Rock Island Today

Veteran Illinois state Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Woodhull) made it a point of recently rising to salute the United States Army Reserve on its 113th anniversary.

“I rise today to recognize the 113th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army Reserve,” Swanson said from the House Floor on April 27. “What began in 1908 is a small core of military professionals held in readiness for service is today the Army's global operational reserve force and the best-trained, best-equipped and most ready Army Reserve in our nation's history. Through every war operation and crisis, the men and women of the Army Reserve have never failed to answer the nation's call.”

Swanson noted these trying times are no different.

“Even amid a global pandemic, nearly 8,000 soldiers from 258 units are deployed to 23 countries around the world,” he added. “We are grateful for their service and dedication to ensuring that the Army Reserve is ready today and shaping the force to meet the challenges of tomorrow. As we move into the future, the army must have the forces and capabilities it needs to compete with our adversaries or respond to crisis when in conflict and change if needed.”

Swanson intimated his sense of dedication isn’t hard to figure out.

“As a first-generation board citizen, both my parents served this nation during [the] Vietnam war era,” he said. “Once I became of age, I had different plans, but the army asked that I serve. In my service, the army has taken me to another 10 countries across a 26-year career. I’ve been blessed in meeting many people from all walks of life.  Army reserve soldiers are unique our people.”

Even as the world continues to change all around us, Swanson predicted not much will for the Army Reserves.

“The Army Reserve will remain the dedicated Federal Reserve; the most decisive and lethal land force in the world ready to move fast, engage quickly, and win decisively on the battlefields of today and tomorrow and respond to crises in the Homeland. I say happy birthday Army Reserve.”