[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9746]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                REMEMBERING THE ARKANSAS TORNADO VICTIMS

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I wish to offer my thoughts and 
prayers to the victims of the April 27, 2014, tornadoes that devastated 
a number of communities in central Arkansas.
  The tornadoes that spawned from the storm system that left a trail of 
destruction across the south took the lives of 16 Arkansans in Pulaski, 
White and Faulkner Counties.
  The Arkansas victims include an Iraq veteran who died while 
protecting his 5-year-old daughter, two children who had just started 
school in Vilonia, and an unborn child who died as a result of the 
injuries to the baby's mother.
  While others escaped the tornadoes with their lives, many lost 
everything else they had. From homes to businesses, entire communities 
were wiped out leaving many residents homeless and without livelihood.
  However, our actions in a time of crisis are a reflection of us as a 
society and despite the tragic stories we saw many uplifting acts 
before, during, and after the tornadoes hit. As the storm approached, 
Christian Gunther acted to save ten disabled veterans from a long-term 
care facility by making sure they reached safety before the tornado 
hit. During the storm, MSG Daniel Wassom, gave his life using his body 
to shield his daughter from a falling beam. And, in the immediate 
aftermath of the storm, Arkansas's first responders rushed to the 
hardest hit communities, saving lives in the aftermath of the 
tornadoes.
  During this time where many have to sift through the rubble and 
rebuild their lives, we are grateful for those who have reached out to 
their neighbors and provided assistance. Volunteers from all across the 
State have come to ravaged areas to help. This disaster serves as a 
testament to the compassionate character of the people of Arkansas. 
Rebuilding is never easy, but I know that Arkansans do not give up.
  I am pleased the President quickly responded to the situation by 
designating four Arkansas counties as major disaster areas, making 
Federal funding available to people in these counties impacted by the 
storm. However, more work remains to be done. I am committed to 
ensuring that relief comes to the families and communities affected by 
this disaster.
  Again, our thoughts and prayers go out to those who endured the 
storms, who need to rebuild, and especially to those who have lost 
relatives and loved ones. I ask that my colleagues continue to keep 
them in their thoughts and prayers.

                          ____________________