[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2315]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIVES OF CAPTAIN RYAN P. HALL OF COLORADO SPRINGS, 
   COLORADO; CAPTAIN NICHOLAS S. WHITLOCK OF NEWNAN, GEORGIA; FIRST 
LIEUTENANT JUSTIN J. WILKENS, OF BEND, OREGON; AND SENIOR AIRMAN JULIAN 
                S. SCHOLTEN OF UPPER MARLBORO, MARYLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sympathy and 
solemn gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to four of our nation's 
fallen heroes: Captain Ryan P. Hall of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 
Captain Nicholas S. Whitlock of Newnan, Georgia; First Lieutenant 
Justin J. Wilkens, of Bend, Oregon; and Senior Airman Julian S. 
Scholten of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
   These four brave, young men paid the ultimate price in defense of 
our nation's freedom when their U-28 aircraft went down near Djibouti, 
Africa on Saturday, February 18, 2012. They were members of the United 
States Air Force Special Operations Command. Of their dedication to 
duty, courage of heart, and commitment to their nation, there can be no 
doubt. They were living examples of the Airman's Creed, ``I am an 
American Airman, guardian of freedom and justice, my nation's sword and 
shield, its sentry and avenger. I defend my Country with my life.'' 
Upon the altar of freedom, they have fulfilled their vow to defend 
their country and paid the ultimate price.
   The report of this tragic incident pierced the hearts of their 
families, friends, and the AFSOC community. It reminds us that there is 
no greater sacrifice than that in which one gives his life for others.
   While there are no words that we can say here on the floor today 
that will bring back Ryan, Nicholas, Justin, and Julian to those who 
love them and know them best, we can and will honor their service and 
sacrifice. We have heard many times and know in our hearts the truth 
that Freedom often demands of us a heavy and at times unbearable price. 
It is a burden of loss that rests heavily upon those who love them.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful United States Congress, I stand 
here today to honor these four men and all of the heroes we have lost. 
My wife, Vicki joins me in offering our deepest, most sincere 
condolences and prayers to their families and friends. May God continue 
to bless them, the AFSOC community, and the United States Armed Forces.

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