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MAJ Gregory Stone Air National Guard MAJ Gregory Stone was a 20-year
veteran of military service. He was killed in the grenade attack
at the base of the 101st Airborne in Kuwait. He leaves behind two
young sons today, Evan and Joshua, as well as his mother in Ontario
-- who I just spoke with -- and others across our State who loved
him dearly. Major Stone graduated from Oregon State University,
and from Benson High School in my hometown of Portland. He died
far from the front lines, but again, called to sacrifice in war.
SGT Donald Walters Army SGT Donald Walters is now missing in action
after his convoy was ambushed in Southern Iraq. His wife and kids
are in Missouri. His parents, Norman and Arlene, are in Salem, Oregon,
awaiting word on his safety. Sergeant Walters comes from a family
with a rich tradition of service across the military, including
the Army, Navy, and the Air Force. He is a specialist in decontamination.
His convoy was moving to support troops in
battle when they took a wrong turn into terrible circumstances.
The people of Oregon now are praying for his family and his friends.
I join with all of them in hoping for his safe return.
Each of these very brave Oregonians, in my view, is an example of
the best of the American spirit. We mourn the deaths of those killed.
We pray for the safe return of Sergeant Walters and, above all,
we give thanks for all
of those living as well, who still serve so bravely in this time
of war.
Madam President, the special people who are serving our country
cross generations, and they represent every ethnic group. They serve
in a wide variety of capacities. Some come from Reserve units or
the National Guard.
Others are in the permanent services. They are members of very different
fighting forces -- Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, and Air Force.
Amidst all of this diversity, there is so much that they share --
especially a deep
love for our country, and a common willingness to risk their lives
for the lives of others.
Together, they stand between the citizens of our Nation and those
who would do America harm. They all know that at any time they could
be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. Yet, each day, they
go in and put their uniform on and charge into harm's way for all
of our sakes.
Throughout American history, members of our military have made the
sacrifices that allow our great Republic to survive. Today, as the
pictures of this war play out on television screens across the Nation,
people in this country can see as never before just what a war requires
of men and women who fight on behalf of all of us. As we watch,
it is important to remember these images are not created in Hollywood.
They are the actions of real human beings. The soldiers are real
people, loved by countless Americans here at home who worry every
single hour for their safety, and mourn them when they are lost.
I will close today by expressing my gratitude to all of the Americans
who serve our great Nation, and take special time today to reflect
on the contributions of the Oregonians we have lost. Our concern
for the missing people of this country today is great. The people
I represent at home in Oregon offer their prayers every day for
the success of the mission of those who serve and for their safe
and speedy return.
I yield the floor.
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