[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 78 (Thursday, June 13, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE DEATH OF S.SGT. ANISSA A. SHERO IN AFGHANISTAN

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Madam President, for many generations, the people of 
West Virginia have distinguished themselves by their willingness to 
serve their country in the armed forces. West Virginians understand the 
cost of freedom and have always been willing to pay it when called. 
Today, we are reminded again just how great that cost can be, as we 
mourn the loss of Air Force Staff Sgt. Anissa A. Shero, of Grafton, WV, 
who died in a tragic airplane crash near the town of Gardez, 
Afghanistan.
  Sgt. Shero was a volunteer, who chose to serve her country in the 
face of grave danger. When terrorists struck, she left behind the 
mountains of West Virginia for the mountains of Afghanistan, to risk 
her life so that we might live ours in freedom and safety. She was part 
of an extraordinarily successful effort to crush the Taliban, disrupt 
and demoralize al-Qaida, and free the people of Afghanistan from two 
decades of war and despotism. Men and women in both nations are safer 
now because of her work, and all of us who value freedom owe Sgt. Shero 
a profound debt of gratitude and honor. I know that the thoughts and 
prayers of many people are, like mine, with her family and her friends 
tonight.
  Like the two service members who died with her, and the 37 others 
killed in Afghanistan during this war, including West Virginian Sgt. 
Gene Vance, Jr., Sgt. Shero bravely did her duty as an American. Now, 
let us pledge to do ours in her honor. Let us remember always, 
including on the floor of this Senate Chamber, that wars are about 
people, and freedom, and lives. Let us make certain that our armed 
forces have the tools they need to meet any foe, any where, any time. 
And let us treasure the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and give thanks 
for the service members who fight to protect them.
  Sgt. Shero represented the best of West Virginia and the best of 
America. She was strong, courageous, and dedicated. She will forever 
serve as a role model for West Virginians, men and women alike, who 
loved their country and who, like her, know our ideals are worth 
fighting for.

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