[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18662]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING ALBERT HENRY HAAS

  Mrs. McCASKILL. Madam President, I ask that the Senate join me in 
honoring the life of Albert Henry Haas. Albert was killed November 29 
in a mortar attack at Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan, where he 
was serving as a civilian aircraft mechanic.
  Albert had a long career in service to our country, dating back to 
his service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war and continuing in 
the Army Reserves during the conflict in Bosnia. Following 30 years of 
military service, Albert retired and began a 30-year career in aircraft 
maintenance for companies such as TWA and American Airlines.
  Albert had a passion for life that he shared with those around him. 
He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and learning 
about different cultures. He was fascinated with and very knowledgeable 
about all mechanical things that move like trains, helicopters, and 
planes. Those around him will remember him as a comical person who was 
able to make all around him feel comfortable and welcomed.
  As the daughter of a caring, loving father who always told me I could 
achieve anything, and that there were no jobs too tough for me, I was 
especially happy to hear about Albert's advice for his two daughters. 
He instilled in them from an early age that they could do anything they 
put their mind to, without regard to their gender. This resulted in 
them helping rewire the entire house and working on roof repairs with 
Albert. Just as I am thankful on a daily basis for the lessons my 
father taught me, I know Albert's children are thankful for the 
memories and teachings of their father.
  On behalf of the Senate, I wish to offer my condolences to Albert's 
wife of 41 years, Bay Thi, their three adult children, Thao Haas of 
Texas, Tina V. Smith of Belleville, IL, and Lisa R. Carnahan of St. 
Louis, MO, and his eight grandchildren. Albert's life was an example to 
those around him and I hope his family can take comfort in the memories 
they shared with him.

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