[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 165 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE AIR FORCES ESCAPE AND EVASION SOCIETY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NIKI TSONGAS

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2016

  Ms. TSONGAS. Mr. Speaker, every November 11th, we stop to recognize 
the brave men and women who have served our country in our armed 
forces. Having just marked Veterans Day, I would like to recognize one 
group of extraordinary servicemembers in particular, the United States 
Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society, or AFEES.
  Since the United States military first began using airplanes in 
foreign wars, members of the United States Air Forces have been forced 
to eject, crash land, or abandon their aircraft in an occupied country 
or territory. Once downed, these airmen had to evade capture by enemy 
forces, oftentimes while suffering from critical injuries.
  Of the downed aircrew members that were captured, many escaped from 
the enemy who were holding them in captivity. Many times, downed 
servicemembers were aided in their escape and evasion by resistance 
organizations in those occupied countries. Thousands of brave, ordinary 
people took extraordinary risks at huge costs to both them and their 
families to help these brave Americans and help them return home.
  In 1964, the United States Air Forces Escape and Evasion Society was 
created by the downed aircrew members who evaded capture. Today, AFEES 
includes downed aircrew members and people who directly aided them in 
escape and evasion and has more than 600 members, including members 
from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
  I am proud to represent one brave AFEES member, the group's 
President, John Katsaros of Haverhill, Massachusetts. Today, I would 
like to recognize the United States Air Forces Escape and Evasion 
Society and the achievements made by its members: to never accept 
captivity and to constantly strive for their freedom. Thank you for 
your service and for the inspiration you are to all of us.

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