WASHINGTON, DC -- In recognition of their outstanding service and bravery, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today took to the floor of the U.S. Senate to commend the Rhode Island Army National Guard's Blackhawk helicopter battalion, the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, which was recently named the National Guard's top aviation unit for 2005. Reed, who is a former Army Ranger and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, had a chance to observe the unit firsthand during his trip to Iraq in March of 2005."They have served their country with honor. We are all proud of their service in the state of Rhode Island and throughout the nation and indeed it is heart warming to see them being recognized nationally for their great success, their great service to the nation and their great professionalism," said Reed. "I commend Colonel Callahan, all the officers and personnel of that unit for their service, their sacrifice, for their dedication to their country."Deployed to Iraq from January to December 2005, the First of the 126th served as the core of Task Force Dragonwing during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Task Force Dragonwing, based out of Balad Airbase North of Baghdad, was the lead force responsible for conducting combat support aviation operations throughout the entire Iraqi theatre. The First of the 126th is comprised of 457 soldiers who man and maintain 24 UH-60 Black Hawk and 12 CH-47 Chinook helicopters. They accumulated over 16,000 hours of combat mission flight hours during nearly 2,000 missions while transporting over 66,000 passengers and 5,000 tons of cargo. During their tour, they were subjected to known surface to air fire with 7 aircraft receiving battle damage. But, Reed noted, "Through the professional performance of their duties, no members of their unit were killed or seriously injured." "The First of the 126th has proven themselves as an exceptional unit and thus the deserving to be selected as the Army Aviation Association of Americas top aviation unit for 2005. They have served their country honorably and should be proud of their distinguished accomplishments," concluded Reed.