[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S11797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO SENIOR AIRMAN NICHOLAS P. SEMONELLE, THE UNITED STATES AIR 
                        FORCE AIRMAN OF THE YEAR

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
United States Air Force Airman of the Year for 2004, Senior Airman 
Nicholas P. Semonelle from Enterprise, Alabama.
  Senior Airman Semonelle's recognition stems from his unique act of 
courage and bravery. On January 18, 2003, Senior Airman Semonelle was 
faced with a dangerous situation. Senior Airman Semonelle observed 
smoke from a nearby house that had caught fire and immediately called 
911. Upon learning from a 14-year-old babysitter that three children 
were trapped inside, Semonelle immediately broke through a window and 
entered the burning structure to try to find the children. Despite the 
smoke and heat, Senior Airman Semonelle searched room to room locating 
a 7-year-old boy and evacuating him from the building. Without 
hesitation and regard for his own personal safety, he again risked his 
life to go back inside the home, now ablaze and filled with smoke, to 
locate and carry out a second child, a 3-year-old girl. Senior Airman 
Semonelle began a third rescue attempt of an 18-month-old baby girl 
still trapped in the now engulfed structure. Despite repeated attempts, 
the little girl could not be found. Emergency rescue personnel arrived 
to find the structure engulfed in flames, and were unable to locate the 
third child who did not survive. Senior Airman Semonelle, his brother-
in-law who had helped with the rescues, and the two lucky children 
eventually collapsed on the ground in front of the house, exhausted and 
coughing from smoke inhalation.
  Senior Airman Semonelle's quick action to enter the burning home and 
rescue those inside resulted in saving the lives of two children. His 
disregard for his own personal safety to save others is an act of 
bravery that warrants our gratitude. I commend this 1996 Elba High 
School graduate for his service to our country and for his bravery. He 
continues to distinguish himself, serving our country overseas in his 
assignment to the United States Air Force 435th Logistics Readiness 
Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He is truly deserving of the 
recognition that the United States Air Force and the United Services 
Organization have bestowed on him as Airman of the Year.

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