[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.
____________________