WASHINGTON– The Reserve components, including the National Guard, are one reason we have succeeded in defending our nation and not had another attack on American soil since 9/11, Arizona Sen. John McCain said here March 10.
“In this era of enemies who want to destroy everything we stand for and believe in, there’s no more patriotic group of Americans … than those who serve in our Reserve [components],” said McCain, receiving the Reserve Forces Policy Board’s 2011 Citizen Patriot Award for contributions to the nation’s defense and national security.
“Since 9/11, our [National Guard] Citizen-soldiers have been called upon to serve and sacrifice in a way that it has never been called upon in history,” McCain said.
“And, as we see events unfold in the Middle East – the continued threat from those people who would destroy everything we stand for – I am afraid [the Reserve components] will have to be called on again.”
McCain said he is aware of Guard members’ commitment and sacrifice and is proud of them. He thanked them for their sacrifice and the pride they have serving.
“We have seen our [Guard members] leave their families, their homes and their jobs time-after-time, voluntarily, to serve their country’s call,” he said.
“I am inspired every time I meet someone who walks up to me and says, ‘I’m in the [National Guard,] and I’m proud that I serve.’”
This success is a credit not only to Guard members, but also to everyone who helped the National Guard successfully move from a strategic reserve to a fully functional operational Reserve component, he said.
“I am also proud of the American people who have provided the training and the equipment to make our [National Guard members] on an equal basis with our active duty personnel,” he said. “That has been a major improvement and step forward.”