[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8885]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


               Technical Sergeant Kristoffer M. Solesbee

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to TSgt 
Kristoffer M. Solesbee of Hill Air Force Base's 75th Civil Engineer 
Squadron. Technical Sergeant Solesbee was killed in action near the 
city of Shorabak, Afghanistan.
  Technical Sergeant Solesbee was a brave and courageous man. Not only 
did he volunteer to serve his country, returning to the field of battle 
three times, twice in Iraq and this final tour in Afghanistan, but he 
volunteered for one of the most dangerous assignments in the war on 
terrorism; he was an explosive ordnance disposal technician.
  This is not the first time a member of Hill's EOD flight had been 
killed while protecting his fellow servicemembers from improvised 
explosive devices. In early 2007, three other members of the 75th Civil 
Engineering Squadron were also killed. Yet, despite this tragedy, 
Technical Sergeant Solesbee always returned to duty. I believe one of 
Utah's largest newspapers, The Standard Examiner, paid him the highest 
tribute when it stated ``Kristoffer M. Solesbee died doing what he 
loved: saving lives.'' I cannot think of a better definition of a true 
hero.
  From those who knew him best, his family, friends and fellow 
servicemembers, described him as smart and highly energetic. Growing up 
he loved model rockets and radio controlled cars and airplanes. During 
his 11-year career in the service, his fellow airmen came to rely upon 
him and his professionalism. Indeed, there is broad consensus among 
Hill's EOD technicians that he was the benchmark by which others were 
judged.
  His distinguished service also did not go unrecognized. Technical 
Sergeant Solesbee was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal with Valor 
device and second oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Meritorious Service 
Medal, Purple Heart Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one 
oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf 
cluster, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
  I know God will be watching over the family of this admirable man. He 
gave his life so that others may live. TSgt Kristoffer M. Solesbee will 
never be forgotten.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Virginia.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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