WHEREAS, As the preeminent intelligence and paramilitary arm of the Central Intelligence Agency and the people of the United States of America, whenever there was a crisis or an emergency in Asia, Civil Air Transport and Air America were ready to immediately respond; and
     WHEREAS, Tracing the organizations' roots to the Cold War, Civil Air Transport and Air America personnel served alongside allied intelligence agents and military personnel in the Far East, often in dangerous combat; and
     WHEREAS, For twenty-five years, from 1950 to 1975, Civil Air Transport and Air America provided the United States government with a unique intelligence and paramilitary aerial capability that helped win the Cold War; and
     WHEREAS, Missions included air dropping thousands of tons of food, evacuating civilians, rescuing downed United States aircrews, and emergency medical evacuations; and
     WHEREAS, Civil Air Transport and Air America personnel flew with skill and courage in supplying the anticommunist forces in Southeast Asia. They were the first Americans in China and Korea and, after the United States military had withdrawn from Vietnam, Air America flight crews risked their lives to evacuate the last Americans; and
     WHEREAS, The men and women of Civil Air Transport and Air America, and their families, willingly made sacrifices during times of conflict, war, and evacuations, for the protection of liberty and freedom; and
     WHEREAS, More than two hundred forty Civil Air Transport and Air America personnel gave their lives in Asia; and
     WHEREAS, The men and women of Civil Air Transport and Air America responded without reservation, serving with distinction and honor, truly an affirmation of the recognition they so richly merit for their faithful and successful service, and for the well-placed trust of their country in the preparedness and willingness of these heroic personnel;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the consistent readiness, bravery, and faithful service of Civil Air Transport and Air America personnel and families; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the members of Civil Air Transport and Air America.