[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 166 (Wednesday, November 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNITION OF THE 48TH RESCUE SQUADRON AT DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE

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                            HON. RON BARBER

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 20, 2013

  Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Airmen of the 48th 
Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
  On Oct. 29, 2013, eight Airmen of the 48th Rescue Squadron were on 
their way back from training in Eloy, Arizona when they came upon a 19-
vehicle collision on Interstate 10 near Picacho Peak. Showing little 
regard for their own safety, the Airmen immediately went into action 
providing first aid to the wounded and assistance to law enforcement 
officers on the scene. Despite the danger from leaking fuel, the Airmen 
remained at the site of the accident extricating passengers and 
providing care for more than 20 injured motorists before emergency 
medical services arrived.
  These brave Airmen embody the qualities that make our military 
great--selfless service, initiative and personal courage. Without 
hesitation, they put their own lives at risk to rescue strangers in 
need of assistance. They were not asked to put themselves in harm's 
way, but they saw an immediate need and stepped up to action.
  As a nation, we should all feel a little prouder knowing of the 
heroic actions on October 29th and that these actions were not isolated 
events. Rather, the Airmen of the 48th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan 
Air Force Base commit themselves daily to going into harm's way to come 
to the aid of downed pilots--sometimes at great personal risk. Since 
their inception, Air Force combat search and rescue squadrons have 
performed a core function of emergency rescue, easing the minds of 
pilots flying into harm's way. These pilots know that should something 
happen to them or their aircraft, there is a dedicated cadre of Airmen 
to find them and lend aid regardless of the danger.
  I am thankful for these eight courageous Americans and am proud that 
they represent the Air Force, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Southern 
Arizona.

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