[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 89 (Monday, June 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE UNITED STATES SERVICEMEN WHO PERISHED IN THE KHOBAR TOWERS 
                                BOMBING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2001

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the individuals killed 
in the Khobar Towers bombing that took place five years ago. On June 
25, 1996, terrorists cut nineteen United States servicemen's lives 
drastically short when they set off a bomb in the allied forces camp in 
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The allied forces contained many members of the 
U.S. armed forces who revealed their undying loyalty to America through 
their bravery in the ongoing struggle to prevent Saddam Hussein from 
ever again threatening his neighbors.
  On that fatal day, courageous Americans were continuing their efforts 
to control the US air operation over Iraq. Pilots, ground crews, 
communications specialists, and anti-missile operators all worked out 
of the Khobar Towers for the noble cause of fighting against the 
Allies' enemy.
  With one deafening blast, terrorists sent the entire camp into chaos. 
The earth shook. To the sound of splitting window panes and crumbling 
walls, the allied forces ran for their lives. As they struggled to find 
cover from flying debris, nineteen innocent, patriotic individuals 
breathed for the last time.
  This horrific incident was particularly shocking to those of us from 
Pennsylvania. A short five years before, 28 servicemen and women died 
when an Iraqi Scud missile plummeted from the sky into a US Army 
barracks in Saudi Arabia. The attack left 27 Pennsylvanians assigned to 
the 14th Quartermaster Unit from Greensburg, PA, dead. The attack was 
the single worst catastrophe suffered by the Allies during the Persian 
Gulf War.
  Like the Scud attack of February 25th, 1991, the attack on Khobar 
towers was a jolting reminder of the cost of defending freedom. The 
mission of the 19 heroes of Khobar was the same as their comrades in 
the Gulf War--to protect our national security by defending our allies 
against despotism. The risk was the same, and the price paid--an 
ultimate sacrifice for their country--the same.
  These servicemen deserve America's utmost respect for fighting for 
our country with little regard for their own personal safety. In light 
of America's approaching birthday, we should honor all of the 
individuals who sacrificed their lives to preserve this nation for us 
and our children. Along with these nineteen servicemen, I ask you to 
join me in honoring all of the members of the armed forces who may no 
longer be with us, but whose lives we shall remember forever as the 
great protectors of this wonderful nation. And, to those who continue 
to fight for the American cause in the Middle East and elsewhere, you 
have our profound and complete admiration and respect. Our thoughts are 
always with you.

                          ____________________