[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 43 (Tuesday, April 19, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    THREE DISTINGUISHED CALIFORNIANS

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor three distinguished 
Californians--Army WO Michael Hall, Army WO Erik Mounsey, and Col. 
Jerald Thompson--who lost their lives last Thursday in the helicopter 
accident over Iraq.
  My heart goes out to the families of these fine officers, and to the 
families of all of those killed in this tragic event.
  Erik Mounsey joined the Air Force to fulfill his dream of becoming a 
pilot. A man who loved children and helping others, Erik couldn't see 
himself behind a trigger. He requested a transfer to the Army, so that 
he could fly humanitarian aid missions. Erik also demonstrated his 
commitment to helping others in his personal life--he was known for 
dressing up as Santa Claus and passing out presents to children at the 
base in Germany where he was stationed. While in the Middle East, Erik 
flew aid missions to help feed Turkish children.
  Michael Hall's first love was also flying. With the help of his 
father, a recreational pilot, Michael took flying lessons at the Sonoma 
County airport and received his pilot's license when he was only 16--a 
week before he got his driver's license.
  Michael was eager to help others. He flew combat missions in the 
Persian Gulf war, but was much happier in his most recent assignment, 
flying goodwill missions for the United Nations. He delivered supplies 
to the Kurds in the remote mountain villages of northern Iraq. Michael 
recently sent his father a video of himself and fellow army pilots 
offering clothes, shoes, and candy to Kurdish children.
  Jerald Thompson was stationed in northern Iraq as commander of the 
military coordination center in Zakho. He supervised efforts to rebuild 
Kurdish villages, deliver food to those in need, and provide a safe 
haven for Kurds escaping Iraqi persecution. Jerald, who obtained a 
master's degree in Middle East history, was chosen for this assignment 
because of his expertise and previous work in the Middle East. He 
served as a United Nations military observer in Jerusalem, and in the 
Pentagon, he was considered an expert in the history and culture of 
North Africa.
  Erik Mounsey, Michael Hall, and Jerald Thompson died not just in 
service to their country but in service to humanity. I deeply respect 
their willingness to lay their lives on the line to relieve the 
suffering of others. They helped to ensure the survival of hundreds of 
children and adults who received aid and shelter through their 
humanitarian missions.
  I know that all Senators join me in expressing their deepest respect 
and condolences to the family of WO Michael Hall, WO Erik Mounsey, and 
Col. Jerald Thompson. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

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