[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF NAVAL AIR CREWMAN 1ST CLASS SAMUEL ``GRANT'' KERSLAKE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated 
patriot and a true American hero. On May 19, 2009, our state and our 
nation lost a brave servicemember when Naval Air Crewman 1st Class 
Samuel ``Grant'' Kerslake died during training operations off the 
Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California. In all, the U.S. Navy lost 
six members of its Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) when its HH-
60 Seahawk helicopter crashed.
  Petty Officer Kerslake was a 1986 graduate of Lake Hamilton High 
School in Pearcy, Arkansas. Dedicating his life to his country, Petty 
Officer Kerslake had just completed 20 years of honorable service with 
the U.S. Armed Forces.
  While his untimely and tragic death is a shock to all of us in 
Arkansas, we are left with the memories and inspiration Petty Officer 
Kerslake shared with all who met him. We admired Petty Officer Kerslake 
for his commitment to his family, community and country. His legacy of 
service, patriotism and honor will forever define what we remember 
about this brave sailor.
  My deepest thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Christine; two 
sons, Samuel Ryan Kerslake and Justin Fields; his mother, JoAnne 
Kerslake of Hot Springs; his father, Samuel Kerslake of Florida; and 
the rest of his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult 
time.
  Today, I ask all members of Congress to join me as we honor the life 
of Petty Officer Samuel ``Grant'' Kerslake and his legacy and all those 
men and women in our Armed Forces who give the ultimate sacrifice in 
service to their country.

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