[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1303]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  TRIBUTE TO FAIRCHILD AFB KC-135 CREW

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, on January 13th, a Fairchild based 
KC-135 crashed near Geilenkirchen Air Base in Germany. Today, Team 
Fairchild and its many supporters gathered at the Spokane Opera House 
to grieve and to honor the memories of four members of the Washington 
Air National Guard who perished aboard the KC-135 in the service to our 
country.
  I have had the pleasure of traveling to Fairchild Air Force Base on 
numerous occasions and meeting with the fine men and women there. They 
provide an indispensable part of our nation's defense and serve with 
pride and professionalism. I know that this tragedy hits especially 
hard on that close-knit community, and so it is with a heavy heart that 
I join them in their grief.
  The four who died in the crash were members of the Washington Air 
National Guard 141st Air Refueling Wing, based at Fairchild Air Force 
Base near Spokane, Washington. Members of the 141st Air Refueling Wing 
were in Germany for training purposes and were participating in a 
routine NATO flight to refuel surveillance planes. The fallen men were 
all from Washington state, all family men, and all heroes.
  Major David W. Fite, the pilot of the KC-135, was a resident of 
Bellevue, Washington. He began his service in the Washington Air 
National Guard in 1991. He is survived by his wife, a brother and his 
parents.
  Captain Kenneth F. Thiele, co-pilot, was a resident of Spokane, 
Washington and served in the Washington Air National Guard since 
September 1998. He is survived by his wife.
  Major Matthew F. Laiho, navigator, was a resident of Spokane, 
Washington and served in the Washington Air National Guard since 1989. 
He is survived by his wife, two children and his parents.
  Technical Sergeant Richard D. Visintainer, boom operator, was also a 
resident of Spokane, Washington. His service in the Washington Air 
National Guard began in 1972. He is survived by his former wife and 
children.
  Colonel James Wynne, the Wing Commander, was quoted, ``The guard is 
such a close-knit extended family that this will certainly send a wave 
of grief throughout the unit. This is a tragic loss.'' Colonel Wynne is 
right. Fairchild grieves today, its spirit challenged by tragedy. I 
know Team Fairchild will serve as a comfort to grieving families and 
fellow Air Force personnel.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the families of Major Fite, Captain 
Thiele, Major Laiho and Sergeant Visintainer. Each will be missed. Each 
will be remembered.

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