[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 107 (Friday, September 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO KEVIN SHAEFFER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an individual of 
remarkable courage who serves as an inspiration to many Americans. 
Kevin Shaeffer was the only survivor of his section at the Pentagon's 
Navy Command Center that was destroyed in the attacks on September 11, 
2001. Kevin was severely wounded in the attack; and he has overcome 
many challenges on the long road to recovery. Kevin is a brave and 
dedicated patriot, and despite his wounds, has continued his service to 
his nation. I am honored to tell his story before this body of Congress 
today.
  Kevin had been working for the Navy's Command Center for almost 
thirteen months as a junior action officer in the branch that dealt 
with naval strategy and concepts. Specifically Kevin was working on the 
final phases of a new service strategy for the Navy in the twenty-first 
century. At 9:43 a.m., Kevin's world was dramatically altered when the 
command center exploded in flames, blowing Kevin to the ground. He 
quickly rolled to douse the flames, and with the help of Sergeant First 
Class Steve Workman, made his way over flames and debris toward the 
daylight that came from the gaping hole that Flight 77 left in the 
Pentagon.
  Kevin was placed in an ambulance and sent to Walter Reed Army 
Hospital to be treated for seared lungs and burns that covered forty-
two percent of his body. On his path to recovery, Kevin was forced to 
endure intolerable pain, several skin graft operations, two heart 
attacks and multiple infections. He received the Purple Heart from the 
Navy for the wounds he sustained in the attack.
  Kevin was discharged from the Navy while in the hospital, but vowed 
to continue in the service of this country. He found an opportunity to 
keep that promise by seeking an appointment to the 9/11 commission, 
charged with investigating the 9/11 attacks. Kevin has faithfully 
devoted his time and energies to the commission, and worked alongside 
the panel's members to develop a number of strategies for the 
government to consider to prevent such a terrible disaster from 
reoccurring.
  Mr. Speaker, Kevin is a phenomenal individual who has prevailed in 
the course of disaster and tragedy. His tremendous courage and 
continued dedication to our nation certainly deserves the attention of 
this body and nation. I am honored to recognize his service. Thank you 
for all your hard work Kevin, and I wish you, your wife Blanca and your 
daughter Sophia all the best in your future endeavors.

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