[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 96 (Thursday, June 26, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER DAVID WILLIAMS, U.S. ARMY APACHE 
 HELICOPTER PILOT AND PRISONER OF WAR, ON HIS VALIANT BRAVERY OVERSEAS

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                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2003

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Chief Warrant 
Officer David Williams, U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot who was a 
Prisoner of War during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Iraqi forces detained 
him for 21 days as a POW after his helicopter was grounded near 
Karbala, Iraq. Williams valiantly fought and survived imprisonment 
after being captured.
  Chief Warrant Officer Williams moved to Hampton Roads in 1981 with 
his family and grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia. From early childhood, 
David was always enthralled with planes and the magic of air flight. 
After graduating from Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, Williams 
enrolled in community college and joined the Army as a full time 
reservist. After spending two years as a crew chief on a med-evac Huey 
helicopter, Williams searched for a bigger challenge. He was assigned 
to the Army's 106th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and also went 
through Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape school while traveling 
the world doing preparatory combat missions.
  Next week, we will welcome back David Williams to his hometown of 
Chesapeake, Virginia with a host of events and celebrations for his 
heroic return. We are pleased to salute him for protecting our flag and 
our freedom. The Independence Day holiday is a perfect time to show our 
deep appreciation to this brave citizen and soldier who spent his 
childhood in the Fourth District of Virginia.
  Williams showed tremendous bravery and commitment to his country 
while held by his Iraqi captors. Today we recognize him for his 
unwavering patriotism and dedication to both his job and the American 
people.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Chief Warrant Officer David 
Williams for his bravery and dedication abroad, his service to 
Chesapeake, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the American people.

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