LAS VEGAS, Nev. (9/17/2004) — Sen. John Kerry said he would give the National Guard a more significant role in homeland security if he is elected the 44th president of the United States in November. “As president I will recognize that homeland security is a Constitutionally-mandated mission of the National Guard,” the Democratic candidate told more than 3,000 Guard leaders and other members on Sept. 16. “In addition to their current duties overseas, I will assign Guard units an additional mission to a standing joint task force commanded by a general from the Guard.” Kerry, a Navy veteran decorated many...