[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 175 (Wednesday, November 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING MAJOR MATHEW C. WENTHE AND TECHNICAL SERGEANT JOSEPH R. KENNEY 
                UPON RECEIPT OF THE AIR MEDAL WITH VALOR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ZOE LOFGREN-

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2011

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge and 
honor Major Mathew C. Wenthe and Technical Sergeant Joseph R. Kenney 
upon their award of the Air Medal with Valor.
  The Air Medal was established by Executive Order in 1942 to honor any 
person serving in the Armed Forces who distinguishes him or herself by 
``meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.''
  On June 29, 2009, Major Mathew C. Wenthe and Technical Sergeant 
Joseph R. Kenney conducted multiple urgent medical evacuation missions 
into the Babaki area of the Helmand Province in Afghanistan. During 
their flights to the site where a British vehicle was overturned into a 
canal, their aircraft maneuvered through small arms fire and rocket 
propelled grenades.
  Without regard for their own personal safety, Major Wenthe and 
Technical Sergeant Kenney reengaged the enemy compound from where they 
had just been attacked. They exhibited bravery by putting themselves in 
danger to draw enemy fire to protect another aircraft on the ground.
  It was my honor and privilege to recognize Major Mathew C. Wenthe and 
Technical Sergeant Joseph R. Kenney at a ceremony while I was home in 
my district. The outstanding heroism displayed deserves great 
recognition by the entire United States, the nation they have so 
selflessly served. Major Mathew C. Wenthe and Technical Sergeant Joseph 
R. Kenney have the respect and gratitude of all Americans.

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