WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense – and U.S. Representative Roger Marshall, M.D. (KS-01) today applauded the House and Senate passage of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included a provision to honor First Infantry Division Soldiers. Sen. Moran and Rep. Marshall championed this provision to honor these soldiers in our nation’s capital.

This provision will allow the names of First Infantry Division Soldiers, also known as Big Red One Soldiers, who were killed in action during Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn to be added to the First Division Monument that is located on the White House grounds.

“This year’s NDAA includes a provision especially important to Kansans that will allow the names of Big Red One Soldiers from Fort Riley, who were killed in action, to be added to the First Division Monument on the White House Grounds,” said Sen. Moran. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Rep. Marshall to pass this provision and honor these soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country.”

“I am honored to have worked alongside Senator Moran to lead our respective chambers on this important issue,” said Rep. Marshall. “For more than 100 years, the First Infantry Division has been America’s first presence in battle, and I have been proud to represent the men and women of the Big Red One during my time in Congress. As a veteran myself, I am humbled to be a part of this process and help the Division properly honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. With the passage of the FIRST Act, more than 660 First Infantry Division soldiers will be added to the monument in Washington D.C. and finally receive the public recognition they deserve.”

The FY2021 NDAA supports our troops through a three percent pay raise and provides flexibility in education, daycare and housing for military families. Furthermore, the NDAA invests in strategic developments in technology and weapons, secures America’s national defense supply chain, and helps deter military and economic aggression from China.

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