[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO THE LATE NAVY LT. COMMANDER KURT BARICH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 2, 1999

  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, I wish to bring to your attention the 
service to our country of Navy Lt. Commander Kurt Barich. Lt. Commander 
Barich recently died in service to our country in an aircraft accident 
aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise.
  Kurt Barich moved to Albuquerque, NM, with his family in 1970, going 
to school at Sandia High School and the University of New Mexico before 
joining the Navy. Kurt was a member of the squadron VAQ-130, the 
``Zappers,'' based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA.
  Lt. Commander Kurt Barich flew 39 combat missions in the Gulf War in 
A-6 Intruder ground attack jets off the carrier U.S.S. Kennedy. After 
the Navy retired the A-6, Kurt Barich began flying the Prowler, an 
electronic warfare variant designed to jam enemy radar and destroy 
radar sights. He served his country honorably and with distinction 
receiving numerous medals and decorations in his 13 years in the Navy, 
including four Air Medals, three Navy Commendations and four Navy 
Achievement Medals.
  Kurt Barich was aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise on his last mission as 
it sailed for Norfolk, VA, and then on to the Middle East to protect 
vital American interests. Join me today as we honor Lt. Commander Kurt 
Barich for his service to our country. We will only remain a free 
country as long as there are men and women ready to protect our 
freedoms. Let us also send our thanks and our sympathies to his family 
for their support for his service in the Navy.

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