[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 203 (Wednesday, December 13, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7995-S7996]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



               Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Allgaier

  Today, Mr. President, I recall the life and service of CWO 
Christopher Allgaier, a native of Omaha, NE.
  Growing up, Chris lived a pretty typical life as a Nebraska boy. 
During high school, he played video games and went to movies with his 
friends. With his family, he was a frequent visitor to Big Fred's Pizza 
in Omaha; the regular cheese pizza was his go-to. On Friday nights, he 
was known to go watch fellow classmates at high school football games, 
and on Saturdays in the fall, he did what a lot of Nebraskans do--he 
would attend or watch Husker football games.
  Along with his sister Sharon and brother Rob, Chris grew up in a 
Catholic household. His family attended St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic 
Church in Omaha.
  At Creighton Prep High School, Chris was a member of the Creighton 
Prep National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and the 
school science club. He was very dedicated to academics, and he 
graduated with the highest academic honors in 1991. During Chris's 
senior year at Creighton Prep, he became very interested in fixed-wing 
aircraft and flying.
  After high school graduation, Chris continued his studies at another 
Jesuit institution, St. Louis University, where he continued his 
interest in aircraft by studying aeronautical administration.
  Shortly after receiving his bachelor's degree, Chris enlisted in the 
U.S. Army. This surprised his family and friends. His father attributes 
Chris's decision to his son's sense of duty and interest in 
aeronautics. Chris graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson 
before attending his advanced individual training in aviation 
mechanics. The idea of Chris working in aviation mechanics always 
struck his father Bob as somewhat funny. Growing up, Chris didn't like 
getting his hands dirty or helping to change the oil in the family 
vehicles.
  Due to his strong academic record and interest in aeronautics, Chris 
was persuaded to apply to Warrant Officer Candidate School. Chris liked 
the idea of becoming a warrant officer so he could specialize and 
become an expert in aviation. He graduated at the top of his class from 
Warrant Officer Candidate School and became a helicopter pilot.
  While performing his duties in the Army, Chris also took classes at 
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He graduated with a master's 
degree in aeronautical science in 2001--the same year the September 11 
terrorist attacks shook the lives of all Americans.
  Chief Warrant Officer Allgaier deployed to South Korea for over a 
year before going to Afghanistan in 2003 and Iraq in 2005. While 
deployments are usually tough for any family, 2005 was especially 
difficult for the Allgaiers because Chris's mother Sally passed away.
  In 2006, Chris was assigned to the 3rd General Support Aviation 
Battalion, 82nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort 
Bragg, NC. The unit deployed to Afghanistan in 2007. He flew CH-47 
Chinook helicopters in transport missions. During this time, Chris flew 
a lot of night operations. His father said that Chris would call him 
every couple of weeks between missions just to catch up. Those were 
phone calls that Bob always looked forward to receiving.
  The Upper Sangin Valley in Helmand Province was the center of 
fighting in Afghanistan in 2007. A British newspaper called it ``the 
deadliest area in Afghanistan.''

[[Page S7996]]

  On the night of May 30, 2007, Chris flew another night operation 
transporting approximately 30 servicemembers from the 82nd Airborne 
Division in the Upper Sangin Valley. Shortly after dropping the 
soldiers off for their important mission, insurgents shot down his CH-
47 Chinook. The crash killed Chris and four other servicemembers.
  Chief Warrant Officer Allgaier's memorial service was held on June 6 
at a Catholic church in Omaha. Hundreds of people, including over 100 
Patriot Riders, turned out to pay their final respects.
  Chris was laid to rest on June 18, 2007, in Arlington National 
Cemetery. Fellow CWO Paul Wetzel said that ``losing Chris will 
definitely leave a void in the aviation community that can't be filled 
by anybody else. There will be other pilots in the future, but none 
will ever equal Chris Allgaier.''
  Chris is survived by his wife Jennie and three daughters--Natalie, 
Gina, and Joanna.
  In 2010, Chris was honored by the unveiling of Christopher Allgaier 
Street in the neighborhood in which he grew up. Rob discussed how his 
brother was his hero during the ceremony. He said:

       [Chris] didn't see himself that way. He didn't see himself 
     as a martyr or as a hero. He was an American who was doing 
     his duty. They're not doing it for an ulterior motive. 
     They're doing it because they believe in it and it is the 
     right thing to do.

  CWO Chris Allgaier was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart 
posthumously.
  I join Nebraskans and Americans across this country in saluting his 
willingness and his family's sacrifice to keep us free. I am honored to 
tell his story.
  Thank you.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Young). The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.