[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Pages 13680-13681]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES TO THE VICTIMS OF THE TORNADO IN LITTLE SIOUX, 
                                  IOWA

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 599 submitted earlier 
today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 599) expressing the condolences of 
     the Senate to those affected by the tragic events following 
     the tornado that hit Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Little 
     Sioux, Iowa, on June 11, 2008.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I am pleased to be an original cosponsor 
of this Senate resolution to pay tribute to the four boy scouts who 
lost their lives almost 2 weeks ago when a tornado struck Little Sioux 
Scout Ranch in western Iowa: Aaron Eilerts of Eagle Grove, Iowa and Sam 
Thomsen, Josh Fennen, and Ben Petrizilka of Omaha, Nebraska. I would 
like also to recognize the bravery and dedication of all the other 
scouts affected by this tragedy and of the emergency crews who 
responded.
  All of these remarkable young people had already established 
themselves as leaders in their community. The loss of four of them is a 
tragedy for Iowa and Nebraska.
  I would like in particular to express my condolences to the four 
families who have suffered such a devastating loss. My thoughts and 
prayers are with them at this difficult time.
  The Boy Scouts of America is an organization that never fails to 
exceed expectations. All the Scouts at Little Sioux Ranch that day kept 
their courage when all about them was chaos. Many of those who survived 
suffered considerable injuries. As the storm passed, the Boy Scouts 
immediately began to administer first aid to the injured and set to 
work to clear the roads, allowing the emergency crews to move in. In 
their bravery and resourcefulness, they did honor to Boy Scouts 
throughout the country. We are proud of them and humbled by their 
service.
  I am saddened that we must be here today at all offering this 
resolution, but I am honored to pay tribute to these young leaders, and 
I extend my deepest sympathy to all those affected by this tragedy.
  Mr. DODD. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, 
the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the 
table with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related 
to the resolution be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 599) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 599

       Whereas, on the evening of June 11, 2008, a tornado struck 
     the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Little Sioux, Iowa;
       Whereas 4 lives were tragically lost, and many other people 
     were injured;
       Whereas Boy Scouts and Boy Scout leaders at the camp showed 
     great heroism and courage in providing aid and assistance to 
     their fellow Scouts;
       Whereas the first responders, firefighters, and law 
     enforcement, and medical personnel worked valiantly to help 
     provide care and comfort to those who were injured;
       Whereas the Boy Scouts of America will continue to feel the 
     loss and remember the courage of the Boy Scouts who were at 
     the Little Sioux Scout Ranch the evening of June 11, 2008;
       Whereas the Boy Scouts of America will continue to develop 
     young men who show the character, strength, and bravery that 
     was demonstrated by the Boy Scouts at the Little Sioux Scout 
     Ranch on the evening of June 11, 2008; and

[[Page 13681]]

       Whereas the people of Nebraska and Iowa have embraced those 
     affected and will continue to offer support to the families 
     of those who were lost and injured; Now, therefore, be it:
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families and 
     friends of those who lost their lives in the terrible events 
     of June 11, 2008, at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Little 
     Sioux, Iowa: Sam Thomsen, Josh Fennen, and Ben Petrzilka of 
     Omaha, Nebraska, and Aaron Eilerts of Eagle Grove, Iowa;
       (2) shares its thoughts and prayers for a full recovery for 
     all those who were injured;
       (3) commends the Boy Scouts of America for the support the 
     organization has provided to the families and friends of 
     those who were lost and injured;
       (4) extends its thanks to the first responders, 
     firefighters, and law enforcement, and medical personnel who 
     took quick action to provide aid and comfort to the victims; 
     and
       (5) stands with the people of Nebraska and Iowa as they 
     begin the healing process following this terrible event.

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