McCain: National Guard one reason homeland defense succeeds Published March 21, 2011 By Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Orrell National Guard Bureau WASHINGTON (3/11/11) -- The Reserve components, including the National Guard, are one reason we have succeeded in defending our nation and not had another attack on American soil since 9/11, Arizona Sen. John McCain said here Thursday. "In this era of enemies who want to destroy everything we stand for and believe in, there's no more patriotic group of Americans ... than those who serve in our Reserve [components]," said McCain, receiving the Reserve Forces Policy Board's 2011 Citizen Patriot Award for contributions to the nation's defense and national security. "Since 9/11, our [National Guard] Citizen-Soldiers have been called upon to serve and sacrifice in a way that it has never been called upon in history," McCain said. "And, as we see events unfold in the Middle East - the continued threat from those people who would destroy everything we stand for - I am afraid [the Reserve components] will have to be called on again." McCain said he is aware of Guardmembers' commitment and sacrifice and is proud of them. He thanked them for their sacrifice and the pride they have serving. "We have seen our [Guardmembers] leave their families, their homes and their jobs time-after-time, voluntarily, to serve their country's call," he said. "I am inspired every time I meet someone who walks up to me and says, 'I'm in the [National Guard,] and I'm proud that I serve.'" This success is a credit not only to Guardmembers, but also to everyone who helped the National Guard successfully move from a strategic reserve to a fully functional operational Reserve component, he said. "I am also proud of the American people who have provided the training and the equipment to make our [National Guardmembers] on an equal basis with our active duty personnel," he said. "That has been a major improvement and step forward."