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| Rep. Adrian Smith |
Nebraska’s Third District has a long tradition of military service. During the week leading up to Memorial Day, we honored two local heroes from different generations who displayed extraordinary valor and an unyielding commitment to our country.
Captain Dustin Lukasiewicz of Alma was one of six Marines killed in a helicopter crash on May 12th while providing humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in Nepal. He graduated from Wilcox-Hildreth High School and had previously deployed to Afghanistan.
In addition to being a dedicated Marine, Captain Lukasiewicz was a devoted son, husband and father. He and his wife have one daughter and a second child on the way. When I spoke with Captain Lukasiewicz’s mother this week, she told me how her son went out of his way to give her a call from Nepal on Mother’s Day – just two days before the crash.
During their talk, Captain Lukasiewicz excitedly described a video the Marine Corps had just produced about their mission. The video ends with him stating, “My name is Captain Lukasiewicz, and we stand with Nepal.” His work on behalf of victims across the world and the thoughtful call on his mother’s special day exemplify his devotion to the care of others. Captain Lukasiewicz’s legacy of service is now forever enshrined on screen and will not be forgotten.
While honoring one brave soldier’s sacrifice, we also paid tribute to another Nebraska hero in Washington, D.C. Donald McPherson of Adams was one of 77 American Fighter Aces presented with the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, May 20th.
Ensign McPherson is one of two surviving World War II fighter aces in Nebraska. These brave pilots earned the title of fighter aces by shooting down at least five enemies in battle. Ensign McPherson earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals while assigned to fighter squadron VF-83 aboard the U.S.S. Essex in the Pacific. In his F6F Hellcat, he directly faced our enemies in the skies to defend our country and preserve our liberty.
Following the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony, I had the opportunity to thank Ensign McPherson and present him with a copy of the Congressional Record recognizing his service. When asked about his experiences, the humility Ensign McPherson displays is striking. He embodies the selflessness of a true hero.
In addition to Captain Lukasiewicz and Ensign McPherson, thousands of Nebraskans have answered the call to serve their country. At the end of the month, I will have the honor of attending the send-off ceremony for soldiers of the Nebraska National Guard. We pray for our men and women currently serving in our Armed Forces and thank them for representing the greatness of America. Words cannot express our gratitude for their dedication to keeping our homeland safe.
Memorial Day is set aside each year to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but we should remain mindful of our military men and women every day. The stories of these selfless heroes, including Captain Lukasiewicz and Ensign McPherson, must be told and their legacies protected for future generations to understand the true cost of freedom.
Captain Dustin Lukasiewicz of Alma was one of six Marines killed in a helicopter crash on May 12th while providing humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in Nepal. He graduated from Wilcox-Hildreth High School and had previously deployed to Afghanistan.
In addition to being a dedicated Marine, Captain Lukasiewicz was a devoted son, husband and father. He and his wife have one daughter and a second child on the way. When I spoke with Captain Lukasiewicz’s mother this week, she told me how her son went out of his way to give her a call from Nepal on Mother’s Day – just two days before the crash.
During their talk, Captain Lukasiewicz excitedly described a video the Marine Corps had just produced about their mission. The video ends with him stating, “My name is Captain Lukasiewicz, and we stand with Nepal.” His work on behalf of victims across the world and the thoughtful call on his mother’s special day exemplify his devotion to the care of others. Captain Lukasiewicz’s legacy of service is now forever enshrined on screen and will not be forgotten.
While honoring one brave soldier’s sacrifice, we also paid tribute to another Nebraska hero in Washington, D.C. Donald McPherson of Adams was one of 77 American Fighter Aces presented with the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, May 20th.
Ensign McPherson is one of two surviving World War II fighter aces in Nebraska. These brave pilots earned the title of fighter aces by shooting down at least five enemies in battle. Ensign McPherson earned three Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals while assigned to fighter squadron VF-83 aboard the U.S.S. Essex in the Pacific. In his F6F Hellcat, he directly faced our enemies in the skies to defend our country and preserve our liberty.
Following the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony, I had the opportunity to thank Ensign McPherson and present him with a copy of the Congressional Record recognizing his service. When asked about his experiences, the humility Ensign McPherson displays is striking. He embodies the selflessness of a true hero.
In addition to Captain Lukasiewicz and Ensign McPherson, thousands of Nebraskans have answered the call to serve their country. At the end of the month, I will have the honor of attending the send-off ceremony for soldiers of the Nebraska National Guard. We pray for our men and women currently serving in our Armed Forces and thank them for representing the greatness of America. Words cannot express our gratitude for their dedication to keeping our homeland safe.
Memorial Day is set aside each year to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but we should remain mindful of our military men and women every day. The stories of these selfless heroes, including Captain Lukasiewicz and Ensign McPherson, must be told and their legacies protected for future generations to understand the true cost of freedom.
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