[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 45 (Tuesday, April 11, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H2095-H2096]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE PASSING OF KENNETH PADDIO AND THE OTHER SOLDIERS WHO PASSED ON THE 
                  MV-22 OSPREY TRAGEDY APRIL 11, 2000

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Sherwood). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the 19 
remarkable and valiant Marines, who made the ultimate sacrifice for 
their country this past Saturday. My prayers and condolences go out to 
their family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
  I urge all Americans to recognize the enormity of what these fallen 
Marines have afforded us. Our nation is blessed--providing us with a 
political system that guarantees each of us life, liberty, and the 
pursuit of happiness. We are free to speak our minds. We are free to 
practice our faiths. We are free to travel this great land and be with 
whomever we choose. These precious gifts of freedom have not come free. 
They have endured through the blood of American heroes and heroines.
  President John F. Kennedy once remarked: ``A man does what he must in 
spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and 
pressures, and that is the basis of all human mortality.'' This quote 
clearly describes these heroes who risked their lives this past weekend 
so that our great nation's military readiness remains strong and 
intact.
  These Marines were conducting a standard training mission in support 
of Operational Evaluation when they MV 22 Osprey aircraft crashed near 
a municipal airport in Marana, Arizona. These Marines conducted this 
standard evaluation to ensure that this aircraft was suitable for 
operation by the Marine Corps.
  Fittingly, these 19 soldiers symbolize the commitment and dedication 
that all of our military forces have displayed throughout history in 
protecting this great democracy. Whether it be peacekeeping missions 
abroad or training exercises on American soil, members of our Armed 
Forces risk their lives to ensure that our democracy is preserved. From 
the early heroes of the Revolutionary War to those who are currently 
enlisted in our Armed Forces, millions of Americans have sacrificed 
their lives to preserve our precious freedom and to meet our 
commitments to allies around the globe. As a nation, we mourn their 
loss and we are privileged to enjoy the benefits of the ultimate 
sacrifice that these men and women in our Armed Forces have made on our 
behalf.
  In addition, I pay additional tribute to Private Kenneth O. Paddio, a 
resident of the 18th Congressional District of Houston, Texas, and one 
of the 19 solders onboard this fatal military operation. After 
graduating High School a year ago, Private Paddio moved to the 18th 
Congressional District of Houston, Texas to be close to his beloved 
mother Ella. Truly a remarkable young man, his family and loved ones 
recall that Kenneth was a ``quiet, independent and determined young man 
who joined the Marines to better himself.'' On behalf of the 18th 
Congressional District, we mourn your loss and pay tribute to your 
heroism.
  In closing, I again offer all of the families my deepest sympathy. I 
hope that in time, you are comforted by the legacy of accomplishments 
that your loved ones have left behind. May God bless you all.

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