[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 70 (Monday, May 1, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM'S WORK IN OKLAHOMA CITY

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to praise the members of 
the Montgomery County Maryland Search and Rescue Team for their work in 
Oklahoma City. This team worked among the death and destruction of 
Oklahoma City, driven by the hope that they would find another survivor 
within the tons of debris of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
  I cannot stress the gratitude that I feel as the Senator for Maryland 
to this group of dedicated heros, who worked 12 hours a day, for days 
on end, in their search for survivors. This group concentrated on 
search and rescue, ignoring the danger of falling debris and the mental 
agony of this tragedy.
  Mr. President, I feel the dedication this team and others like it 
displayed in Oklahoma City exemplifies the American spirit, a spirit of 
helping those in need to overcome a crisis. The brave men and women of 
the Montgomery County Search and Rescue Team placed their lives on the 
line for their fellow Americans; this is nothing less than an act of 
heroism.
  The Montgomery County team worked at the center of the blast zone of 
the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building by shoring up and removing giant 
slabs of concrete as members of the Oklahoma City Fire Department 
removed bodies. Working at the center of the blast zone, at ground 
zero, was dangerous duty. I know that I speak for all of my colleagues 
as I recognize this Montgomery County team because they were an example 
of the many dedicated Americans who came from all across the Nation to 
lend a helping hand in the wake of this disaster.
  Mr. President, I conclude my remarks today by passing along to the 
Montgomery County Search and Rescue Team a much deserved thank you for 
a job well done. Thank you for restoring the notion that the American 
spirit is still alive and well. Mr. President, I yield the floor.


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