[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 21, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H8167-H8168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SINGAPORE SHINES IN AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE KATRINA
(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, our Nation has been
appreciative of the tremendous outpouring of support from other nations
for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
After playing a critical role in the tsunami relief efforts earlier
this year, the Republic of Singapore was one of the first countries
that understood the devastation in our Nation and immediately reached
out to help those left in Katrina's wake.
In the beginning of September, Singapore's Air Force deployed four
Chinook helicopters to Fort Polk, Louisiana, to assist in relief
operations. As they worked side by side with members of the Texas Army
National Guard, Singapore's airmen flew more than 80 sorties to
transport over 800 evacuees and security personnel. They also flew more
than 540 tons of equipment, humanitarian supplies, and sand to help
[[Page H8168]]
fix the breaches in the levees of New Orleans.
Ambassador Chan Heng Chee's leadership and support has been
particularly helpful during this time of crisis. As our nations
continue to work together, America remains grateful for its strong
friendship with Singapore as allies in the war on terrorism.
In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget
September 11.
____________________