[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 30, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S11192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       SPECIALIST JONN J. EDMUNDS

  Mr. THOMAS. Madam President, today I rise to speak about a very 
special soldier from Cheyenne, WY.
  A U.S. Army Ranger was one of two soldiers killed October 19, when a 
Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Pakistan.
  Spc. Jonn J. Edmunds died when the helicopter he was riding in 
crashed while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
  Jonn Edmunds was a 1999 Cheyenne East High graduate. He was 20 years 
old.
  Jonn Edmunds and Pfc. Kristofer T. Stonesifer of Missoula MT, are the 
first combat deaths of the U.S. led military campaign against 
terrorists in Afghanistan. The soldiers were members of B Company Third 
Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, based in Fort Benning, GA.
  Last Saturday, I attended Spc. Edmunds' funeral and had the 
opportunity to speak with Jonn Edmunds' father Donn. I told him how 
sorry we are for his loss. How words are not enough to comfort his 
family and friends or to express our pride for the job he was asked to 
do.
  This unfortunately, is war and this terrible loss will not be the 
last. That certainly doesn't make it any less difficult for the family 
when someone like Jonn, young, patriotic, dedicated to his country and 
service, is killed.
  I want to again offer my sincere condolences to the family. We don't 
pretend to understand your loss, but we share in your grief. Wyoming 
shares your grief and they, like I do, thank you for your son's 
service.
  War is hell. It will take the lives of soldiers and innocents alike.
  I believe, as do all American's, that our cause is just. The cost of 
doing nothing would be much worse. This effort will not be a short one. 
It is important that we stay dedicated to the cause of defeating 
terrorism even in the face of terrible loss.

                          ____________________