[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 23, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LATE SGT. CHRISTOPHER RYAN LAIR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, on May 18, 2001 Sergeant Christopher Ryan 
Lair of Parachute, Colorado died before his time. The 22-year-old 
Marine died in a civilian aircraft near San Diego, California. I stand 
before Congress to ask that we all pause a moment in honor of Sgt. 
Lair.
  Chris was born in Wheatridge, Colorado in 1979. Chris and his family 
moved to Parachute, where he graduated from Grand Valley High School in 
1997. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was 
stationed at Camp Pendelton, California, where he was Crew Chief in 
VMLA-169, a Huey/Cobra helicopter squadron.
  On May 1, 2001, Chris was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During 
his enlistment, Chris had been awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the 
Humanitarian Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Medal, the 
Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.
  Flying was his greatest joy. He grew up around airports as his 
parents owned and operated an avionics shop at Garfield County Airport. 
He received his pilot's license at the age of 18 and completed his 
multi-engine certificate in May 2001. He flew every opportunity he had 
and his goal was to become a commercial pilot after serving in the 
military.
  Mr. Speaker, Sgt. Christopher Lair was truly one of our `few good 
men'. It's a tragedy that he died so young and at something he loved to 
do. I ask that Congress pause a moment to honor him and thank him for 
his service to our country.

                          ____________________