[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23628]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                TRIBUTE TO FALLEN WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS

 Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I have a favorite quote about 
firefighters: ``All men are created equal, then a few become firemen.''
  Firefighters are indeed a rare breed--selfless and brave. It is a 
tragedy when even one is lost. On September 1, Montana and America lost 
not one but three firefighters in an airplane crash as they rushed to 
quell the flames of a fire in California. Gene Wahlstrom, Greg 
Gonsioroski, and Zachary VanderGriend may be gone from this Earth, but 
they will never be forgotten. Their sacrifice and unwavering dedication 
to the lives of others stand as an example for all Americans. These 
brave men were based in Missoula, MT, and though they hailed from 
Washington and Utah in addition to the Big Sky State, I am proud to 
call them all Montanans.
  Gene Wahlstrom began his 35-year flying career as a crop duster and 
rose to the position of chief pilot for Neptune Aviation. Gene was a 
Vietnam veteran and a natural leader and mentor. Folks who knew Gene 
say he was a kind, genuine, accomplished, and loyal friend.
  Most folks who knew Greg Gonsioroski just called him ``Gonzo.'' He 
began his career as an airplane mechanic but decided to take to the 
skies himself. Greg was a native of Baker, MT. A family man first, 
father to Gabriel, Grady, and Gracelyn, and doting husband to Kim, he 
will be remembered as a gentle giant and a loving and patient father, 
husband, and friend.
  Zachary VanderGriend was a new employee with Neptune Aviation but not 
new to flying--he had dreamed of being a pilot since he was 2 years 
old. Zachary got his pilot's license when he was 17 and spent much of 
his time in volunteer programs such as the Young Eagles. As noted in 
his eulogy, Zachary was a devoted Christian who loved to fly ``because 
it was there he felt closest to God.''
  I believe service is one of the most honorable things a person can 
do. Whether it is service to ones community, State, or country, service 
is the most noble of all human endeavors.
  In Montana and indeed across much of the West, fires are an almost 
constant threat. It is the price we pay for living in one of the most 
beautiful places on earth. So every year we place our belongings, our 
homes and our lives in the hands of firefighters--too often without a 
second thought.
  The loss of Gene, Greg, and Zachary gives us pause. As a Montanan and 
an American, I feel tremendous sadness in their passing but also 
tremendous gratitude for the time we were graced with their 
presence.

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