[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 39 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE HEROIC ACTIONS OF THE 106TH AIR RESCUE WING

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2005

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the heroic 
actions of the members of the 106th Air Rescue Wing. Over the past few 
days, the Northeast experienced torrential downpours causing massive 
flooding throughout Sussex County, New Jersey. The rain became so 
terrible that it washed out the only road connecting tiny Mashipacong 
Island to the mainland, stranding five residents. In response, Langley 
Air Force Base scrambled two Pave Hawk helicopters from the Air 
National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, which is based at Gabreski Air 
Force Base in Westhampton, New York. Fortunately, the 106th was able to 
respond in time; not only did they rescue the five residents, they also 
rescued one nearby individual on his roof, along with a dog and a cat.
  This is the most recent heroic rescue in the storied history of the 
106th, and I am proud to commend the men and women of this unit for 
their selfless dedication to duty and the protection of those in need. 
The exploits of the members of the 106th were made famous following 
their actions depicted in the book ``The Perfect Storm''. More 
recently, during our ongoing conflict in Iraq, the pararescue 
specialists of the 106th played an integral role in rescuing two downed 
soldiers flying on the CH-47 Chinook helicopter that was shot down west 
of Baghdad in November of 2003.
  As the only rescue unit of its kind in the Northeast, the 106th has 
once again proven its unique value to the safety and security of our 
region and our nation. Mr. Speaker, the 106th has proven its worth time 
and time again. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the brave men and 
women of the 106th Air Rescue Wing. I hope we can show that gratitude 
by letting them continue to serve and protect our nation.

                          ____________________