[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 39 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E580] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING THE HEROIC ACTIONS OF THE 106TH AIR RESCUE WING ______ HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 6, 2005 Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the heroic actions of the members of the 106th Air Rescue Wing. Over the past few days, the Northeast experienced torrential downpours causing massive flooding throughout Sussex County, New Jersey. The rain became so terrible that it washed out the only road connecting tiny Mashipacong Island to the mainland, stranding five residents. In response, Langley Air Force Base scrambled two Pave Hawk helicopters from the Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, which is based at Gabreski Air Force Base in Westhampton, New York. Fortunately, the 106th was able to respond in time; not only did they rescue the five residents, they also rescued one nearby individual on his roof, along with a dog and a cat. This is the most recent heroic rescue in the storied history of the 106th, and I am proud to commend the men and women of this unit for their selfless dedication to duty and the protection of those in need. The exploits of the members of the 106th were made famous following their actions depicted in the book ``The Perfect Storm''. More recently, during our ongoing conflict in Iraq, the pararescue specialists of the 106th played an integral role in rescuing two downed soldiers flying on the CH-47 Chinook helicopter that was shot down west of Baghdad in November of 2003. As the only rescue unit of its kind in the Northeast, the 106th has once again proven its unique value to the safety and security of our region and our nation. Mr. Speaker, the 106th has proven its worth time and time again. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the brave men and women of the 106th Air Rescue Wing. I hope we can show that gratitude by letting them continue to serve and protect our nation. ____________________