[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 4206]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO OFFICER MICHAEL STONEKING

 Mrs. ERNST. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Eastern 
Iowa Airport Transportation Security Officer Michael Stoneking for 
recent actions he took to aid a choking passenger.
  Officer Michael Stoneking, while on duty at Eastern Iowa Airport in 
Cedar Rapids, IA, was on his way to take his break when he was alerted 
by another airport employee that a passenger was in distress. Officer 
Stoneking was directed to a female passenger who had her hands at her 
throat indicating that she was choking. Officer Stoneking performed the 
Heimlich maneuver and was able to successfully remove the obstruction 
from the passenger's throat, allowing her to breathe clearly. The 
passenger's family and the passenger, once able to speak, thanked 
Officer Stoneking and credited him with saving her life. Official 
Transportation Security Administration reports from the scene praise 
Officer Stoneking for his command presence and calm professionalism, 
stating that his ability to think clearly and react saved a life.
  At a time when transportation security is on everyone's mind, it is 
comforting to know that we have such capable security officers in our 
airports. Those who go above and beyond the call of duty, as Officer 
Stoneking did, are to be commended and serve as an example of what 
dedicated law enforcement officers can accomplish.
  I am very proud today to share Officer Stoneking's story with our 
colleagues and would ask that they join me in commending Officer 
Stoneking for his actions that saved a passenger's life.
  Thank you.

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