May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor our fellow Americans who have bravely raised their hand to selflessly protect and defend our great nation. To our men and women in uniform: We salute you and your families.

Since Vietnam, our Armed Forces have been an all-volunteer force. In times of war or peace, the dedication and determination of our troops is bar none. By answering the call to serve, our warfighters forgo health, home, and personal security to defend our great country and its freedoms. As your representative in Congress and as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, it is my honor to fight for our men and women in uniform, their families, our installations, and Department of Defense civilians who call the Eighth District home.

Georgia is home to nine major military installations: four U.S. Army posts, one Marine Corps Logistics Base, three U.S. Air Force bases, and one U.S. Navy Submarine Base. Georgia’s Eighth District is home to Robins Air Force Base and Moody Air Force Base, two installations vitally important to our national security and defense. In addition to our Active Duty personnel and installations, Reservists and the Georgia National Guard have always played a key role in our state, with thousands of Reservists and Guardsmen living and working in the Eighth District.

Robins AFB, located in Houston County, plays a critical role in our national defense by providing battle management, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to the Department of Defense. It is home to the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC), which also performs depot maintenance on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps C-130s. In recent years, I’ve worked with our military leaders to secure future missions and expand the important depot work at the WR-ALC. Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters also calls Robins home, supporting nuclear deterrence, cybersecurity, and global precision attack and surveillance reconnaissance missions.

Moody AFB, located in Lowndes County, is home to the Air Force’s largest A-10C “Warthog” fighter group, which provides close air support to ground troops. Recently, Moody was the first to receive the Air Force’s new HH-60W “Jolly Green Giant II” helicopter. The HH-60W will further aid our Airmen in their search and rescue roles both in combat and severe weather events here at home. Additionally, Moody trains foreign partner pilots. Currently, pilots from the Nigerian Air Force are taking part in these training efforts. I have long supported partner training programs and fought against attempts by the Air Force to cancel the A-10Cs, which have been integral in the fight against ISIS.

As we celebrate our servicemembers this month and approach Memorial Day, let us not forget all the brave men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation. We owe them and their loved ones a tremendous debt of gratitude. They inspire all Americans to fight to make our country as strong as it can be.

To our servicemembers and their families: Thank you for your commitment to protecting and serving your fellow Americans. It’s an honor to represent you in Washington. Vivien, our kids, and I wish you a very safe and happy Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day weekend.

Congressman Austin Scott represents Georgia’s Eighth Congressional District and is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

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This article is available for publication as an editorial by Congressman Austin Scott. Please contact Rachel.Ledbetter@mail.house.gov with any questions.

This was first published on May 18, 2021.