[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA DEVASTATED BY TORNADOES

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                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, families from my district in eastern 
North Carolina are working to recover from tornadoes over the weekend 
that killed two people and displaced up to 125 people.
  Please join me in expressing our deepest sympathies to the families 
affected by this damaging storm. They should know that our thoughts and 
prayers are with them during this difficult time.
  Tragically, the tornado claimed the life of 11-year-old Joshua 
Wiggins, a bright, outgoing sixth-grader at Toisnot Middle School in my 
hometown of Wilson, North Carolina. He played the drums, enjoyed 
soccer, and sang in the chorus. The tornado also took the life of 
Maryland Gomez, a 61-year-old mother from Kenly, North Carolina.
  The tornadoes, believed to be EF-2 to EF-3, moved northeast along the 
Interstate 95 corridor at 45 to 55 miles per hour with winds of 130 to 
135 miles per hour.
  I want to give thanks to the North Carolina Department of 
Transportation workers who have been clearing fallen trees from 
roadways and to the Progress Energy crews who are restoring power along 
the storm's path.
  North Carolina Governor Michael Easley has requested a U.S. Small 
Business Administration disaster declaration for Wilson and Johnston 
County areas affected by deadly tornadoes.
  Madam Speaker, our hearts go out to the community and especially to 
the families directly affected by this tragedy. Although this natural 
disaster may have destroyed many homes and upended the lives of many 
families, the people of North Carolina are generous and caring. I have 
no doubt we will pull together to rebuild these communities to make 
them stronger than ever. I look forward to working with my colleagues 
to assist the families in need and to helping them to move forward from 
this tragedy.

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