Guest Blog: Rep. Cravaack on Protecting America from Terrorism

Rep. Chip Cravaack / May 25, 2011

This coming weekend we will celebrate the Memorial Day holiday. While it serves as the unofficial start of summer, it also marks a solemn remembrance of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

As a 24-year U.S. Navy veteran and graduate of the Naval Academy I am deeply humbled by those we have lost throughout our history. Now, as a freshman Representative from Minnesota and member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I believe I have the same mission as the one I previously carried out behind the controls of a CH-53 Super Sea Stallion helicopter: protect Americans and defend the United States.

A little over three weeks ago a transfixed nation learned that an elite unit of Navy SEALs – aided by the CIA and transported by the Army’s 160^th Spec Ops Aviation Regiment “Nightstalkers” – had killed Osama Bin Laden. After years of cold leads and close calls, the man responsible for the largest terrorist attack on our soil had finally been brought to justice. Americans responded to the elimination of “High-Value Target No. 1” with celebration and relief. The most poignant being the impromptu gathering that occurred at Ground Zero. For many, not least of all the families of the 9/11 victims, Bin Laden’s death brought a sense of closure. (more…)