[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 101 (Thursday, July 19, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S7946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO LANCE CPL. SEAN M. HUGHES

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Lance Cpl. Sean Hughes of Milton, NH, who gave his life for 
our country on July 10, 2001, when a Marine Corps helicopter 
participating in a training exercise went down in Sneads Ferry, NC.
  Sean was a graduate of Nute High School in Milton, NH. He joined the 
Marine Corps on July 14, 1999, following the military tradition of his 
father and grandfather who both served as members of the United States 
Air Force. An extremely talented and highly intelligent Crew Chief with 
Marine Helicopter Squadron 365, Sean will always be remembered as the 
little boy who enjoyed watching planes take off and land at the flight 
line with his father.
  An artist, athlete, and committed Marine, friends each remember him 
as an exceptional person with a gentle heart. Those who knew him best 
described him as ``irreplaceable,'' ``a dear friend,'' and one that has 
``enriched their lives simply by having known him.'' His constant smile 
will be missed, as will his unwavering devotion to this country.
  As a fellow veteran, I commend Sean for his service in the U.S. 
Marine Corps. Hundreds of Marines, friends, and family lost a devoted 
scholar, friend, brother, and son. The people of New Hampshire and the 
country lost an honorable soldier with a deeply held sense of 
patriotism. The determination and devotion he possessed as a Marine, 
and an individual, will not soon be forgotten.
  I send my sincere sympathy and prayers to Sean's family and wish them 
Godspeed during this difficult time in their lives. It is truly an 
honor to have represented Lance Cpl. Hughes in the U.S. Senate.

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