Karen Thurman: “Mr. Speaker, today I introduced a resolution recognizing the sacrifice and courage of Army Warrant Officers Bobby Hall…”

“Mr. Speaker, today I introduced a resolution recognizing the sacrifice and courage of Army Warrant Officers Bobby Hall and David Hilemon, whose helicopter was shot down over North Korea on December 17, 1994. David Hilemon gave his life in the service of our country, and Bobby Hall performed with bravery and honor during his 13 days in captivity in North Korea. These soldiers displayed the highest ideals of our armed services, and their efforts on behalf of our country should be justly noted. In addition, I thank the gentleman from New Mexico [Mr. Richardson] who played an invaluable role in bringing this incident to a close, and he also deserves our gratitude. His leadership helped secure the remains of David Hilemon, and he kept the pressure on the North Koreans to release Bobby Hall. Bobby Hall lives in Brooksville, FL, in the district I represent. On Saturday, Brooksville will be having a celebration in honor of his homecoming. I have to tell you I never saw anything like it, with yellow ribbons and declared vigils, people coming out into the street, giving food and doing things for the Halls and for their family and loved ones.”