[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17973]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



      AMERICAN HEROES AT PENTAGON FROM BAKERSFIELD AND KERN COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2001

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the real contributions 
of many individuals from California's 21st District to the relief 
effort because of the horrible tragedy on September 11, 2001. I am 
continually encouraged by the courageous and unselfish acts of our 
communities.
  Yesterday, I visited a group of American heroes at the Pentagon. Over 
the past two weeks, a tireless and dedicated crew of II firefighters 
and Forest Service personnel from Bakersfield and Kem County in 
California has helped with the rescue and cleanup efforts at the 
Pentagon. Facing, long days of work in a stressful environment, they 
kept their resolve. The display of internal fortitude by these heroes 
serves as a great example of generosity and selflessness.
  Soon, this talented and brave group returns home, and I would like to 
express my appreciation to Steve Gage, Kevin Harper, Nick Dunn, Ken 
Stevens, Bob Klinoff, Bob Lechtreck, Dean Clason, Pat Caprioli, Steve 
Shoemaker, Jim Scritchfield, and Dan Kleinman for all their hard work 
in assisting with the rescue and recovery efforts at the Pentagon. I 
would also like to thank their families for the sacrifices they also 
endured during these uncertain times.
  I am extremely proud of these firefighters and our communities for 
the compassion shown to the victims of this horrific act of terrorism. 
The blood, sweat, and tears shed throughout our history in the quest 
for life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness have never been in vain. 
That is why I am certain the American people will rise to the occasion 
and triumph in these most trying of times. Together, there are no 
difficulties we cannot overcome as the greatest example of freedom and 
democracy in the world.

                          ____________________