Congressman honors Aurora Marine killed in Nepal
Congressman Bill Foster paid homage to Aurora's fallen Marine Cpl. Sara A. Medina Wednesday in a brief speech on the House floor in Washington, D.C.
Medina, 23, a Marine combat photographer, died May 12 while helping with relief efforts after the Nepal earthquake. A helicopter she was riding in crashed, killing the East Aurora High School graduate and five others.
"In the face of such a tragedy, we often ask, why?" Foster said. "To paraphrase the president, wherever a disaster strikes, the world looks to America to lead because of our extraordinary people who rise to the challenge."
The U.S. service members killed were part of Joint Task Force 505, which arrived in Nepal April 29 to conduct humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations in the wake of a 7.9-magnitude earthquake April 25. The helicopter crashed about 8 miles north of Charikot, Nepal, while supporting evacuations, the defense department reported.
Medina joined the ROTC while in high school. After graduating in 2010 and enlisting, she photographed Marines in South Korea, the Philippines, Japan, Australia and the United States, officials said.
"As a father, I know that no words that I say on this floor will be able to fill the hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved Sara," Foster said. "But still, we must speak because all should know that Cpl. Sara Medina gave her last full measure of devotion in service to her country, helping those who needed it most.
"For her sacrifice, and for her family's terrible loss, we offer our condolences and the thanks of a grateful nation."