[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 29 (Thursday, March 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF JASON DEAN CUNNINGHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 2002

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the heroic memory of Air 
Force Senior Airman Jason Dean Cunningham, who died March 4, 2002, 
during a firefight with America's enemies in the mountains of eastern 
Afghanistan. Airman Cunningham is to be laid to rest today in Arlington 
National Cemetery.
  Jason lived briefly in my district with his wife, Theresa, and her 
parents, Lucy and Lito DeCastro, in Camarillo, CA. Jason's parents, 
Lawrence Dean and Jackie Cunningham, hail from Gallup, NM. Theresa 
joined the Navy after graduating from Rio Mesa High School and met 
Jason while both were stationed in Italy.
  At that time, Jason also served in the Navy. He switched to the Air 
Force 2\1/2\ years ago to become a pararescueman--a paramedic who has 
trained at a special forces levels. Jason underwent 2 years of intense 
training in airborne, scuba and survival schools, search and rescue, 
and, of course, medical training to join this elite group of 
lifesavers. He was assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron at Moody Air 
Force Base, near Valdosta, GA.
  By all accounts, Jason was a dedicated and skilled airman, and a 
dedicated and loving family man. He and Theresa have two daughters, 
Kyla, 4, and Hannah, 2.
  On March 4, he and six others died trying to rescue a Navy SEAL. It 
is important to remember them as well, for they fought by Jason's side 
and will be with him for all eternity: Sgt. Bradley Crose, 22, of 
Orange Park, Florida; Spc. Marc A. Anderson, 30, of Brandon, Florida; 
Pfc. Matthew A. Commons, 21, of Boulder City, Nevada; Petty Officer 1st 
Class Neil Roberts, 32, of Woodland, California; Tech. Sgt. John A. 
Chapman, 36, of Windsor Locks, Connecticut; and Army Sgt. Philip J. 
Svitak, 31, of Joplin, Missouri.
  Jason is the second serviceman from my district to die in Afghanistan 
since the hostilities began. Special Forces Staff Sgt. Brian Cody 
Prosser of Frazier Park, CA, died in Afghanistan in December. 
Considering the relatively low casualty rate so far, that's a high 
percentage for a congressional district. But the people in my district 
were patriotic long before September 11. They believe strongly in 
freedom and know deep in their hearts that freedom often comes with a 
price. Jason and Brian joined the military to protect their families, 
friends and neighbors from America's enemies. We forever will be 
grateful.
  Mr. Speaker, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Jason Dean 
Cunningham but our resolve is strong. Our enemies must know that when 
they attack us they will be destroyed.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in sending our heartfelt sympathy to 
Jason's family and to all those who have lost loved ones in the pursuit 
of freedom.




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