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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
Remarks of Amb. Harriet Babbitt Hill Event for Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue Team
August 20, 1998
Washington, D.C.
--I would like to welcome you all here today. I am particularly pleased that we are joined by Senator Robb and Representative Wolf. Both gentlemen have long understood the importance of U.S. international leadership, and their support for USAID has made partnerships such as we have with the search and rescue teams from both Fairfax County and Metro Dade possible. We are grateful for their support.--On August 7th a disaster, in the form of a terrorist's bombs, struck Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. In the cowardly mind of a terrorist there was the hope, even perhaps the belief, that our values as a nation could be shaken by the blast of an explosive. But as one of the Kenyan victims pulled from the rubble after 36 hours put it so eloquently, "The courage of the mind is greater than the body." We will not be cowed by violence. We will not retreat in the face of terror.
--There is no better proof of the courage, character and commitment of this nation than the excellent work that was done in responding to this humanitarian tragedy. We are here today to salute the work of the team that pulled together as one to search for survivors, treat the victims and ensure that additional building collapses did not further endanger a loss of life.
--The team nature of the Search and Rescue Task Force is at the care of its effectiveness. We had 63 members of the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team and a three-person USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team immediately deploy to Nairobi. This group was composed of collapse rescue experts, physicians, paramedics, logisticians and specially trained dogs. Here in Washington, we had teams working around the clock to support these efforts, including members from the Metro Dade Fire Department.
--In the field we saw the heroic efforts not only of the search and rescue task force but of Kenyans, the Israeli team and Embassy and USAID employees.
--I would particularly like to highlight the work done by the Search and Rescue Task Force Commanders: Mike Tamillow and Jim Strickland from Fairfax County; and Pete Bradford and Pete Henderson from USAID. Would you please stand up and be recognized?
--At times of crisis, such team work is invaluable. And teams that work as well as this one do not just happen overnight.
--The partnership between Fairfax County, Metro Dade and USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance has been nurtured over a long period of time and in the most difficult of settings. This partnership -- made possible with USAID funding and expertise from both these organizations -- has responded to earthquakes in Armenia and the Philippines and invested time and labor in not only responding to crises, but to preventing them before they occur.
The United States government, through USAID has provided $3.2 million in emergency disaster assistance funding to manage the crises in both countries.
--While the emergency phase of the bombings is over USAID will continue to work with the people and governments of Kenya and Tanzania to help rebuild from this disaster. Secretary Albright has indicated that we will seek emergency funds to help Kenya and Tanzania recover. We also want to reaffirm our commitment to assisting both of these nations in their long-term efforts to promote democracy and foster lasting economic growth.
--In closing, let me say that we are very proud of all of you. You respond to emergencies half a world away with the same passion and professionalism that you would bring to a tragedy if it were just down the street. Chief Gaines, you and your team are a great credit to your community and to the nation. This work can be heartbreakingly difficult sometimes, and our gratitude goes out to all of your team and their family members.
--It is now my pleasure to introduce Senator Charles Robb. Senator Robb has served Virginia well in the U.S. Senate for 10 years and is a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations. The Senator has long been a supporter of our humanitarian work around the world and has a unique understanding of America's place in the world.
This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.
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Last Updated on: July 18, 2001 |
