[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 9, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7499-S7500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
      TRIBUTE TO PETER J. MORGERA AND HIS SERVICE TO THE AIR FORCE

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to A1c. Peter 
J. Morgera of Stratham, NH. Last Tuesday, this courageous young man 
fell victim to a tragic act of terrorism at the United States military 
complex in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Peter leaves behind his parents, 
Richard and Diane, and his two brothers, Tommy and Michael. He honored 
his country by serving overseas in Saudi Arabia and his family and 
community will miss him greatly.
  Peter, a 25-year-old flight mechanic, was one of 19 American 
servicemen who lost their lives just 2 weeks ago when a truck bomb 
detonated outside military housing in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. This blast 
which, in addition to taking the lives of Peter and 19 others, wounded 
270 and was the worst incident of terrorism since the attack in Beirut 
in 1983. Peter, who was scheduled to return home on June 30, had served 
his country for 3 years in the Air Force.
  Peter was a 1990 graduate of Exeter Area High School and is described 
by those who knew him as a great person, a hard worker, and someone who 
was always ready to lend a hand. When remembering Peter, his family and 
friends invariably mention his strong sense of community spirit and 
compassionate nature. He always did everything he could to help people 
when they needed it. At age 16, Peter began working with the Stratham 
Volunteer Fire Department and his fellow firefighters described him as 
extremely reliable and an excellent co-worker. One of the many ways he 
served the community was through teaching fire prevention at area 
schools. Peter had the kind of love for family and community this 
country is built upon, and it is individuals such as him that make this 
country great.
  Peter's memory will be one of leadership and charity. He chose not to 
ignore the needs of those around him but to help meet those needs. 
Whether

[[Page S7500]]

someone needed a helping hand or just a friendly face, Peter was there. 
Just last week, he was honored, along with his fellow servicemen who 
also died in the blast, at a special funeral ceremony by President 
Clinton. He served not only his community but his country as well, and 
his country will never forget his service or his sacrifice. We should, 
however, look beyond the tragedy of this great loss and let Peter's 
sacrifice be an example for us all. Although he left this world 
prematurely, he touched many lives with his caring ways and his memory 
will endure in many hearts.
  Although Peter's death weighs heavily in the hearts of his family and 
friends, we should not dwell in sadness, but remember his zeal for life 
and continue to uphold those principles which he held dear. Peter's 
dedication to community was the embodiment of the American ideal, 
people like him are the backbone of their communities and the Nation. 
He gave his life as a guardian of the community and the Nation he loved 
so well. Therefore, let us mark this tragedy and remember what we have 
lost, but let us also celebrate Peter's life and the light he gave to 
those around him. His family and community will miss him dearly and 
honor him as a valiant American.

                          ____________________