Political Quotes

“I have spoken many times here on the floor, as has the distinguished Presiding Officer, about the disaster and tragedy Vermont faced from Hurricane Irene. We all learned with profound sadness that MSG Shawn Stocker of the Vermont Air National Guard suffered a fatal heart attack while working on a road reconstruction project in Cavendish, VT. Sergeant Stocker was the first sergeant of the Vermont Air Guard's Civil Engineering Squadron. We in Vermont mourn this tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Stocker's wife Kristine and their children. When I spoke with Kristine today, I told her that I would talk about her husband on the floor, and his sacrifice for his community, and for our country. It struck me that what happened on the morning of Sergeant Stocker's passing says much about him, and about the Vermont National Guard. When Sergeant Stocker passed, his troops gathered to consider how best to honor his memory that day. Ultimately, They decided to keep on working, to continue helping their neighbors in Cavendish. ``It is what Shawn would have wanted us to do,'' they said. We have talked often of the loss and suffering in Vermont in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. But we must recognize the skillful and tireless work of the Vermont National Guard, which has been so critical to rebuilding our state. They have answered the call to duty to help their neighbors in need.…”