[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 24, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H4223-H4224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO IDAHO NATIONAL GUARDSMEN KILLED OR INJURED IN FLOOD RELIEF 
                                EFFORTS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Collins). Under the Speaker's announced

[[Page H4224]]

policy of January 21, 1997, the gentleman from Idaho [Mr. Crapo] is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 3 minutes.
  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. Speaker, in recent weeks, Idahoans have banded 
together to save homes and neighborhoods and communities from 
encroaching flood waters. We face what is literally the flood of the 
century and maybe the flood of the last 200 or 300 years.
  But, Mr. Speaker, I am saddened to report that last week during the 
assistance efforts, two Idaho Air National Guardsmen were killed and 
one seriously injured when the helicopter they were in crashed. Maj. 
Don Baxter and 1st Lt. Will Neal were killed when the helicopter they 
were in went down. CWO Shelby Wuthrich survived the crash and was 
pulled from the wreckage by a local citizen, Sherry Lang.
  Major Baxter had just taken command of the Idaho National Guard 
operations to assist in the flooded areas. His brother tells me that 
Don died doing what he loved most, flying and serving other people.
  Will Neal also was an exemplary guardsman and was enthusiastic about 
assisting others in trouble. I was able to visit with Shelby in the 
hospital this last weekend, and the doctors are still determining the 
extent of his injuries and rehabilitative efforts; but he has a 
tremendous will and spirit, one that will help him to come to 
resolution with this tragedy.
  I also want to commend all the others who responded to the crash 
site. Their quick response is a strong testament to the community's 
spirit.
  The thoughts and prayers of all Idahoans are with the families of 
these three men. They were performing a great service, working for the 
good of the community and helping others in trouble when this tragedy 
occurred. I know that all the Members of the U.S. House of 
Representatives will join me in sending their prayers and in keeping 
their thoughts and prayers focused on these men and sending our 
condolences to the Baxter, Neal, and Wuthrich families. Truly, this is 
the kind of rugged individualism, the kind of integrity and character 
that Idahoans and Americans exemplify when facing disaster threats.

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