[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 156 (Tuesday, October 16, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12930-S12931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                  Seaman Apprentice Shayna Ann Schnell

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep 
sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young sailor from Tell 
City. Shayna Ann Schnell, 19 years old, died on October 1 in Dubai, 
United Arab Emirates, from injuries she received in a vehicle accident 
several days earlier. With her entire life before her, Shayna risked 
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, 
in a land halfway around the world.
  Shayna was a lifelong Hoosier, growing up in Dubois and Perry 
counties. Shayna graduated Perry Central High School in 2006 and joined 
the Navy later that year. After completing basic training in Great 
Lakes, IL, Shayna was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San 
Antonio, TX. Her hard work earned her an assignment as a master-at-arms 
with the Naval Security Force Bahrain in the United Arab Emirates.
  Shayna died while serving her country by supporting Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Suzanne and 
Vernon Silacci; her father and stepmother, Doug and Peggy Schnell; her 
sister Nicole; and her brothers Trent and Tyler, who is also serving 
his country in the Navy. Shayna was known for her dedication to her 
family and her love of country. Today and always, she will be 
remembered by family members, friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true 
American hero, and we honor the sacrifice she made while dutifully 
serving her country.
  Today, I join Shayna's family and friends in mourning her death. 
While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take 
pride in the example she set, bravely fighting to make the world a 
safer place. It is her courage and strength of character that people 
will remember when they think of Shayna, a memory that will burn 
brightly during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Shayna's sacrifice, I 
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families 
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot 
consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and 
dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power 
to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we 
say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement 
is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain 
that the impact of Shayna's actions will live on far longer that any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Shayna Schnell in the official 
Record of the U.S. Senate for her service to this country and for her 
profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace. When I think 
about this just cause in which we are engaged and the unfortunate pain 
that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like 
Shayna's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah, who said, 
``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away 
tears from off all faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Shayna.


                         Captain Scott N. Shimp

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Army CPT 
Scott Shimp of Bayard, NE.
  Captain Shimp's love for the military was obvious to his mother, who 
said ``even when he was little, he wanted to be a soldier, running 
around in his camouflage.'' He graduated from Bayard High School in 
1998 as the salutatorian of his class. He was also quite active in many 
activities: football, wrestling, 21st Century Singers, choir, and the 
National Honor Society. In addition, Captain Shimp received his Eagle 
Scout Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Boy Scouts of America, 
in 1998. Upon his graduation from high school, he pursued his dream of 
becoming a pilot by enrolling in the U.S. Military Academy at West 
Point, graduating in 2002.
  Following his commission as a second lieutenant, Captain Shimp served 
two tours of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I and III. 
After graduating from the Aviation Captain's Career Course at Fort 
Rucker, AL, he reported to Company C, 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation 
Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, at 
Fort Campbell, KY, to serve as company commander.
  A highly decorated soldier, Captain Shimp's leadership qualities were 
unmistakable. He was a rare example in the 101st Airborne Division, as 
evidenced by taking over a command soon after graduating from the 
Aviation Captain's Career Course, thereby demonstrating the respect and 
trust afforded him by his superiors. On September 11, 2007, Captain 
Shimp, along with two crew members, passed away when the Black Hawk 
helicopter he was piloting during a training exercise crashed due to 
fog near the town of Skyline, AL. He was 28 years old.

[[Page S12931]]

  Captain Scott Shimp is survived by his parents Curtis and Teri Shimp 
of Bayard, NE; his older brother Chad and his younger sister Misty. I 
offer my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Captain 
Shimp. He made the ultimate and most courageous sacrifice for our 
Nation. I join all Americans in grieving the loss of this remarkable 
young man and know that Captain Shimp's passion for serving, his 
leadership, and his selflessness will remain a source of inspiration 
for us all.

                          ____________________