[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 132 (Wednesday, October 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING CAPTAIN LARRY F. LUCAS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 9, 2002

  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Captain 
Larry F. Lucas, United States Army. Captain Lucas, originally from 
Marmet, West Virginia, served his country bravely in Vietnam as an Army 
Pilot. Sadly, while on a reconnaissance mission over Laos, Captain 
Lucas' plane was shot from the sky by anti-aircraft fire in December of 
1966. Following military regulations, Captain Lucas ordered his co-
pilot to eject from the plane first. Regrettably, other pilots who 
witnesses the crash saw only one parachute. Despite appearing to have 
remained in the plane, the Army would not conclude that Captain Lucas 
had perished.
  Captain Lucas never returned to the United States alive. After many 
years his remains were miraculously found near the crash site a few 
months ago. His remains have been transported back to the United States 
and on November 1, 2002 he will receive a full military burial at 
Arlington National Cemetery.
  Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that our nation's strength as a world 
power comes from citizens like Captain Lucas. From an early age, he 
displayed signs of strong leadership. As an eagle scout in his 
childhood and then as an ROTC cadet at West Virginia University, 
Captain Lucas further developed these strong qualities. Captain Lucas' 
service to his nation will never be forgotten.
  It is an honor to commend Captain Lucas on his service to the United 
States and to the state of West Virginia.

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