[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8489]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO KEVIN L. REICHERT

 Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I come to the floor today with a 
heavy heart. If it hadn't happened already, the Yugoslav conflict just 
hit home.
  Early yesterday morning, NATO experienced its first fatalities in its 
campaign against Yugoslavia. And Chetek, Wisconsin found its way into 
the news.
  Army Chief Warrant Officer Kevin L. Reichert, of Chetek, Wisconsin, 
was killed aboard an Apache helicopter during a nighttime training 
mission in Albania. My thoughts, prayers, and sympathies go out to the 
friends and family of Kevin Reichert. We can all be proud of Kevin's 
service to his country.
  The 28-year old from Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley leaves behind his 
wife of eight years, Ridgeley, and 3 kids. I thank the proud residents 
of Chetek and of Barron County, Wisconsin, for helping to raise such a 
brave and dedicated American. I hope the Reichert family and the 1,700 
people of Chetek will take solace in the gratitude of our Nation.
  The NATO effort in Yugoslavia has its costs. Kevin's death, and that 
of his co-pilot, David Gibbs, of Ohio, are sad reminders that conflicts 
like the one in Yugoslavia, while they seem far away, have a very real 
impact at home.
  Mr. President, I am sure my colleagues join me in paying tribute to 
Kevin Reichert for his dedicated service to the United States.

                          ____________________