[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5651]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             AMERICAN PATRIOTISM--TAKING CARE OF OUR HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2016

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, while patrolling the blue South 
Pacific seas, two American Stallion helicopters collided off the coast 
of Hawaii. It was January 14, 2016. Twelve U.S. Marines on board 
perished. Despite rescue efforts by air and sea, the Marines were never 
found. Their watery graves are only known to God. Major Shawn Campbell, 
41, and Corporal Matthew Drown, 23, were Texas' own.
  In the aftermath of this tragic loss, the military community banded 
together, ready to support the family who had just experienced one of 
the most traumatic moments that a young family can possibly be faced 
with. The U.S. military always takes care of its own. That is one 
reason why our warriors, and their families make the U.S. Military the 
best in the world.
  In particular, Kalie Rhodes and her mothers group (Mothers of 
Preschoolers) quickly sprang into action, ready to lend a hand and 
shoulder to those who were distraught by tragedy. The MOPS meet twice a 
month, joining together in fellowship to connect and learning different 
parenting and life skills. Katie is the wife of Captain Johnathan 
Rhodes, a 2002 graduate of Kingwood High School and 2006 graduate of 
West Point.
  Kalie and her team provided support for the visiting families of the 
missing Marines. They not only prepared meals and cared for some of the 
smaller children, they also bought and distributed a wide variety of 
gift cards for food, gas and clothing. The support and encouragement 
from MOPS and Kalie to the families of those killed is impressive.
  As the search continued John Hedley's (USMA '68) Veterans coffee shop 
in NC donated over $500 and Craig Carson's (USMA '68) company in 
Indiana donated over $5,000. The Military community never stops 
supporting each other. We were shown this once again as the Wingman 
Foundation (ex-Naval and Marine aviators) served as a clearing house 
for the monetary donations and reimbursed the moms for out-of-pocket 
expenses. In addition, they donated $50,000 to the families.
  Furthermore, the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund (USMA '86) has provided 
scholarships for all the children of the deceased Marines. This 
scholarship program for the kids of the fallen Marines is commendable 
and inspiring. This is an excellent way to take care of those that have 
lost a parent.
  The fallen Marines were honorably doing their duty, taking care of 
America. Now Americans are returning the favor by taking care of those 
military families. These individuals who spring to action, ready to 
help at a moment's notice are fiercely patriotic. They are the backbone 
of a rare breed--the American breed that protects us.
  And that is just the way it is.

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