[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1603]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE SACRIFICE OF CMDR. KEVIN A. BIANCHI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2003

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero. 
Kevin A. Bianchi, 40, was among three members of a Navy helicopter crew 
confirmed dead in a crash in Sicily on July 16, 2003. The fact that his 
older brother, Robert, a Navy helicopter pilot, was killed in a crash 
in the Philippines in 1986, adds to the enormous grief that his family 
now feels.
  Kevin Bianchi came from a proud family tradition of Navy servicemen. 
Two of his three brothers served honorably with Kevin in the Navy. 
Indeed, Kevin himself graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 
Annapolis, Maryland, in May 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in 
Applied Science. He led fellow servicemen as captain of the Navy 
Wrestling team, and was commissioned and assigned to the Naval Academy 
staff as an Assistant Physical Education Instructor and Assistant 
Wrestling Coach. In June 1991, Cmdr. Bianchi reported to the Naval 
Postgraduate School in Monterey California where he earned a Masters of 
Science degree in Information Systems Technology Management. Finally, 
in March 2001, he went to Newport, Rhode Island to attend the College 
of Naval Command and Staff at the United States Naval War College where 
he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in National Security and 
Strategic Studies.
  His glittering academic career was mirrored by his successful service 
record. He served with honor on the Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet in 
Virginia, and was promoted to the position of Air Operations Officer of 
the Pacific Fleet in San Diego, California. He was decorated on 
countless occasions in recognition of his service success. In addition 
to various service awards, Cmdr. Bianchi earned an Air Medal and Navy 
Commendation and Achievement Medals.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure that my colleagues here in the U.S. House of 
Representatives are inspired, as I am, by Cmdr. Bianchi's remarkable 
patriotism and exceptional valor. He was proud to serve his country, 
and refused to give up his career even after his family had been struck 
by tragedy. That Cmdr. Bianchi continued to put his life at risk on a 
regular basis, even after the loss of his brother in 1986, is proof of 
his unassailable courage and dedication. Let us join in extending our 
condolences to Cmdr. Bianchi's parents, who have now lost two sons in 
service to our Nation. Our thoughts and prayers will be with his loving 
wife Rita Barrie, and their three children, Kevin, Christopher and 
Julia.

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