Floor SpeechNeutral2026-06-23

REMEMBERING EIGHT INDIVIDUALS LOST IN B-52 STRATOFORTRESS CRASH AT EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE

Context

On 2026-06-23, Representative Vince Fong (R-CA-20) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING EIGHT INDIVIDUALS LOST IN B-52 STRATOFORTRESS CRASH AT EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)] [House] [Page H4193] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING EIGHT INDIVIDUALS LOST IN B-52 STRATOFORTRESS CRASH AT EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE (Mr. FONG asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, our hearts are heavy as we honor and remember the eight individuals lost in the B-52 Stratofortress crash at Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, June 15, in Kern County, California: Colonel Gregory Watson Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Estrella Retired Lieutenant Colonel Miles Middleton Major Alexander Davis Major Robert Dee Major Brad Hovey Jeromy Smith Christopher Rischar These brave men dedicated their lives to this Nation's defense, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Behind each of these heroes are family, friends, and loved ones facing an unimaginable loss. They represent the very best of our community and our country: Americans willing to give everything in defense of the United States of America. I ask our Nation to join us in lifting up the Edwards community and everyone grieving this devastating loss. May God grant them strength and peace during this difficult time. May He forever bless the memory of those we lost. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Whitesides), my colleague and friend. Mr. WHITESIDES. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague in solemn remembrance today, standing here on behalf of the Edwards Air Force Base community and all those across the Nation who feel this loss so profoundly. The eight crewmembers who lost their lives last week were heroes. They were performing work that was essential for the national security of our great country, work that is deeply woven into the fabric and history of the Antelope Valley. Our prayers are with their families, friends, and loved ones. Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House observe a moment of silence for these eight great Americans. ____________________

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REMEMBERING EIGHT INDIVIDUALS LOST IN B-52 STRATOFORTRESS CRASH AT EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)] [House] [Page H4193] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING EIGHT INDIVIDUALS LOST IN B-52 STRATOFORTRESS CRASH AT EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE (Mr. FONG asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, our hearts are heavy as we honor and remember the eight individuals lost in the B-52 Stratofortress crash at Edwards Air Force Base on Monday, June 15, in Kern County, California: Colonel Gregory Watson Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Estrella Retired Lieutenant Colonel Miles Middleton Major Alexander Davis Major Robert Dee Major Brad Hovey Jeromy Smith Christopher Rischar These brave men dedicated their lives to this Nation's defense, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Behind each of these heroes are family, friends, and loved ones facing an unimaginable loss. They represent the very best of our community and our country: Americans willing to give everything in defense of the United States of America. I ask our Nation to join us in lifting up the Edwards community and everyone grieving this devastating loss. May God grant them strength and peace during this difficult time. May He forever bless the memory of those we lost. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Whitesides), my colleague and friend. Mr. WHITESIDES. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague in solemn remembrance today, standing here on behalf of the Edwards Air Force Base community and all those across the Nation who feel this loss so profoundly. The eight crewmembers who lost their lives last week were heroes. They were performing work that was essential for the national security of our great country, work that is deeply woven into the fabric and history of the Antelope Valley. Our prayers are with their families, friends, and loved ones. Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House observe a moment of silence for these eight great Americans. ____________________