[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 17, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H1695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LOUISIANA NATIONAL GUARDSMEN TRAGICALLY KILLED LAST WEEK

  (Mr. ABRAHAM asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of the four 
Louisiana National Guardsmen and seven marines who so tragically died 
in a helicopter accident off the coast of Florida. My family and I and 
all of the Louisiana delegation, I am sure, with the rest of the 
Congress will continue to keep their families in our prayers.
  As a helicopter pilot myself, I feel a certain kinship to the two 
guardsmen in my district, George Griffin, Jr., and George Strother. 
Both of them served our district, our State, and our country most 
honorably.
  Chief Warrant Officer George Griffin was originally from Delhi, which 
is only about 10 minutes from my house. He had more than 6,000 flight 
hours, including 1,000 or more combat hours, and was a very decorated 
veteran.
  Chief Warrant Officer George Strother, of Alexandria, was a seasoned 
combat veteran who also served distinguishedly and was decorated, and 
he also served us in our trying times of Katrina.
  These men, these two plus the others who died in the Black Hawk 
accident, served our Nation and our country most honorably, admirably, 
and stood in harm's way when we didn't have to. We will never forget 
them; we honor them; and again, our prayers are with their families.

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