Richard C. Holbrooke had one of the most distinguished diplomatic careers in our nation’s history and served as a strong advocate for U.S. national security interests in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
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Mike Turner released the following statement regarding the news that Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke passed away Monday night at George Washington University Hospital:
 
“Richard C. Holbrooke had one of the most distinguished diplomatic careers in our nation’s history and served as a strong advocate for U.S. national security interests in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.  Locally, nationally, and around the world, Ambassador Holbrooke is best known as the chief architect of the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the war in Bosnia.  After the accords were signed, he gave our community a glowing review for the supportive role it played throughout the negotiations at Wright-Patterson.
 
Last year in Brussels, I met with Ambassador Holbrooke shortly after he assumed the post of Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. In our conversation, he exuded energy and enthusiasm, though he was cautious about the task at hand.  While progress has been made, his reported last words “You've got to stop this war in Afghanistan” reflects that we have far to go. 
 
I will be introducing a resolution in the House of Representatives to honor Ambassador Holbrooke’s distinguished career.  His passing is not only a loss for our country, but a loss for the millions of people around the world that were directly affected by his life’s work.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”