I wish to recognize and express my sincere appreciation to the National Guard Troops from southern Arkansas, our men and women in uniform, who have just returned to the United States from staging operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina.  

 These selfless individuals and their families made great sacrifices, including spending time away from their homes and jobs, to serve our country and to help the people of Bosnia in this time of need.  They did so with honor and dignity, and I am grateful for their service. 

 In May, several members of my staff traveled to Bosnia to visit our National Guard units from Magnolia and Sheridan, Arkansas, in my district, including my legislative assistant for military affairs, Toby Stephens, a former member of the Magnolia unit.  I regret that I was unable to accompany them due to my congressional responsibilities in our Nation’s capital, but I was pleased to hear that our troops were admirably representing Arkansas and the United States in a foreign land.

As they return to their loved ones, their homes, and their daily lives in this current time of uncertainty, I want to personally thank each of these men and women for their invaluable servitude at home and abroad.