank you! It is so important that we all work together. I am excited about what we will start doing here and what we will continue to do here.
We brought in an $ 800,000 state-of-the-art simulator because while it is appropriate to honor our men and women in uniform and thank them for their service we also have to make sure that they receive the right equipment.
Today’s unveiling of the mobile firing range unit is a testament to what we want to do which is to work as teams so that we may provide better security during an act of violence or even an act of terrorism. This self-contained mobile firing range allows for our Soldiers and law enforcement officers to train for the different scenarios. Equally important is that our local Soldiers and local law enforcement officers do not have to travel long distances to practice their target shooting. The time saved is what otherwise would have been time away from their families. This is just the first step. We want to bring in much more equipment. Thanks again to all men and women in uniform and God Bless you. This is your equipment.”
When it was time for show-and-tell, there was no need for arm twisting as officials from the various represented agencies got their hands on a laser equipped weapon firing down a simulated range at simulated bad guys in simulated landscapes. While the mobile unit looks and sounds like the ultimate video arcade, the sobering reality is that the skills learned in this environment will be applied on the battle field and in the streets of Anytown in the United States.
In attendance and specials remarks were given by: Border Patrol Chief Rosendo Hinojosa; Laredo Police Chief Carlos Maldonado; Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar; Texas D.P.S. Capt. Mario Lopez; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Capt. David Murray and United I.S.D Police Chief Ray Garner.