[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 26, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H5173-H5174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING COLONEL FRANK CHILDRESS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
South Carolina (Mr. Norman) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of America's 
finest servicemen, Colonel Frank Childress.
  Colonel Childress exemplifies the honor and fortitude of the men and 
women who make up our armed services. Colonel Childress was placed on 
an assignment in the Pentagon in 2001 and was set to arrive in 
Washington, D.C. on September 6.
  Destiny arrived in a humble disguise when a clerical error delayed 
his household goods from being delivered on time. He was offered the 
choice of a new delivery date, either September 10 or September 11. He 
chose September 11.
  The Colonel lived a mile away and heard when the plane crashed into 
the Pentagon. He turned on his TV and saw the carnage that took place 
in New York and immediately headed for the Pentagon to help in any way 
possible. In a time of crisis and panic, Colonel Childress ran toward 
danger when many would have fled.
  Among the thousands who died that day, Colonel Childress survived. 
Twenty-six of his fellow servicemen and -women were killed in the very 
office he would have been working in that day.
  At first, he was nearly consumed by survivor's guilt, but instead of 
surrendering, he joined a Bible study group for Pentagon employees. 
Once again, he chose not to run and instead face reality through his 
strength and faith in God who led him through those dark and difficult 
days that he would face ahead.

[[Page H5174]]

  In his immediate response to the 9/11 attacks and his fortitude in 
dealing with the aftermath, Colonel Childress is a paragon of bravery. 
He exemplifies the words of Winston Churchill before Britain was about 
to be under siege by Germany when Prime Minister Churchill said:

       There will be a time when doing your best is not good 
     enough. We must do what is required.

  Colonel Childress did what was required in the service to freedom. 
His actions set the example that all Americans can share pride in and 
follow.

                          ____________________