Tim Scott: “I rise to lend my name in support as a cosponsor of the resolution my esteemed colleagues from Hampton Roads, Virginia…”

“I rise to lend my name in support as a cosponsor of the resolution my esteemed colleagues from Hampton Roads, Virginia, have offered honoring the 21 heroes who lost their lives in a plane crash last weekend. Eighteen of the men were members of an Air National Guard unit stationed at Camp Pendleton near Virginia Beach, Virginia. The men assigned to the Red Horse 203rd Civil Engineering Squadron provided support to the squadron's combat operations. They stood ready to step in at a moment's notice to assist in accomplishing any military mission. Whether it was building or repairing a strategic airfield, drilling wells for water, or building roads to move material and troops, they would complete these pertinent tasks under some of the most adverse and hostile circumstances. Just as important to note, the 203rd also answered the call when civilian local and State authorities required assistance when dealing with an unforeseen disaster or recovery operations. Time and time again they performed admirably whenever called to duty. These men were more than just soldiers, more than just volunteers that served their country. They were husbands, boyfriends, fathers, brothers, sons, friends and neighbors. They had lives outside the Guard that we need to celebrate as well. They loved and were loved. They worked to better themselves and the people around them.”