David Weldon: “Today I rise to salute Petty Officer Third Class Ronald Scott Owens, one of the 17 crewmen who gave his life last week…”

“Today I rise to salute Petty Officer Third Class Ronald Scott Owens, one of the 17 crewmen who gave his life last week in the defense of our Nation. Petty officer Owens' life was lost when terrorists attacked the U.S.S. Cole. On August 8 of this year Petty Officer Owens left for a 6-month tour of duty aboard the U.S.S. Cole, serving on board as an electronics warfare technician. We as a Nation honor the life of this young Vero Beach resident and all those who were lost. Scott was born on October 31, 1975, and died serving and defending his fellow countrymen on October 11. This tragic event makes this the worst terrorist attack on the American military since the terrorist attack on a U.S. Air Force housing complex near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia in 1996. That event killed 19 troops, including several airmen from Florida. Scott is remembered by his crew mates as an inspiration and one that was always there to help support his fellow crewmen. He was known as a happy-go-lucky guy who knew how to make everyone feel special. He is also remembered for his volunteer work with the fire and rescue squad. He served his community both in uniform and out of uniform. I cannot begin to state how profoundly saddened I was to learn of Scott's untimely death. My prayers and condolences go out to his wife, Jaime, his 4-year-old daughter, Isabella, his entire family and the community of Vero Beach that is dealing with the shock of this tragic news.”