[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 115 (Thursday, September 3, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S9943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               NASHVILLE PILOTS COMPLETE HISTORIC JOURNEY

 Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. President, I want to share with the Senate a 
courageous story about two female Tennesseans who recently succeeded in 
their quest to retrace a historic flight around the world.
  Nikki Mitchell and Rhonda Miles landed their single-engine Maule M-5 
plane at the Lebanon, Tennessee airport on Saturday, August 22, 1998. 
Their trip, dubbed the ``Bridge of Wings Tour,'' was completed 49 days 
after they took off from the same airport.
  Their flight commemorates the historical achievement of three female 
Russian pilots. That journey, known as the ``Flight of the Rodina,'' 
was a story of courage and stamina in the tradition of Lindbergh and 
Earhart. It took place in 1938, when the three Russians flew non-stop 
from Moscow to the southeastern tip of Siberia.
  The Russian pilots flew with virtually no radio transmission, through 
skies so overcast no landmarks were visible, yet they broke a world 
record and opened up the route across Siberia. They were cheered 
worldwide and received their country's highest award, the Gold Star of 
Hero of the Soviet Union.
  Sixty years later, Nikki and Rhonda celebrated the accomplishments of 
the Rodina on the anniversary of its flight. A portion of their 15,000 
mile trip included retracing the steps of the three Soviet women from 
Moscow to the southeastern tip of Siberia. And for this leg of the 
route they were joined by two Russian women who flew their plane side 
by side with the American aircraft in a unified flight of honor and 
goodwill.
  As they flew over Russian territory, Nikki and Rhonda were met by 
crowds and cheers in villages across the Russian Far East. The level of 
excitement was such that a commercial airline canceled a flight so its 
fuel could be used for the continuation of their flight.
  Before returning to Tennessee, Nikki and Rhonda were also warmly 
welcomed in Alaska, Canada, and Des Moines, Iowa. It goes without 
saying that upon arrival in Lebanon, Tennessee, they were given a 
welcome fit for heroes.
  Nikki and Rhonda, dressed in blue flight suits and holding flowers, 
couldn't contain their excitement as they stepped out of the plane. 
Nikki showed how happy she was to be back in the Volunteer State by 
immediately kissing the Tennessee soil. Also thankful to be home, 
Rhonda could not stop smiling as friends rushed to greet her.
  Mr. President, I know my colleagues in the Senate join me in saluting 
Nikki and Rhonda for their courageous journey. These Tennesseans have 
recreated one of history's most daring and remarkable flights. Their 
trip will always be remembered as an international effort to honor one 
of aviation's most exciting moments. I have no doubt that the example 
set by these women will inspire others to strive toward achieving their 
own ambitions and goals.

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