[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 17, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S7107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING SERGEANT KORT M. PLANTENBERG, CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 2 JAMES A. 
        ROGERS, JR., AND CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 2 CHARLES P. NORD

  Ms. SMITH. Madam President, today I wish to recognize and celebrate 
the lives of James Rogers, Charles Nord, and Kort Plantenberg, all 
members of the Minnesota National Guard, who tragically lost their 
lives in a helicopter accident on Thursday, December 5. After returning 
home safely from deployment to the Middle East in May, this loss is 
especially heart wrenching. These men conducted medical evacuations in 
the Middle East, and their service to our troops and allies will not be 
forgotten. I am grateful for their service and sacrifice for Minnesota 
and our country.
  CW2 James Rogers, often remembered for his curious nature, served 10 
years in the Minnesota National Guard, having enlisted before his high 
school graduation. CW2 Charles Nord enlisted in 2007, and he leaves 
behind his wife, young daughter, and a child on the way. SGT James 
Plantenberg enlisted in 2016, was a member of the Guard's biathlon 
team, and was preparing to start flight school. We are all indebted to 
these men for their service, and I wish their families peace during 
this time of tragic loss.

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