[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 110 (Friday, June 29, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          IN HONOR OF THE FALLEN HEROES OF OPERATION RED WINGS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 29, 2018

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the memory 
and sacrifice of the nineteen heroes who gave their lives thirteen 
years ago in Operation Red Wings.
  On June 28, 2005, four members of Navy SEAL Team 10--Danny Dietz, 
Matthew Axelson, Marcus Luttrell, and Michael P. Murphy--were tasked 
with killing or capturing the high-ranking Taliban official, Ahmad 
Shah, in the Hindu-Kush Mountains of Afghanistan.
  Shortly after encountering a small group of Afghani goat herders, 
hostile Taliban forces discovered the SEALs' presence and began 
converging on their position. An intense firefight ensued, in which 
three of the four SEALs tragically lost their lives.
  Responding to the battle, an MH-47 Chinook helicopter and the 160th 
Special Operations Aviation's Regiment ``Nightstalkers'' were 
dispatched to rescue the team--only to be shot down by Taliban forces 
armed with an RPG. As a result, all sixteen men on board the Chinook--
Chris J. Scherkenbach, Corey J. Goodnature, Daniel R. Healy, Erik S. 
Kristensen, Jacques J. Fontan, James E. Suh, James W. Ponder III, 
Jeffery A. Lucas, Jeffrey S. Taylor, Kip A. Jacoby, Marcus V. Muralles, 
Michael L. Russell, Michael M. McGreevy, Jr., Shamus O. Goare, Shane E. 
Patton, Stephen C. Reich--were killed. The lone survivor of the 
mission, Marcus Luttrell, lives on to share the amazing story of the 
mission and the heroic actions that took place.
  Tragically, nineteen brave heroes made the ultimate sacrifice in the 
service of their country during Operation Red Wings. They selflessly 
fulfilled their duty and defended our Nation in a time of war, and it 
is our responsibility to preserve the memory of their sacrifice. Their 
steadfast service, dedication to country, and the honorable sacrifices 
they made will never be forgotten. They stood where duty required them 
to stand, and we are forever grateful for their selflessness.
  These men continue to inspire their friends, families, loved ones, 
and the millions of people around the world who hear the story of their 
heroic actions. I am privileged to recognize and honor the service of 
these American heroes who laid down their lives for our great Nation.

                          ____________________