[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23651]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  UNCOMMON COURAGE FIGHTING OUR FIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 1, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, eighteen months ago a courageous and 
fearless Colombian National Police (CNP) anti-narcotics operations 
Captain stayed overnight in the Colombian jungle to protect a downed 
excess-Vietnam-era, single engine Huey helicopter from the 
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) narco-terrorists in that 
troubled nation. Taken captive and dragged through Colombian jungles 
for more than 18 months, this courageous police captain was fighting 
America's fight against illicit drugs upfront and personal.
  CNP Captain Wilson Quintero broke loose from his FARC captors this 
month after killing several of them during his escape. He stayed on the 
run through the tough jungles of Colombia for more than 12 days, where 
he was killed fighting his narco-guerillas captors after being shot 35 
times. Two other CNP anti-drug officers, without weapons, were also 
found executed by the guerillas near Quintero's body.
  The Colombian National Police used every aerial asset in its aged and 
ill-equipped helicopter fleet to try to save its courageous comrade. 
Captain Quintero leaves a wife and son to whom we extend our deepest 
sympathies. May Captain Quintero and all those CNP officers who have 
died fighting illicit drugs rest in peace and remind us of their 
courageous service in their and our drug war.

                          ____________________