[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 20, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E81-E82]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  VICTOR LOVELADY--THE AMERICAN BREED

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2015

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, two years ago, one of my 
constituents--Mr. Victor Lovelady--was killed in Algeria after being 
taken captive by terrorists. Before his death, Victor displayed some of 
the very best qualities of the American spirit: courage, compassion, 
and selflessness. I would like to take a moment to tell you his story.
  Like many Americans, Victor Lovelady was a hard worker who put in 
long hours to provide for his family of four. For most of his life, 
Victor worked as an industrial engineer and master electrician in his 
hometown of Nederland, Texas.
  However, when work in his area slowed, he spent nearly three years 
traveling back and forth daily to work in Houston from Nederland. He 
did this so that his children would not have to change schools. The 150 
mile round trip was an hour and a half each way. After his kids 
finished high school, Victor moved to Atascocita, Texas (25 miles north 
of Houston) where I live Congressional District 2. Victor never had a 
pension plan and always had to pay his family's insurance by himself. 
He never had more than two weeks off in a year. He longed to be able to 
retire and spend more time with his wife and children.
  When Victor was given the opportunity to work overseas for British 
Petroleum he weighed the pros and cons. He knew a few years at this new 
job would provide him with enough money to retire and be with his 
family. He also believed that working in Africa would be safe.
  On January 9, 2013, Victor arrived in the remote area of In Amenas, 
Algeria to begin his new job at the BP Gas facility. In the early hours 
of January 16th, an army of gun wielding terrorists crashed their 
trucks through the gates of the gas plant. Within minutes they had 
seized control of the facility and held hundreds of its employees 
hostage. Victor Lovelady and several other workers were having tea when 
suddenly a colleague entered the cantina with a gunshot wound to his 
stomach. The man had been shot when Mokhtar Belmokhtar's al-Qaeda 
linked terrorists stormed the facility and opened fire on the innocent 
workers.
  Putting thoughts of himself aside and disregarding the sound of 
gunfire, Victor began cleaning and dressing the man's wound. Victor 
then hid him in a food container for his safety.
  Even as the sound of gunshots grew louder and louder, Victor 
immediately lifted other men into the cantina's false ceiling to hide 
them from the attackers. In total, Victor secretly secured three men 
into the ceiling hiding spot. Heavily armed jihadists were going room 
to room at the plant to capture victims. Only when it sounded like the 
militants had finally entered the cantina did Victor quickly try to 
hide and save himself. Unfortunately, he fell and injured his ankle 
attempting to climb into the ceiling. Moments later, the terrorists 
captured him and held him hostage. The facility was under the control 
of the terrorists for three grueling days. Hostages were rounded up one 
by one, handcuffed and strapped with explosive devices. The terrorists 
were threatening to blow them up if the U.S. and Algeria did not 
release jihadi prisoners.
  Sadly, Victor was killed when Algerian military forces moved in to 
rescue the victims and attack the terrorists. In total 40 civilians 
from 10 countries were killed by the terrorists and in the rescue 
attempt. 29 terrorists were also killed.
  Victor's selfless and heroic actions saved four lives that day. A 
once ordinary man became extraordinary in the face of danger and 
violence. Courage like this should be applauded and remembered. This is 
why I nominated Mr. Lovelady for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The 
Presidential Medal of Freedom is our nation's highest civilian honor 
and recognizes individuals who have made ``an especially meritorious 
contribution'' to our society. It is clear that Victor Lovelady not 
only meets, but exceeds this standard.
  The events in Algeria last year have disappeared from public view in 
the sands of time. The media has moved on to other tragic events. There 
have been more terrorist attacks throughout the world. Americans and 
non-Americans have been murdered. But it is the Americans such as 
Victor that we should

[[Page E82]]

always remember and honor. While we continue to mourn their loss we 
should, to paraphrase General George Patton: ``Thank God that such 
people ever lived.''
  Two years after his death, Victor Lovelady may not be a household 
name, but there is no doubt that he is an American hero. He worked hard 
to provide an honest living and when in danger, thought first to 
protect others instead of himself. When people hear Victor's story 
today, they are inspired because of his acts of bravery, conviction, 
and compassion--in other words, to act as a true American. Four people 
live today, because Victor died hiding them.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all of our colleagues take a moment 
today to remember the heroism of Victor Lovelady. Our prayers are also 
with his wife, Maureen, and his two children, Erin and Grant, who carry 
on his legacy. I am honored to call this Texan my constituent and we 
will continue to honor the sacrifice he made as a courageous husband, 
father, and American.
  Victor Lovelady was from an amazing breed--the American breed.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________