Diaz-Balart Recognizes 50th Anniversary of SOUTHCOM
WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) offered the following statement for the Congressional Record in recognition of the 50th anniversary of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), one of the nine unified Combatant Commands in the Department of Defense.
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) on their 50th anniversary, and to commend its exemplary service to the United States in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
“SOUTHCOM provides invaluable contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation to the volatile region, and has been essential to the area. Whether it be through deterring illegal activities such as drug trafficking, dismantling transnational organized crime networks, or fostering alternatives to criminal influence in under-governed areas. SOUTHCOM has consistently supported the region for all their security needs, and has strengthened the regions defense capabilities.
“Recently, vital humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions have underscored the importance of their presence in the South Florida community. For example, in 2010 SOUTHCOM led Operation Unified Response, in which a force of about 22,000 troops, more than 30 ships, and 300 aircraft provided life- saving assistance and distributed millions of pounds of food and water in Haiti following its devastating earthquake.
“With an economic impact of $600 million on Miami-Dade County, SOUTHCOM’s positive influence is keenly felt throughout the community. SOUTHCOM personnel are mainstays in community organizations and contribute an astonishing 30,000 volunteer hours each year to local charity groups, community projects, and events. Moreover, by participating in activities such as color guard presentations at sporting events and parades, and giving speeches at meetings sponsored by local organizations, we are all reminded of our civic duty and the sacrifices made by those who serve.
“SOUTHCOM has become an invaluable organization for the state of Florida, the Nation as a whole, and the region it serves. I am extremely proud to have SOUTHCOM in my Congressional district, and I am confident that they will continue to represent the interests of the United States with distinction.
“Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate SOUTHCOM as they celebrate this milestone. I am certain that we can all look forward to many more years of outstanding service, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing SOUTHCOM’s achievement.”