[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 61 (Monday, April 10, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E301-E302] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-10
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mr. GREEN : I rise today to honor CW5 Benjamin S. Arps for his remarkable military service and valorous leadership in the War on Terror, and to congratulate him on a well- deserved retirement. A native of Woodbine, Iowa, CW5 Arps enlisted in the Army in June 1997, marking the beginning of a singularly impressive career of service. After completing One Station Unit Training at Fort Knox, he graduated as a 19D Cavalry Scout. His first assignment was with the 5th Squadron, 15th Cavalry Regiment, where he distinguished himself as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle gunner and instructor. In July 2001, he graduated from the Warrant Officer Flight Training Program at Fort Rucker and was assigned to Bravo Company, 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment at Aviano Airbase, Italy. While in Italy, he served as a UH60 Pilot in Command, Unit Trainer, Tactical Operations officer, and Operations Officers. In January 2005, CW5 Arps answered the call to serve that few will answer. He successfully assessed for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), the most elite special operations night- operating aviation force in the world. Upon his graduation from Officer Green Platoon in February 2006, he was assigned to Delta Company, Task Force, 1st Battalion, 160th SOAR (ABN) at Fort Campbell. Through rigorous preparation, training, and testing, he achieved Fully Mission Qualified and Flight Lead status, and lead as the D Co. Safety Officer and the 1-160th SOAR (ABN) Safety Officer. From November 2014 to January 2017, CW5 Arps served as the 160th SOAR (ABN) Regiment Recruiting Director. Accepting the next challenge in his career, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion where he served as Regiment Flight Lead, ultimately rising to be the Battalion Senior Warrant Officer. He served as the senior warrant officer for the second battalion for a number of years, multiple combat assignments, many of them classified, and all of them at great risk to his life. Recognizing CW5 Arps' leadership, he was selected by the US Army Special Operations Command to become the 8th Regiment Command Chief Warrant Officer for the 160th SOAR (ABN). In that position, Command Chief Warrant Officer Arps led every warrant officer assigned to the 160th SOAR, the world's premiere special operations aviation regiment. After indicating to the Command his intent to retire, CW5 Arps was asked to stay in service for another position. There, he stood up a brand-new office designed to assist special operations aviators transitioning to civilian service. Without hesitation, he said ``yes'' to becoming the first Officer in Charge for the 160th SOAR (ABN) EXFIL Transition Program. His 26 year-career has been marked by uncommon valor, honor, and a dedication to excellence on and off the battlefield. He deployed thirty times in support of the Global War on Terror and in several other sensitive, often classified, overseas contingency operations. In all his service, he fulfilled the Night Stalker Creed's mission-focus: to safeguard the honor and prestige of the United States. CW5 Arps's permanent awards and decorations are numerous and worth recounting: the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal (2 OLC), Air Medal (Numeral 8), Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3 CS), Iraq Campaign Medal (4 CS), Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Overseas Ribbon (Numeral 2), NATO Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Meritorious Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, Air Force Meritorious Unit Award, Combat Action Badge, and Master Aviator Badge. CW5 Arps' career exemplifies servant-leadership, a drive to learn, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that should be venerated and emulated by all Americans. No matter what was thrown at him, he always put the mission and his soldiers first. He led with great strength and quiet resolve, commanded high respect, and put his life on the line for his country, his wife of 24 years, and his two children. We honor his excellence, dedication, fidelity, and courage. As Philippians 4:8 instructs us, ``Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.'' It is for this reason that we commend and honor CW5 Arps today. Few answer the call to serve their country, and fewer still serve with as much distinction and honor as CW5 Arps. His service will never be forgotten, and I am proud to represent him and his family in Congress. On behalf of the United States Congress, the American people, and as a fellow Night Stalker, I heartily thank CW5 Arps for his long and distinguished career in service to our great Nation, and I congratulate him on his retirement from military service. Night Stalkers Don't Quit.