[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 1] [House] [Pages 686-687] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO OUR REMARKABLE TROOPS (Mr. SKELTON asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our remarkable troops. Our men and women in uniform represent the best of America. Never is that more apparent than when our forces are mobilized to help people in need, most recently in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. As of last week, approximately 13,000 military personnel are part of the Haiti relief effort, about 10,000 aboard ship, and 3,000 ashore. The United States' response to the Haiti earthquake is a whole-of- government effort, with the U.S. Agency for International Development in the lead, but our military personnel are truly indispensable to the humanitarian response. U.S. military professionals have the logistical, medical, and engineering skills that are desperately needed in a disaster zone. This critical contribution to the Haiti relief effort comes at a time when the men and women of our military are already being stretched by two wars. But crises rarely happen on a planned timetable, and our troops have demonstrated, once again, their capability to respond admirably whenever disaster strikes. As any American who has been helped by the National Guard or other U.S. forces during [[Page 687]] a flood, hurricane, fire, tornado, or other emergency, there is no limit to the compassion, commitment, and dedication of those wearing the American service uniform. U.S. military servicemembers and their families make tremendous sacrifices, both for our Nation and in working to help people in times of need all over the world. I am so proud of the contribution our heroes in uniform are making to help the people of Haiti, in cooperation with all of the other people in government and non- governmental organizations, and international organizations who are working as partners in the Haiti relief effort. ____________________