[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11132]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING CAPTAIN ROBERT ``BOB'' HOLTON

  Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of Air 
Force Capt. Robert ``Bob'' Holton, a lifelong resident of Butte, MT, 
and an intrepid Vietnam veteran.
  To Bob's family, on behalf of myself, my fellow Montanans, and my 
fellow Americans, I would like extend our deepest gratitude for Bob's 
service to this Nation.
  Bob was born on April 8, 1941, in Butte, MT. He graduated from Butte 
High School in 1959, a talented musician who excelled at the saxophone, 
clarinet, and piano.
  Bob continued his education at the University of Montana, where he 
earned his pilot's license and served as an outstanding military cadet 
with the ROTC. Bob went on to marry his high school classmate, Diane 
Eck, in 1962, and graduated with a business degree in 1965.
  Bob proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, flying an F4 
Phantom as an interceptor alongside his comrade Maj. William Campbell, 
a fighter-bomber. Their deployment took them near the border of Laos 
and Vietnam, where their plane was downed in enemy fire on January 29, 
1969.
  This disaster sparked a tragic mystery for the Holton family, who 
have been unable to find the site of the crash, nor fully confirm its 
outcome. The circumstances gave them no closure and left Bob's family 
in pain.
  Bob's memory has been tirelessly honored, with folks across the U.S. 
wearing MIA bracelets in recognition of his unfinished story. The 
National League of Families and the Air Force have continually 
supported the Holton family's search for Bob, for which they are 
endlessly grateful.
  Now, 48 years after the crash, Butte's only Vietnam war Missing in 
Action has been found. Bob's remains have been recovered and will 
finally be returned to his home State. His life and light will be 
honored Saturday, July 22, in a ceremonial burial at the Sunset 
Memorial Park.
  For Bob's family, the actions by so many have helped provide closure. 
On behalf of a grateful Nation, I want to thank them for their hope and 
continued support for Bob and all of our veterans who are missing in 
action.
  Let us now take a moment to recognize the life of Capt. Robert Holton 
and the legacy he left behind. We deeply appreciate his service to the 
American people.

                          ____________________