[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 175 (Monday, December 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE 106TH AIR RESCUE WING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the courageous efforts of 
the New York Air National Guard's 106th Air Rescue Wing during the 
recent CH-47 Chinook helicopter rescue operation in Iraq. These 
American heroes saved the lives of two soldiers whose helicopter was 
downed in a terrorist attack that took the lives of 16 of their brave 
comrades.
  Located at Gabreski Airport in Westhampton, Long Island, the 106th 
Air Rescue Wing's mission is to provide air rescue support. In December 
of 1994, they established the record for the longest over-water 
helicopter rescue mission, while saving a Ukrainian sailor in the North 
Atlantic. Their efforts in an attempted rescue in 1991 were 
memorialized in Sebastian Junger's book ``The Perfect Storm,'' which 
was later made into a major motion picture.
  I would like to offer my sincerest thanks and appreciation to Colonel 
Mike Canders and his entire Unit for their dedicated service to our 
country.

                          ____________________