Political Quotes

“I rise today to honor three distinguished Californians--Army WO Michael Hall, Army WO Erik Mounsey, and Col. Jerald Thompson--who lost their lives last Thursday in the helicopter accident over Iraq. My heart goes out to the families of these fine officers, and to the families of all of those killed in this tragic event. Erik Mounsey joined the Air Force to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. A man who loved children and helping others, Erik couldn't see himself behind a trigger. He requested a transfer to the Army, so that he could fly humanitarian aid missions. Erik also demonstrated his commitment to helping others in his personal life--he was known for dressing up as Santa Claus and passing out presents to children at the base in Germany where he was stationed. While in the Middle East, Erik flew aid missions to help feed Turkish children. Michael Hall's first love was also flying. With the help of his father, a recreational pilot, Michael took flying lessons at the Sonoma County airport and received his pilot's license when he was only 16--a week before he got his driver's license. Michael was eager to help others. He flew combat missions in the Persian Gulf war, but was much happier in his most recent assignment, flying goodwill missions for the United Nations. He delivered supplies to the Kurds in the remote mountain villages of northern Iraq.”