Boy, here's a real stand-up R reading the riot act to those who would disparage the military record of any vet. Note that in Congress, Mr. Kline serves on the House Armed Services Committee where he is assigned to the subcommittees on Projection Forces and on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats, and Capabilities.
Impressive
SPECIAL ORDER: NATIONAL GUARD - March 9, 2004
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an unacceptable offense against the men and women of our National Guard and the Commander and Chief of our United States Military.
As you may know, last month Terry McAuliffe, the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, attacked President Bush by claiming he was AWOL from the Alabama National Guard. He also cheapened the service of the men and women of the National Guard by saying that President Bush, as a member of the Guard, never served in our military.
In the time that has passed since Mr. McAuliffe made his unfounded charges, the President has produced military records which reflect his service and honorable discharge from the National Guard.
Mr. Speaker, the President has had the opportunity to exonerate himself, and I believe the men and women who have served their country as members of our National Guard deserve to be exonerated, as well.
Mr. McAuliffe’s comments discredit the sacrifices of the tens of thousands of National Guardsmen and women and is a slap in the face to their service and their families. I believe the men and women of our National Guard serving this very moment in Afghanistan, Iraq, and throughout the globe would disagree with the sentiment that they are not serving their country. More than 193,000 National Guard members and Reservists are currently serving in the War on Terror.
While in Iraq last fall, I had the good fortune to spend time with Members of the Minnesota National Guard who provided transportation in and out of Baghdad. These men and women are steadfast servants of our military and our country who have given up their own freedom to ensure liberty for others. Whether on the front lines or serving in support roles, these brave Americans are the difference between terrorism and freedom. If that is not service to our country, Mr. Speaker, I don’t know what is.
This week yet another National Guard unit from Minnesota will depart to serve our country. And I challenge anyone to question the sacrifice of these Guardsmen and women and the families they are leaving behind.
As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I take offence to Mr. McAuliffe’s demeaning characterization of our National Guard. His baseless insinuation diminishes the National Guard as an institution, and he owes an apology to the guardsmen and women in uniform serving our country and protecting their fellow Americans.
McAuliffe’s comments represent the worst of election-year politics. It is deplorable for anyone, much less the leader of a national party, to denounce, degrade and dishonor a fighting force that is, at this moment, fighting for freedom and democracy around the world.I would like to take this opportunity to commend the men and women of our National Guard and say “Thank you” for their service to our military and our nation.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
http://www.house.gov/kline/speech030904natguard.shtml 
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