[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 7, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H677-H681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING 21 MEMBERS OF NATIONAL GUARD KILLED IN CRASH ON MARCH 3, 2001

  Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 47) honoring the 21 members of 
the National Guard who were killed in the crash of a National Guard 
aircraft on March 3, 2001, in south-central Georgia.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 47

       Whereas a C-23 Sherpa National Guard aircraft crashed in 
     south-central Georgia on March 3, 2001, killing all 21 
     National Guard members on board;
       Whereas of the 21 National Guard members on board, 18 were 
     members of the Virginia Air National Guard from the Hampton 
     Roads area of Virginia returning home following two weeks of 
     training duty in Florida and the other 3 were members of the 
     Florida Army National Guard who comprised the flight crew of 
     the aircraft;
       Whereas the Virginia National Guard members killed, all of 
     whom were members of the 203rd Red Horse Engineering Flight 
     of Virginia Beach, Virginia, were Master Sergeant James 
     Beninati, 46, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Staff Sergeant 
     Paul J. Blancato, 38, of Norfolk, Virginia; Technical 
     Sergeant Ernest Blawas, 47, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; 
     Staff Sergeant Andrew H. Bridges, 33, of Chesapeake, 
     Virginia; Master Sergeant Eric Bulman, 59, of Virginia Beach, 
     Virginia; Staff Sergeant Paul Cramer, 43, of Norfolk, 
     Virginia; Technical Sergeant Michael East, 40, of Parksley, 
     Virginia; Staff Sergeant Ronald Elkin, 43, of Norfolk, 
     Virginia; Staff Sergeant James Ferguson, 41, of Newport News, 
     Virginia; Staff Sergeant Randy Johnson, 40, of Emporia, 
     Virginia; Senior Airman Mathrew Kidd, 23, of Hampton, 
     Virginia; Master Sergeant Michael Lane, 34, of Moyock, North 
     Carolina; Technical Sergeant Edwin Richardson, 48, of 
     Virginia Beach, Virginia; Technical Sergeant Dean Shelby, 39, 
     of

[[Page H678]]

     Virginia Beach, Virginia; Staff Sergeant John Sincavage, 27, 
     of Chesapeake, Virginia; Staff Sergeant Gregory Skurupey, 34, 
     of Gloucester, Virginia; Staff Sergeant Richard Summerell, 
     51, of Franklin, Virginia; and Major Frederick Watkins, III, 
     35, of Virginia Beach, Virginia;
       Whereas the Florida National Guard members killed, all of 
     whom were members of Detachment 1, 1st Battalion, 171st 
     Aviation, of Lakeland, Florida, were Chief Warrant Officer 
     John Duce, 49, of Orange Park, Florida; Chief Warrant Officer 
     Eric Larson, 34, of Land-O-Lakes, Florida; and Staff Sergeant 
     Robert Ward, 35, of Lakeland, Florida;
       Whereas these members of the National Guard were performing 
     their duty in furtherance of the national security interests 
     of the United States;
       Whereas the members of the Armed Forces, including the 
     National Guard, are routinely called upon to perform duties 
     that place their lives at risk; and
       Whereas the members of the National Guard who lost their 
     lives as a result of the aircraft crash on March 3, 2001, 
     died in the honorable service to the Nation and exemplified 
     all that is best in the American people: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the Congress--
       (1) honors the 18 members of the Virginia Air National 
     Guard and 3 members of the Florida Army National Guard who 
     were killed on March 3, 2001, in the crash of a C-23 Sherpa 
     National Guard aircraft in south-central Georgia; and
       (2) sends heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, 
     and loved ones.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Schrock) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Sisisky) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Schrock).


                             General Leave

  Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on the legislation under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer House Concurrent Resolution 47 
to honor the 21 members of the National Guard who tragically lost their 
lives last Saturday.
  Eighteen members of the 203rd Red Horse Engineering Flight from the 
Virginia Air National Guard based at Camp Pendleton in the district I 
represent and three members of the 171st Aviation Battalion of the 
Florida Army National Guard were killed when their Army C-23 Sherpa 
aircraft crashed in a field in south-central Georgia.
  Red Horse squadrons are civil engineer units that can be deployed 
rapidly to erect tent cities and other facilities for troops in the 
field. The airmen from Camp Pendleton were returning home after 
spending 2 weeks in Florida at a Florida base doing electrical work and 
other types of construction. The Virginia National Guard lost 18 great 
men from the 203rd Red Horse Engineering Flight Squadron. Their names 
are:
  Major Frederick Watkins of Virginia Beach,
  Master Sergeant James Beninati of Virginia Beach,
  Staff Sergeant Paul J. Blancato of Norfolk,
  Technical Sergeant Ernest Blawas of Virginia Beach,
  Staff Sergeant Andrew H. Bridges of Chesapeake,
  Master Sergeant Eric G. Bulman of Virginia Beach,
  Staff Sergeant Paul E. Cramer of Norfolk,
  Technical Sergeant Michael E. East of Parksley,
  Staff Sergeant Ronald L. Elkin of Norfolk,
  Staff Sergeant James P. Ferguson of Newport News,
  Staff Sergeant Randy V. Johnson of Emporia,
  Senior Airman Mathrew E. Kidd of Hampton,
  Master Sergeant Michael E. Lane of Moyock, North Carolina,
  Technical Sergeant Edwin B. Richardson of Virginia Beach,
  Technical Sergeant Dean J. Shelby of Virginia Beach,
  Staff Sergeant John L. Sincavage of Chesapeake,
  Staff Sergeant Gregory T. Skurupey of Gloucester, and
  Staff Sergeant Richard L. Summerell of Franklin.
  Military service involves great danger in both times of peace and 
war. Men and women in uniform and their families make sacrifices each 
and every day. This tragic loss reminds us of the dedication that men 
and women give to their country when they serve in the Armed Forces. 
These exceptional airmen were killed in the execution of their duties, 
and their sacrifice was in the service of their country. Their loss is 
greatly felt by their families, their communities and their country.
  I stand here with my colleagues to proudly honor the lives of these 
21 heroes, and the Congress sends their families, friends, and loved 
ones our heartfelt condolences.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SISISKY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I join my Virginia colleague in honoring the members of the Virginia 
and Florida National Guard who perished in this terrible tragedy. All 
House Members pay tribute to each of the men lost in the crash last 
Saturday. I know they join me in sending a heartfelt message of 
condolence to the families and loved ones.
  I am particularly grieved because four of those who died were from my 
congressional district. But it is not just that. The tragedy that 
occurred 4 days ago is really a national tragedy. The guardsmen aboard 
that plane were among the finest citizens of this Nation. So all of us 
lost something very, very precious that day.
  The sacrifice of those who lost their lives exemplifies all that is 
best in the American people. Those who serve our country in the 
National Guard and Reserve are dedicated, industrious and selfless. 
They are patriots, committed to the goal of making America great. So we 
mourn their loss and extend our sympathies to those they have left 
behind.
  But I want their loved ones to know they should be extremely proud of 
the lives that they lived. Not only were these men serving their 
country, they were serving their communities and families. They were 
dedicated, devoted church and family men from Emporia and Franklin. 
They included a fireman and an insurance man from Chesapeake, always 
ready to lend a helping hand. You would see them in church on Sunday or 
pitching in to clean up their town after the terrible floods last year. 
They spent time building homes for Habitat for Humanity. They loved 
their children and their families. Sacrifices they made for Virginia 
and Florida and our Nation made our country better and stronger. The 
United States would not be what it is today were it not for the efforts 
of the many unsung heroes who lost their lives in this tragedy.
  General Omar Bradley spoke of freedom as the greatest of all ideals. 
He said the following:

       No other word held out greater hope, demanded greater 
     sacrifice, needed more to be nurtured, blessed more than the 
     giver, demanded more than its discharge, or come closer to 
     being God's will on earth.

  The men, families and loved ones we honor know all too well the full 
meaning of the word freedom. But there is also a Bible story about 
soldiers who died which tells us how to remember them:

       They were beloved and pleasant in life, and in death they 
     were together; they were swifter than eagles, they were 
     strong as lions.
  So it is also our responsibility to love and support their families, 
protect and defend their country and honor their memory forever. I know 
that those who survive face the toughest challenge. I want them to know 
that all Americans share their loss and are deeply grateful for their 
sacrifice. America is blessed to have citizens of such caliber. God 
bless them, their families and loved ones.
  I know I speak for all Members in extending to their families and 
friends our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis).
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I would like to 
associate myself with the remarks of the two previous gentlemen from 
Virginia.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I come to the floor of 
the

[[Page H679]]

House today. Just 4 days ago, 21 men perished in a tragic accident in 
south-central Georgia. These men represented the finest America and our 
military has to offer. Twenty-one men died, 18 from the Commonwealth of 
Virginia, and 3 from the State of Florida. Twenty-one men.
  Madam Speaker, all these men served in the Air National Guard. They 
regularly would give up a weekend a month and 2 weeks during the year, 
if not more, to serve their country. These men were returning from 
those 2 weeks of duty, and when many of their families gathered to 
greet them, they received the tragic news that their loved ones' plane 
had crashed. While I have spoken with some family members, it is simply 
impossible for me to really know how they feel. But I do know this. 
Twenty-one lives were lost tragically. With each of these 21 airmen, 
there is a story. A story of fathers, a story of volunteers, of firemen 
and civil servants.
  Madam Speaker, each and every one of these men were civil servants in 
the truest sense. They would give up time that could have been spent 
with their loved ones to serve us, the public. We often do not think 
about that. We should.
  Madam Speaker, I thought about coming down to the floor to address 
the critical needs of the military in light of this accident, but there 
will be time for that in the near future. Today is a time for mourning. 
Today the Commonwealth of Virginia lost 18 men, perhaps the most tragic 
loss of life for the Commonwealth since the Bedford unit of the 
Virginia National Guard was lost on D-Day.
  While time heals all wounds, it will take time. I can say with 
assurance that in this circumstance, it will take a long time. My heart 
goes out to the families of these men. I am praying for all of them. 
However, Madam Speaker, I would like to extend my condolences directly 
to the families of Staff Sergeant Gregory Skurupey, Staff Sergeant 
James Ferguson, Technical Sergeant Michael East, Senior Airman Mathrew 
Kidd and Major Rick Watkins.
  I pray that our Lord will grant these families comfort and solace in 
their time of loss. And I pray that these men who so tragically died 
rest in peace and may His perpetual light shine on them.
  Mr. SISISKY. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).
  Mr. SCOTT. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia for 
yielding me this time.
  I rise to lend my name in support as a cosponsor of the resolution my 
esteemed colleagues from Hampton Roads, Virginia, have offered honoring 
the 21 heroes who lost their lives in a plane crash last weekend. 
Eighteen of the men were members of an Air National Guard unit 
stationed at Camp Pendleton near Virginia Beach, Virginia.
  The men assigned to the Red Horse 203rd Civil Engineering Squadron 
provided support to the squadron's combat operations. They stood ready 
to step in at a moment's notice to assist in accomplishing any military 
mission. Whether it was building or repairing a strategic airfield, 
drilling wells for water, or building roads to move material and 
troops, they would complete these pertinent tasks under some of the 
most adverse and hostile circumstances. Just as important to note, the 
203rd also answered the call when civilian local and State authorities 
required assistance when dealing with an unforeseen disaster or 
recovery operations. Time and time again they performed admirably 
whenever called to duty.
  These men were more than just soldiers, more than just volunteers 
that served their country. They were husbands, boyfriends, fathers, 
brothers, sons, friends and neighbors. They had lives outside the Guard 
that we need to celebrate as well. They loved and were loved. They 
worked to better themselves and the people around them. They were part 
of our community, a community that will miss them. What they 
contributed is very typical of what so many National Guardsmen have to 
do each and every day. They served their Nation with pride and honor.
  Today we take a moment to honor them and their families for the 
sacrifice they have made for us and our country. It is a sacrifice and 
a loss we do not take lightly. These men were the epitome of both our 
country and the Air National Guard. The service that all the men and 
women of the Guard give every day is a part of what makes our country 
great.
  Madam Speaker, our condolences go to their families. I therefore ask 
my colleagues to join in passing House Concurrent Resolution 47 to 
honor these fallen men.

                              {time}  1330

  Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Chambliss).
  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia 
(Mr. Schrock) for bringing this resolution forward.
  Madam Speaker, I, too, want to extend my sincere condolences to the 
families of these brave soldiers who unfortunately died in this crash 
that occurred in my congressional district on Saturday morning. I 
really want to tell those folks how much we appreciate the sacrifice 
that they have made, because in the military it is a family affair. By 
families, we mean not only other men and women who serve in every 
branch of the military, but the close family ties that each of these 
men and women have with their own internal families. They are the ones 
that suffer from this and we sure do extend our condolences to them.
  I particularly want to recommend and commend to the folks that were 
on the scene in Dooley County, Georgia, on Saturday morning, who 
responded very quickly when the call came in that this crash had 
occurred. Sheriff Van Peavy, who is a dear friend, he and his folks 
just responded in a very quick and efficient manner to secure the 
premises. Commissioner Wayne West and all of his employees, Mayor 
Willie Davis of Vienna, Georgia, and the folks from Unadilla, Georgia 
responded in a very efficient manner and did a great job of securing 
the premises until the security personnel from Robbins Air Force Base 
could get there.
  Colonel Seward and his folks, Colonel Seward is commander of the 78th 
Air Base Wing at Robbins Air Force Base, and he was the commanding 
officer on the scene. And he and his personnel did a great job. Colonel 
Michael Norri was also the on-scene commander of the security forces 
there. They told me that at one point in time they had over 300 meals 
that went out to serve the volunteers and the personnel, military and 
civilian personnel, who were assisting with the cleanup and attending 
to the damage that was on the field.
  To the many EMTs, the volunteer firemen who responded to this 
emergency crash, we just extend our sincere congratulations and thank 
them for the job that they did.
  Once again, we really extend our condolences to the family members of 
these brave men.
  Mr. SISISKY. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia 
(Mr. Schrock) and commend him for this resolution. I know that it is 
not a happy duty for him.
  Madam Speaker, I, too, rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 47, a 
resolution honoring the 21 members of the National Guard who were 
killed in the crash of the National Guard aircraft on March 3, 2001. 
Like all Americans, of course, I am saddened by the news of this very 
tragic plane crash.
  The Army C-23 Sherpa and its flight crew of three soldiers belonged 
to Detachment 1, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation in Lakeland, Florida. 
The 18 Air Guard members belonged to the 203rd Red Horse Flight 
Engineering Unit and were returning to Virginia from Florida after 
spending 2 weeks of annual training at Hurlburt Field near Fort Walton 
Beach.
  One of the aircraft's pilots, Eric Larson, was from my congressional 
district. On Monday, this past Monday, I spoke with Eric's wife 
Jennifer to express my deepest sympathies to her and Eric's family, but 
I also want to send my heartfelt condolences to all of the families 
killed in this tragic plane crash.
  Wearing a uniform of one's nation, as already has been said today, is 
never easy, and this loss reminds us all of the tremendous sacrifices 
made by our men and women in our Armed Forces.

[[Page H680]]

  The loss also reminds us that freedom does not come without a price. 
Too often we take for granted the many liberties we enjoy in America. 
We must never forget that they have all been earned through the 
ultimate sacrifice paid by so many members of our Armed Forces.
  Again, Madam Speaker, I want to send my deepest sympathy to the 
families of those killed; and I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. 
Res. 47.
  Mr. SISISKY. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. 
Schrock) for yielding me this time.
  Madam Speaker, the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. The cost is 
the spilled blood of our sons and daughters. I rise today in support of 
this resolution paying tribute to the 21 members of the National Guard 
who were killed on March 3.
  One of those soldiers, Master Sergeant Michael Lane, was a native of 
Staunton, Illinois, in my congressional district. Master Sergeant Lane 
was remembered by his aunt, Betty Roberson, when she spoke to the Alton 
Telegraph earlier this week. Betty said, it is terrible. We are all 
supposed to be outlived by our kids.
  She noted that he was a super kid, the kind of kid that any parent 
would be proud of. A graduate of Staunton High School, Master Sergeant 
Lane was a straight A student, involved in sports and particularly 
enjoyed country music and golf. Yet it was the love of his parents and 
his country that drove Michael to devote himself to the military and 
the defense of our freedoms.
  Michael and his wife Roxanne lived in North Carolina where he became 
a full-time member of the Virginia National Guard.
  While each of the National Guard members need to be recognized and 
deserve recognition by this body and a grateful nation, I must speak 
out on behalf of Michael's family and his many friends to say thank 
you.
  Madam Speaker, we recognize Michael's commitment to his principles, 
his love of country and his family. We also know that he left this life 
while training and preparing to defend our Nation. Yet his Aunt Betty 
said, knowing that does not make your loss or the loss of your comrades 
any easier.
  The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. The cost is the blood of 
our sons and daughters. God bless the victims, their families and the 
United States of America.
  Mr. SISISKY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I spent the last week traveling to visit servicemen 
pretty much around the world, including the Sinai Desert, where we have 
860 American service people. I am just absolutely amazed, and we are 
the luckiest people on earth, to have the quality of people that serve 
us, and the mixture we have around the world in our reservists and 
National Guard people. And I would just hope that the American public, 
who do not have the opportunity to see these young men and women, to 
see these young men and women act in the responsible way that they do 
not to make a lot of money but to serve their country is indeed a 
wonderful thing. These guardsmen were the same way to sacrifice their 
lives.
  Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support House Concurrent 
Resolution 47 and express my condolences to the 21 families that lost 
loved ones in the Florida Army National Guard aircraft crash of March 
3, 2001.
  Every day, the men and women of the Armed Forces put their lives ont 
he line to protect the freedoms we enjoy in the United States. A vital 
part of our Nation's protection comes from the personnel of our 
National Guard personnel. The mission of our National Guard force has 
increased over recent years in order to take on continued deployments 
and training missions throughout the world and here at home.
  The 21 individuals lost in this tragic crash were training in Florida 
to be prepared for whatever mission this nation asked them to 
undertake. They will be remembered as tireless workers and positive 
examples to their families and communities. Many communities and 
organizations have been touched by this loss, but our Nation has felt 
the largest loss.
  This resolution allows Congress to honor the commitment and sacrifice 
given to this nation by the 21 military personnel lost on March 3d. 
This accident will be felt for years to come as both the 203d Red Horse 
of the Virginia Air National Guard and the 1-171st Aviation Battalion 
of the Florida Army National Guard attempt to replace their fallen 
colleagues.
  Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that we honor these guardsmen 
today.
  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I support H. Con. Res. 47, 
a resolution which honors the 21 members of the National Guard who were 
killed in the crash of a National Guard aircraft on March 3, 2001 in 
south-central Georgia.
  The Florida Air National Guard plane that was bringing 18 members of 
the Virginia Air National Guard home to Virginia Beach after 2 weeks of 
training in Florida crashed unexpectedly several days ago. The C-23 
Sherpa twin-engine turboprop plane which included a crew of three from 
the Florida Army National Guard, lost control during a torrential 
rainstorm.
  The passengers were members of the 203d Red Horse Flight, a rapid-
response engineering unit of the Virginia Air National Guard based at 
Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation. Their mission is to deploy 
into remote areas and quickly construct housing, airstrips, and other 
critical infrastructure to support military units.
  The men who perished while serving in the 203d Red Horse Flight were 
fathers, husbands, and brothers. All of the victims were traditional 
members of the Guard, holding down a civilian job while serving part-
time. Six Guardsmen were from Virginia Beach, three from Norfolk, and 
two from Chesapeake. Their commanders spoke highly of the Guardsmen, 
reminiscing about how close they were, many having worked construction 
together in their civilian jobs. Some served together in the 203d for 
more than 10 years. These were dedicated and patriotic men who believed 
in serving their country.
  Today, I join my colleagues in extending my condolences to the 
families of the fallen guardsmen. Their patriotism should never be 
forgotten. Their sacrifices serve to remind us that freedom should 
never be taken for granted. In training missions each and every day, 
men and women in the Armed Forces risk making the ultimate sacrifice to 
protect and defend America. We owe these guardsmen and their surviving 
family members a debt of gratitude.
  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of this resolution offered by the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. 
Schrock, and the gentleman from Indiana, Mr. Hostettler. The accident 
that occurred this past weekend in Georgia was indeed a tragic one. 
Twenty-one citizen soldiers lost their lives on the way back from their 
annual 2-week training exercise.
  One of the National Guardsmen, Master Sergeant Michael Lane, was from 
Moyock, North Carolina, which I have the privilege to represent. As 
this resolution indicates, the thoughts and prayers of this Congress 
and this nation are with the family and friends of the victims. 
However, it is important to ensure that the tragic deaths of these 21 
soldiers, as well as the deaths of the 2 Marine aviators killed in a 
Harrier crash on February 3, the 6 Army personnel killed in the 
Blackhawk accident on February 12, and the 2 Navy personnel killed in a 
T-45 Goshawk crash on February 21, did not happen in vain.
  These accidents should serve as stark reminders that the freedoms 
America enjoys are not without cost. Every day, the men and women of 
our Armed Forces risk their lives in the defense of our national 
interests. It is a dangerous job whether they are stationed on the DMZ 
in Korea or as these accidents demonstrate, training here at home. We 
owe it to these brave souls to support them, honor them, and thank them 
for everything that they and their predecessors have given us.
  I urge my colleagues to pass this resolution. Most of all, I urge 
them to remember the sacrifices made daily by both our men and women in 
uniform and by their families.
  Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, it is with sadness that we remember the 21 
National Guard members recently killed in the Saturday, March 3, plane 
crash. Eighteen members of the Virginia Air National Guard's 203d Red 
Horse Unit and 3 members of the Florida Air National Guard perished 
when the C-23 Sherpa plane in which they were traveling crashed in 
Unadilla, Georgia while en route from Hurlbert Field, Fort Walton 
Beach, Florida to Oceana Naval Air Station, Virginia Beach, Virginia. 
Bad weather may have contributed to the crash, which left the plane in 
a plowed field, slippery with thick mud. The 203d is a rapid response 
construction unit capable of constructing runways and other critical 
facilities and has spent time in Kuwait and other remote locations in 
the Middle East in recent years.
  Having just completed 2 weeks of annual training, working in ditches 
and laying water,

[[Page H681]]

sewer and electrical lines in Florida, these Guard members were 
returning home to their families and civilian jobs. We cannot forget 
the tremendous contribution that the National Guard makes to this 
country. These citizen soldiers contribute to society in many ways. 
Both in civilian professions such as firefighter, small business owner 
or attorney and in the National Guard, contributing weekends and 
forfeiting vacations to participate in annual training, National Guard 
members are prepared and willing to serve this country when and where 
needed. Let us not forget these admirable young men who served their 
country honorably. They will be remembered for their sacrifice.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are 
with the families and loved ones of the 21 brave men who died while 
serving their nation. Serving in the military is a tough and demanding 
job not only for those who choose to serve, but the families who are 
forced to live without them, who wave goodbye knowing they may never 
see them again. I met recently with General Harrison with the Florida 
National Guard, and we talked about the great work the guard was doing, 
all the while being called for more and more missions. We are 
particularly thankful for the Guard in my home State of Florida because 
of the great support they offer. Whether it's fighting our wildfires or 
preparing for our hurricanes, the Guard is always there for us in our 
time of need.
  I speak for my colleagues and all my constituents in thanking every 
man and woman who puts their life on the line for this country. Not 
just when tragedy strikes, but for everyday that you protect us from 
harm.
  Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for 
introducing this resolution. Our thoughts and prayers are with the 
families and friends of these soldiers, and this tragedy serves as a 
reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect our 
country. As many of us know, the plane's crew were members of the 171st 
Aviation Battalion of the Army Air National Guard based in Lakeland, 
Florida. I came to find out that the Command pilot, Chief Warrant 
Officer John Duce was from my district. I especially want to convey my 
heartfelt sympathies to his wife, son, and daughter.
  It should be no surprise to those who knew John Duce that he was an 
extremely dedicated pilot and family man. He was a decorated veteran, 
having served in Vietnam and Desert Storm. It has been said that he was 
a man you would want to go into combat with.
  Chief Warrant Officer John Duce, his co-pilot Chief Warrant Officer 
Eric Larson, and Staff Sergeant Robert Ward, and the 18 Virginia 
Guardsmen were all equally dedicated to their jobs, their families, and 
their communities. The men and women in our armed services place their 
lives on the line daily, where even routine training missions can carry 
the same risk as actual combat.
  So I ask my colleagues to remember those who serve our Nation. They 
may not have the notoriety, but their service is immeasurable. I thank 
Mr. Schrock again for introducing this resolution and urge its 
adoption.
  Mr. COLLINS. Madam Speaker, on March 3, a C-23 Sherpa aircraft was 
returning 18 members of the Virginia National Guard to their home 
following two weeks of training duty in Florida, and tragically, the 
plane never arrived. The aircraft crashed in Unadilla, Georgia, killing 
all 21 National Guardsmen on board and forever leaving a void in the 
lives of the families and friends of those brave individuals.
  I wish to offer my most heart-felt condolences to those affected by 
this terrible accident. While it may be inadequate consolation, it is 
important to remember that all of these individuals serve as a shining 
example of the honor and self-sacrifice which has inspired the men and 
women of our armed forces throughout the history of our great country. 
All of these individuals knew the inherent risks of military service, 
yet none of them backed away from their commitment. Again, to the 
families and friends of those killed in this tragic crash, your Nation 
owes you the highest debt of gratitude for this ultimate sacrifice made 
by your loved ones in service of the United States of America.
  Mr. SISISKY. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Schrock) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H.Con.Res. 
47.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. SCHROCK. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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