[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2804-E2805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE COAST GUARD AND MARINE CORPS AIRCRAFT PILOTS LOST IN 
                               CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2009

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H. Res. 891, ``Expressing the gratitude of the House of Representatives 
for the service to our Nation of the Coast Guard and Marine Corps 
aircraft pilots and crewmembers lost off the coast of California on 
October 29, 2009, and for other purposes.'' The safety of American 
citizens lies in the hands of our service men and women on a daily 
basis. With honor and respect our service men and women devote their 
lives to their duty and time and time again they prove to be faithful 
servants. We in the Gulf Coast region will never forget their bravery 
in saving 22,000+ lives during Hurricane Katrina.
  On the evening of October 29, 2009, a Coast Guard C-130 aircraft with 
two pilots and five crewmembers on board was involved in a search and 
rescue mission off the coast of California. Unfortunately at the same 
time, a Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra carrying two pilots was involved 
in a military escort mission nearby. The two aircraft are suspected to 
have collided while traveling east of San Clemente Island, California. 
The following crew members of the Coast Guard C-130 are

[[Page E2805]]

missing and presumed to have lost their lives in the line of duty: Lt. 
Cmdr. Che J. Barnes of Capay, California; Lt. Adam W. Bryant, of Crewe, 
Virginia; Chief Petty Officer John F. Seidman of Stockton, California; 
Petty Officer 2nd Class Carl P. Grigonis of Mayfield Heights, Ohio; 
Petty Officer 2nd Class Monica L. Beacham of Decaturville, Tennessee; 
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason S. Moletzsky of Norristown, Pennsylvania; 
and Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny R. Kreder II, of Elm Mott, Texas. The 
following crew members of the Marine Corps helicopter are missing and 
presumed to have lost their lives in the line of duty: Maj. Samuel 
Leigh of Kennebec, Maine, and 1st Lt. Thomas Claiborne of Douglas, 
Colorado.
  The men and women of the Coast Guard are ``Always Ready'' to 
safeguard the United States against all hazards and threats at our 
ports, at sea, and around the world. As the men and women of the Marine 
Corps are ``Always Faithful'' to their mission of defending the United 
States on the ground, in the air, and by sea, in every corner of the 
globe. These individuals lost their lives in service to their country 
and I, as well as every other Member of Congress, should support this 
resolution in their honor.

                          ____________________