Political Quotes

“I rise today to mourn the brave young men from Texas who died in last week's attack against the U.S.S. Cole--Ronchester M. Santiago of Kingsville, Timothy L. Gauna of Rice, and Gary G. Swenchonis, Jr. of Rockport. These young men, none older than 26, were pillars of their communities who joined the U.S. Navy to serve their country and protect our national security. Specialist Third Class Santiago, a cook aboard the Cole, was remembered as an excellent student and well-respected by his peers. Seaman Gauna, an information systems technician, was a standout on his high school basketball and baseball teams. He also served as a bilingual teacher's aide at a local elementary school after graduation, before joining the Navy. Fireman Swenchonis, who had not joined the Navy until January 1999, was remembered as a good student, always willing to volunteer or lend a helping hand. They are just three of the 17 sailors killed or presumed dead in this despicable act of terrorism.”