The Minnesota Senate returned to the Capitol on Tuesday and began the session by honoring three Minnesota National Guard members who perished in a helicopter crash near Kimball last December.

State Rep. Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria)  presented a Senate resolution honoring Chief Warrant Officer Charles Nord of Perham, Minnesota, who was among the fatalities.

Below you will find Senator Ingebrigtsen’s floor statement:

“My sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the families of Chief Warrant Officer Charles Nord of Perham, Minnesota, and his two fellow Minnesota National Guard service members who tragically perished this December. The three servicemen were courageous members of our national guard, and their loss serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that men and women make to preserve our defense every single day. The legacy Chief Warrant Officer Charles Nord and his fellow servicemen will be forever remembered by our state and communities in northwest Minnesota.”

“Chief Warrant Officer Charles Paul Nord will be remembered for his easy-going nature, quick-witted humor, and incredible love for his family. I am told that he was proud of two things in life, his family and flying helicopters for the National Guard.”

“My thoughts go out to Chief Warrant Officer Charles Paul Nord’s family including his loving wife Kaley; his daughter Lydia; his unborn son Jack, his parents Paul and Monica Nord, his brother James (Tiffany) Nord and large extended family.”

“On behalf of the community of Perham, we all want to offer our prayers, along with those of a grateful state, for the great sacrifice your husband, son, father, brother made in service to his country.”

“Today, the Minnesota Senate and the State of Minnesota officially recognize Chief Warrant Officer Charles Paul Nord for his dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice to our state and country. “