[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 41 (Wednesday, April 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2946-S2947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF THE FALLEN AIRMEN OF THE 440TH AIRLIFT WING

 Mr. KOHL. Today, Mr. President, I would like to take a moment 
to remember the men and women of the 440th Airlift Wing, based at 
Mitchell Field in Milwaukee, who died and were injured in the course of 
their duty on April 1, 1997. At a treacherous airport in Honduras, far 
from home, three airmen made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 
On a routine resupply mission, their C-130 skidded off the end of the 
runway while attempting to land at Tocontin International Airport in 
Tegucigalpa. The plane burst into flames killing Senior M. Sgt. Leland 
Rassmussen, S. Sgt. Vicki Clifton, and Senior Airman Samuel Keene. Also 
injured in the crash were T. Sgt. Joseph Martynski, Capt. Ian Kincaid, 
M. Sgt. Steven Hilger, T. Sgt. Danny Formanski, Capt. Michael Butler, 
S. Sgt. Dean Ackmann, and Capt. Robert Woodard.
  The 440th flies out of my hometown, Milwaukee, WI and I am proud of 
their commitment to excellence. Over the years they have been called on 
many times to serve their country in foreign lands and dangerous 
circumstances. They are an example of the best the Reserve system has 
to offer, and I was deeply saddened to hear of their loss.
  Too often we take for granted the risks members of the military run 
on a day-to-day basis. We assume that because the United States is at 
peace soldiers do not face danger. While in fact, everyday men and 
women in our armed services put their lives on the line. They do it 
quietly and without fanfare. It seems that only when tragedy strikes do 
we take a moment to appreciate their courage and sacrifice.
  I would also like to take a moment to thank those brave Honduran 
citizens who risked their lives to help victims

[[Page S2947]]

of the crash. With the wreckage burning only 100 yards from two gas 
stations, these good Samaritans waded into the fiery crash site to 
rescue complete strangers. Because of their selfless courage, lives 
were saved and crippling injuries avoided.
  Those injured in the accident have my best wishes for a speedy and 
complete recovery. My heart goes out to the families of Leland, Vicki, 
and Samuel. Over the years these three airmen have foregone time with 
their families in order to serve their country, and now the Nation owes 
them a debt it can never fully repay. All we can offer is our deepest 
sympathy and highest esteem.

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