[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Pages 10332-10333]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           THE DEATH OF S.SGT. ANISSA A. SHERO IN AFGHANISTAN

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Madam President, for many generations, the people of 
West Virginia have distinguished themselves by their willingness to 
serve their country in the armed forces. West Virginians understand the 
cost of freedom and have always been willing to pay for it when called. 
Today, we are reminded again just how great that cost can be, as we 
mourn the loss of Air Force Staff Sgt. Anissa A. Shero, of Grafton, WV, 
who died in a tragic airplane crash near the town of Gardez, 
Afghanistan.
  Sgt. Shero was a volunteer, who chose to serve her country in the 
face of grave danger. When terrorists struck, she left behind the 
mountains of West Virginia for the mountains of

[[Page 10333]]

Afghanistan, to risk her life so that we might live ours in freedom and 
safety. She was part of an extraordinarily successful effort to crush 
the Taliban, disrupt and demoralize al-Qaida, and free the people of 
Afghanistan from two decades of war and despotism. Men and women in 
both nations are safer now because of her work, and all of us who value 
freedom owe Sgt. Shero a profound debt of gratitude and honor. I know 
that the thoughts and prayers of many people are, like mine, with her 
family and her friends tonight.
  Like the two service members who died with her, and the 37 others 
killed in Afghanistan during this war, including West Virginian Sgt. 
Gene Vance, Jr., Sgt. Shero bravely did her duty as an American. Now, 
let us pledge to do ours in her honor. Let us remember always, 
including on the floor of this Senate Chamber, that wars are about 
people, and freedom, and lives. Let us make certain that our armed 
forces have the tools they need to meet any foe, any where, any time. 
And let us treasure the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and give thanks 
for the service members who fight to protect them.
  Sgt. Shero represented the best of West Virginia and the best of 
America. She was strong, courageous, and dedicated. She will forever 
serve as a role model for West Virginians, men and women alike, who 
loved their country and who, like her, know our ideals are worth 
fighting for.

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