Congressman Adam Putnam today issued the following statement regarding the announcement that the remains of Navy Capt. Michael Scott Speicher, the first American pilot shot down in the 1991 Persian Gulf War, have been recovered:

“As we have learned that the remains of Capt. “Scott” Speicher have been recovered at last from Iraq, we are reminded once more of the terrible sacrifices of American military service members and their families in the defense of  our freedom. As one member of Congress from Capt. Speicher’s home state, I want to add my heartfelt condolences to the many warm wishes going to the Speicher family at this time.  I wish them God’s peace.  In addition, we are very grateful for the dedication of those who kept up the search for Capt. Speicher and whose perseverance has resulted in his return home.”

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida’s 12^th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.