[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 132 (Thursday, October 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF TIM GAUNA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARTIN FROST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2000

  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sadness today to honor the memory 
of Information Systems Technician Seaman Timothy Gauna, a constituent 
of mine from Rice, Texas, who is among the missing sailors from the 
attack on the U.S.S. Cole.
  Tim Gauna was 21 years old and a 1997 graduate of Ennis High School. 
He was one of five children in a close family. Teachers said he was a 
quiet student who excelled in baseball and art. He joined the Navy 18 
months ago with a dream shared by many recruits, to earn financial 
assistance to attend college. He wanted to learn about computers, then 
use the knowledge while attending the University of Texas at Austin. He 
would have been the first in his family to go to college.
  Before sailing into harm's way, Tim let his mom know that he was 
headed into dangerous waters, but that he would be okay. Like all the 
sailors aboard the U.S.S. Cole, Tim Gauna was serving his country 
bravely and honorably when this vicious attack took place. I join the 
Gauna family, and all the families of the missing sailors, in hoping 
that they will soon be accounted for.
  After the attack, I flew down to North Texas to visit Seaman Gauna's 
family. There, I spoke with a mother who is proud of her son's courage 
and patriotism. She described her son as having an open and friendly 
nature, and sharing the family's strong belief in their faith. And I 
talked to various family members who admire Tim's dedication to 
America.
  I do not know all the sailors on the U.S.S. Cole, Mr. Speaker, but I 
know the family of Seaman Gauna. They--like all of the U.S.S. Cole's 
sailors and their families--have America's gratitude, and our prayers.

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