[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 10, 2010)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1549-E1550] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CIVILIAN TECHNICIANS ______ HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY of virginia in the house of representatives Tuesday, August 10, 2010 Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Association of Civilian Technicians, which is headquartered in my district in Lake Ridge, Va. In 1960, Vincent J. Paterno and twelve fellow New York technicians banded together to establish the Association of Civilian Technicians. Their stated mission was to represent the interests of our country's National Guard Technicians. Today, ACT represents the 48,000 employees of the Air and Army National Guard who are classified as Title 32 Civilian Technicians. A Title 32 Civilian Technician's duties and responsibilities are to maintain the working order of the aircraft, vehicles, tanks, helicopters and supporting equipment needed by the National Guard to carry out its mission. ACT members serve as mechanics, administrative personnel and technical support positions. They enable active duty personnel to keep our nation safe from attack and ensure that our military is always at the ready. Through vigorous advocacy efforts, ACT has helped secure a number of rights and benefits for civilian technicians. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law ``The National Guard Technician Act.'' The legislation established the Technician Program and provided National Guard Technicians with fair and just compensation, employment benefits and access to a retirement system that is equitable to other federal employees. ACT honors the service of our nation's civilian technicians by fighting to deliver the care and consideration they deserve. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Association of Civilian Technicians. For half of a century, ACT has represented the best interests and welfare of America's National Guard Technicians and their families. I [[Page E1550]] would like to extend my personal appreciation to ACT members for their service and contributions to our national security. ____________________