Asa Hutchinson: “of the 82 American airmen, there are three from my home State of Arkansas: Mr. William Powell of Bella Vista, Mr. Frank…”

“of the 82 American airmen, there are three from my home State of Arkansas: Mr. William Powell of Bella Vista, Mr. Frank Cowan of Harrison, and Mr. Robert Ward of Springdale. Before I yield the floor, Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity to share the response of two of those Arkansans when they learned that this resolution was being introduced today. Mr. William Powell said: The recognition is long overdue. For decades, the Department of Defense and the International Red Cross have stated that there were no military personnel in Buchenwald. Yet as someone who was imprisoned there for 4 months I know of at least 55 other American soldiers who endured the hardships of this camp. Two men even lost lives there. And nearly all suffered diseases later in life because of the treatment they received while held in Buchenwald. In the late 70s, early 80s, I joined with the other survivors of Buchenwald to push this government to recognize our service. We never wanted any money, we just wanted the United States Government to say, Yes, you were there, and we appreciate what you went through for our country. I will quote from Mr. Frank Cowan: It has been a long time coming, but finally our sacrifice will be acknowledged. Unfortunately, many of those who were at Buchenwald have passed on, nevertheless, there are many of us still alive to enjoy this.”