Mr. WELDON: Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 174th Assault Helicopter Company (AHC), Dolphins & Sharks (both pilots and enlisted crew members) who played such an important role during their service in Vietnam and Laos during 1966-1971. They will be gathering once again for their reunion in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on October 5, 6, and 7 of 2001.

The contribution of the 174th AHC to the American war effort is significant and they should be recognized for their valor. The personnel of the 174th AHC were an elite group formed at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1965. The 174th was deployed to Vietnam by U.S. Navy ships in 1966, landing at the Vietnamese port at the City of Qui Nhon. The unit's three primary "homes" in Vietnam were Lane Army Heliport near Qui Nhon (1966; II-Corps), Duc Pho in Quang Ngai Province (1967-1970; I-Corps), and Chu Lai, base camp for the Americal Division (1971; also I-Corps). The 174th flew various models of the UH-1 "Huey" helicopter. The unit served long and proud in Vietnam and saw much combat action in the rice paddies and mountains in the northern half of South Vietnam from 1966 until 1971, and in Laos during Operation Lam Son 719 in 1971.

Representative of the sacrifices of this great country is the proud and gallant record of combat service of the 174th AHC. Members of this company engaged the enemy and these engagements have taken their toll. Sixty members of this special corps of Dolphins and Sharks died gallantly for the cause of freedom. They shall not be forgotten. The 174th AHC has on countless occasions proven its high spirit and "can do" attitude as is so appropriately emblazoned on the Company crest - "Nothing Impossible."

The proud legacy of the 174th remains. They proved that the preservation of freedom required heroic sacrifice. They proved that their loyalty to American ideals and their desire for peace was their first priority. When our country needed them, they answered the call, and served proudly. It is this same spirit of sacrifice and duty that has made this nation great.

As the members of the 174th Assault Helicopter Company gather for their 2001 reunion, I wish to extend a heartfelt "thank you" for their actions in Vietnam and Laos. During this dangerous and uncertain time, we are reminded that in every generation, the world has produced enemies of freedom. The evidence of this fact is clear today after the recent attack on America. The resolve and commitment of those who have fought for freedom throughout our history continues to be the calling of our time.

The proud legacy of the 174th Assault Helicopter Company is the inspiration for today's America and those who will be called to serve. We can never repay them except by promising each other to never forget. God bless the men of the 174th AHC and their families. I hope that their reunion is a success and I wish them well in the future.