November 20, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S10711 their loved one’s remains would be SSG Timothy H. Walker, of Franklin, 1LT Thomas J. Brown, of Burke, VA; found and brought back to the United TN; CH COL Sidney J. Marceaux Jr., of States. PFC Theron V. Hobbs, of Albany, GA; Beaumont, TX; Now, thanks to the work of some SPC Adam M. Wenger, of Waterford, CPT Bruno G. Desolenni, of Crescent dedicated men and women in the De- MI; City, CA; partment of Defense, Major McElroy’s SGT Daniel W. Wallace, of Dry Ridge, SSG Matthew J. Taylor, of Charles- remains have been identified. Along KY; ton, SC; with the rest of his flight crew, Major PFC Bradley S. Coleman, of PO3 Matthew J. O’Bryant, of Duluth, McElroy will return from Vietnam and Martinsville, VA; GA; join the honored few who rest in Ar- SSG Scott J. Metcalf, of Fra- SSG Nathan M. Cox, of Walcott, IA; lington National Cemetery. mingham, MA; PVT Joseph F. Gonzales, of Tucson, Born in Eminence, KY, in 1932, Major 1LT Trevor J. Yurista, of Pleasant AZ; McElroy served his country in the Valley, NY; SGT Jerome C. Bell Jr., of Auburn, Armed Forces for 12 years. Several SSG Kevin D. Grieco, of Bartlett, IL; NY; months after his tragic death, he was SGT Nicholas A. Casey, of Canton, SSG Brandon W. Farley, of Grand posthumously awarded the Distin- OH; Prairie, TX; guished Flying Cross, the Air Medal PFC Cody J. Eggleston, of Eugene, SSG Jason A. Vazquez, of Chicago, and the Purple Heart for his valor in OR; IL; uniform. LCpl San Sim, of Santa Ana, CA; 1LT Mohsin A. Naqvi, of Newburgh, At that medal ceremony were Major CPL Adrian Robles, of Scottsbluff, NY; McElroy’s three children—Russell Lee NE; CPT Bruce E. Hays, of Cheyenne, McElroy, Mary McElroy Tucker, and SSgt Brian P. Hause, of Stoystown, WY; Linda Anne McElroy Starnes. Russell, PA; SGT Joshua W. Harris, of the oldest, was just 14 years old at the SGT Deon L. Taylor, of Bronx, NY; Romeoville, IL; time. LCpl Stacy A. Dryden, of North Can- MAJ Rodolfo I. Rodriguez, of El Now every one of them is older than ton, OH; Paso, TX; their father ever was. And now it’s MAJ Robert D. Lindenau, of Camano 1LT Robert Vallejo II, of Richland their turn to take care of the father Island, WA; Hills, TX; who cared for them, by seeing him laid SPC Heath K. Pickard, of Palestine, CPL Michael E. Thompson, of to rest this December 18 in a hero’s TX; Harrah, OK; CWO Brady J. Rudolf, of Oklahoma grave. SPC Justin A. Saint, of Albertville, City, OK; Our Nation and the Commonwealth AL; SGM Julio C. Ordonez, of San Anto- of Kentucky cannot be grateful enough SGT Federico G. Borjas, of San nio, TX; for MAJ John Lee McElroy’s service Diego, CA; SSG Anthony L. Mason, of and immense sacrifice. We owe the SGT John M. Penich, of Beach Park, Springtown, TX; McElroy family a debt that cannot be IL; SGT Daniel M. Eshbaugh, of Norman, repaid, because he died defending all of SPC Cory J. Bertrand, of Center, TX; OK; us and our freedoms. SPC Stephen R. Fortunato, of CWO Corry A. Edwards, of Kennedale, I know the entire U.S. Senate joins Danvers, MA; me in expressing comfort and pride TX; SGT Preston R. Medley, of Baker, LTC James L. Wiley, of North Bend, that this courageous airman has fi- FL; nally returned home. It is never too OR; SPC Christopher A. McCraw, of Co- CPT Darrick D. Wright, of Nashville, late to honor our heroes. And it is lumbia, MS; never too late for one Kentucky family TN; CPL Scott G. Dimond, of Franklin, PFC Leonard J. Gulczynski I, of to say their farewells and see a hero NH; rest in peace. Carol Stream, IL; SGT Michael K. Clark, of Sac- HM3 Eichmann A. Strickland, of Ar- f ramento, CA; lington, WA; HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES SPC Geoffrey G. Johnson, of Lub- LTC Ralph J. Marino, of Houston, bock, TX; PA; Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, SGT Reuben M. Fernandez III, of Abi- another 4 months have passed, and PVT Michael W. Murdock, of lene, TX; Chocowinity, NC; more American troops have lost their CPL Jason A. Karella, of Anchorage, lives overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. SGT Wesley R. Durbin, of Hurst, TX; AK; SSG Darris J. Dawson, of Pensacola, I wish to memorialize their service and COL Michael R. Stahlman, of Chevy sacrifice by including their names in FL; Chase, MD; CWO Michael Slebodnik, of Gibsonia, the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. SGT William P. Rudd, of Madison- Since I last included the names of PA; ville, KY; our fallen troops on July 15, the Pen- SFC Daniel R. Sexton, of Wentzville, SPC Jason E. von Zerneck, of Char- tagon has announced the deaths of 162 MO; lotte, NC; troops in Iraq and in Operation Endur- SPC Marques I. Knight, of San Juan PFC Tavarus D. Setzler, of Jackson- ing Freedom, which includes Afghani- Capistrano, CA; ville, FL; stan. They will not be forgotten and CPO Jason Richard Freiwald, of Ar- SPC Christopher A. Bartkiewicz, of today I submit their names into the mada, MI; Dunfermline, IL; SCPO John Wayne Marcum, of Flush- RECORD: CPT Richard G. Cliff Jr., of Mount CPL Aaron M. Allen, of Buellton, CA; ing, MI; CWO Christian P. Humphreys, of Pleasant, SC; CPT Jesse Melton III, of Fallon, NV; SFC Jamie S. Nicholas, of Maysel, Randallstown, MD; CWO Donald V. Clark, of Memphis, WV; 1LT Nicholas A. Madrazo, of Bothell, TN; SFC Gary J. Vasquez, of Round Lake, WA; SGT Jonnie L. Stiles, of Highlands IL; PVT Vincent C. Winston Jr., of St. Ranch, CO; SPC Christopher T. Fox, of Memphis, Louis, MO; SGT James M. Clay, of Mountain TN; PVT Michael R. Dinterman, of Home, AR; PFC Jamel A. Bryant, of Belleville, Littlestown, PA; SPC Corey M. Shea, of Mansfield, IL; PVT Jordan P. P. Thibeault, of South MA; SGT William E. Hasenflu, of Bra- Jordan, UT; SGT Jose Regalado, of Los Angeles, denton, FL; PFC Bryan R. Thomas, of Battle CA; CPT Michael J. Medders, of Ohio; Creek, MI; SPC Armando A. De La Paz, of River- SSG Ronald Phillips Jr., of Conway, SSG Kenneth W. Mayne, of Fort side, CA; SC; Benning, GA;

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:19 Nov 21, 2008 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20NO6.001 S20NOPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with SENATE S10712 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 20, 2008 SFC Gregory A. Rodriguez, of PFC Jennifer L. Cole, of American Arifjan, Kuwait, of injuries suffered in Weidman, MI; Canyon, CA; a vehicle incident. Sergeant Cervantes PFC Patrick W. May, of Jamestown, SPC Andre D. Mitchell, of Elmont, Ramirez was assigned to the 2nd Trans- NY; NY; portation Company, National Training PO1 Joshua Harris, of Lexington, NC; SPC David J. Badie, of Rockford, IL; Center Support Brigade, Fort Irwin, SPC Steven J. Fitzmorris, of Colum- 2LT Michael R. Girdano, of Pennsyl- CA. He was from Fort Irwin, CA. bia, MO; vania; SPC William T. Dix, 32, died April 27 SPC Jorge L. Feliz Nieve, of Queens SPC William J. Mulvihill, of Leaven- at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, of injuries Village, NY; worth, KS; suffered in a noncombat related inci- SPC Carlo E. Alfonso, of Spokane, PVT Jair De Jesus Garcia, of dent. Specialist Dix was assigned to WA; Chatsworth, CA; the 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th En- SPC Michael L. Gonzalez, of SPC Kevin R. Dickson, of Steelville, gineer Brigade, I Corps, Fort Lewis, Spotswood, NJ; MO; WA. He was from Culver City, CA. SGT David K. Cooper, of Williams- SGT James A. McHale, of Fairfield, SGT Merlin German, 22, died April 11 burg, KY; MT; at Brooke Army Medical Center, San PFC Tan Q. Ngo, of Beaverton, OR; SSGT Faoa L. Apineru, of Yorba Antonio, TX, from wounds he suffered SSG Brian E. Studer, of Ramsey, MN; Linda, CA; while conducting combat operations in SSG David L. Paquet, of Rising Sun, SPC Seteria L. Brown, of Orlando, Al Anbar province, Iraq, on February MD; FL; 22, 2005. Sergeant German was assigned SFC David J. Todd Jr., of Marrero, PFC Ivan I. Wilson, of Clearlake, CA; to the 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regi- LA; 1LT Nick A. Dewhirst, of Onalaska, ment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine SFC George Stanciel, of Greenwood, WI; Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, MS; SSGT Danny P. Dupre, of Lockport, CA, while deployed in support of Oper- SGT Nickolas Lee Hopper, of LA; ation Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant Ger- BM3 Daniel R. Verbeke, of Exton, Montrose, IL; man’s parent unit was the 2nd Bat- PA; LCpl Travis M. Stottlemyer, of Hat- talion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Ma- PFC Willington M. Rhoads, of Las field, PA; rine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Vegas, NV; PFC Jonathon L. Luscher, of Scran- Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. He was 1LT Jason D. Mann, of Woodlynne, ton, PA; medically retired September 28, 2007, as NJ; a result of his injuries. 1LT Donald C. Carwile, of Oxford, TSgt Jackie L. Larsen, of Tacoma, MS; SSG Bryan E. Bolander, 26, died April WA; 29 in Baghdad from wounds suffered PFC Paul E. Conlon Jr., of Somer- LCpl Jeffery S. Stevenson, of New- ville, MA; when his vehicle struck an improvised ton, NJ; explosive device. Staff Sergeant PVT Janelle F. King, of Merced, CA; SSG David W. Textor, of Roanoke, SSG Kristopher D. Rodgers, of Bolander was assigned to the 1st Bat- VA; talion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Sturgis, MI; SSG Jeremy D. Vrooman, of Sioux CPL Anthony G. Mihalo, of Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Falls, SD; Division, Air Assault, Fort Campbell, Naperville, IL; 1LT Jonathan P. Brostrom, of Ha- LCpl Juan Lopez-Castaneda, of Mesa, KY. He was from Bakersfield, CA. waii; SGT Glen E. Martinez, 31, died May 2 AZ; SGT Israel Garcia, of Long Beach, in Al Anbar province, Iraq, supporting LCpl Jacob J. Toves, of Grover CA; combat operations. Sergeant Martinez Beach, CA; CPL Jonathan R. Ayers, of Snellville, was assigned to the Combat Logistics PFC Daniel A. C. McGuire, of Mash- GA; Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regi- pee, MA; CPL Jason M. Bogar, of Seattle, WA; ment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I CPL James M. Hale, of Naperville, CPL Jason D. Hovater, of Clinton, Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp IL; TN; Pendleton, CA. SGT Michael H. Ferschke Jr., of CPL Matthew B. Phillips, of Jasper, LCpl James F. Kimple, 21, died May 2 Maryville, TN; GA; in Al Anbar province, Iraq, supporting CPL Adam T. McKiski, of Cherry CPL Pruitt A. Rainey, of Haw River, combat operations. Lance Corporal Valley, IL; NC; Kimple was assigned to the Combat Lo- CPL Stewart S. Trejo, of Whitefish, CPL Gunnar W. Zwilling, of gistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics MT; Florissant, MO; Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics PFC John A. Mattox, of Daingerfield, SPC Sergio S. Abad, of Morganfield, Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, TX; KY. Camp Pendleton, CA. SGT Kenneth B. Gibson, of We cannot forget these men and CPL Miguel A. Guzman, 21, died May Christiansburg, VA; women and their sacrifice. These brave 2 in Al Anbar province, Iraq, sup- SGT Jose E. Ulloa, of New York, NY; souls left behind parents and children, porting combat operations. Corporal PO2 Anthony M. Carbullido, of Agat, siblings, and friends. We want them to Guzman was assigned to the Combat GU; know the country pledges to preserve Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logis- MSG Danny E. Maybin, of Columbia, the memory of our lost soldiers who tics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics SC; gave their lives for our country. Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, SGT Errol M. James, of St. Croix, VI; Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I Camp Pendleton, CA. He was from Nor- SPC Ronald A. Schmidt, of Newton, rise to pay tribute to 28 young Ameri- walk, CA. KS; cans who have been killed in Iraq since LCpl Casey L. Casanova, 22, died May PVT Timothy J. Hutton, of Dillon, April 16. This brings to 859 the number 2 in Al Anbar province, Iraq, sup- MT; of service members either from Cali- porting combat operations. Lance Cor- CAPT Garrett T. Lawton, of Charles- fornia or based in California that have poral Casanova was assigned to the ton, WV; been killed while serving our country Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat SGT Gary M. Henry, of Indianapolis, in Iraq. This represents 20 percent of Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Lo- IN; all U.S. deaths in Iraq. gistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary SPC Jonathan D. Menke, of Madison, PO1 Cherie L. Morton, 40, died April Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. IN; 20 in Galali, Muharraq, Bahrain. Petty PFC Aaron J. Ward, 19, died May 6 in SGT Jaime Gonzalez Jr., of Austin, Officer 1st Class Morton was assigned Al Anbar, Iraq, of wounds suffered TX; to Naval Security Force, Naval Sup- when his unit came under small arms SSG Brian K. Miller, of Pendleton, port Activity Bahrain. She was from fire while conducting cordon and IN; Bakersfield, CA. search operations. Private First Class SGT Ryan P. Baumann, of Great SGT Guadalupe Cervantes Ramirez, Ward was assigned to the 170th Mili- Mills, MD; 26, died on April 23, 2008, in Camp tary Police Company, 504th Military

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:19 Nov 21, 2008 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G20NO6.038 S20NOPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with SENATE November 20, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S10713 Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police a noncombat related incident. Private Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when Brigade, Fort Lewis, WA. He was from First Class Cole was assigned to the his vehicle encountered an improvised San Jacinto, CA. 426th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade explosive device. Senior Airman Yelner SPC Mary J. Jaenichen, 20, died May Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, was assigned to the 28th Aircraft Main- 9 in Iskandariyah, Iraq, of a noncombat Air Assault, Fort Campbell, KY. She tenance Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force related injury. Specialist Jaenichen was from American Canyon, CA. Base, South Dakota. He was from La- was assigned to the Brigade Troops CPL Adam T. McKiski, 21, died Au- fayette, CA. Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, gust 7 while supporting combat oper- SFC David L. McDowell, 30, died on 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, ations in Anbar Province, Iraq. Cor- April 29, in Bastion, Afghanistan, of in- GA. She was from Temecula, CA. poral McKiski was assigned to the 1st juries sustained when he received small SSG Frank J. Gasper, 25, died May 25 Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Lo- arms fire. Sergeant First Class in Najaf, Iraq, of wounds suffered when gistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary McDowell was assigned to C Company, his vehicle encountered an improvised Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, explosive device. Staff Sergeant Gasper CPL Stewart S. Trejo, 25, died Au- Fort Lewis, WA. He was from Ramona, was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 10th gust 7 while supporting combat oper- CA. Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, CO. ations in Anbar Province, Iraq. Cor- SPC Christopher Gathercole, 21, died He was from Merced, CA. poral Trejo was assigned to the 1st May 26 in Ghazni, Afghanistan, of SGT Cody R. Legg, 23, died June 4 in Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Lo- wounds suffered from small arms fire Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered in gistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary during combat operations. Specialist Sharqat, Iraq, when his unit was at- Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. Gathercole was assigned to the 2nd tacked by enemy forces using small PVT Janelle F. King, 23, died August Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort arms fire and hand grenades. Sergeant 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered Lewis, WA. He was from Santa Rosa, Legg was assigned to the 1st Battalion, in a non-combat related incident. Pri- CA. 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade vate King was assigned to the 115th PFC Chad M. Trimble, 29, died May Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Combat Support Hospital, Fort Polk, 28, near Gardez, Afghanistan, of wounds Light Infantry, Fort Drum, NY. He was LA. She was from Merced, CA. suffered when his vehicle encountered from Escondido, CA. COL Michael R. Stahlman, 45, died an improvised explosive device. Private SGT John D. Aragon, 22, died June 12 October 5 from injuries sustained in a First Class Trimble was assigned to the in Kadamiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered July 31 nonhostile incident in Anbar 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, when his vehicle encountered an impro- province, Iraq. Colonel Stahlman was 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Air- vised explosive device. Sergeant Ara- assigned to Headquarters Battalion, borne Division, Air Assault, Fort gon was assigned to the 1st Squadron, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Cen- Campbell, KY. He was from West Co- 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade ter, Twentynine Palms, CA. vina, CA. Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, SGT Michael K. Clark, 24, died Octo- SFC David Nunez, 27, died May 29 in Air Assault, Fort Campbell, KY. He ber 7 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds suffered Shewan, Afghanistan, of wounds suf- was from Antioch, CA. when he encountered small arms fire SSG Du Hai Tran, 30, died June 20 in while on dismounted patrol. Sergeant fered when he encountered small arms Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when Clark was assigned to the 1st Bat- fire while conducting combat oper- an improvised explosive device deto- talion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Bri- ations. Sergeant First Class Nunez was nated near his unit while on patrol dur- gade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Divi- assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Spe- ing combat operations. Staff Sergeant sion, Fort Carson, CO. He was from cial Forces Group, Fort Bragg, NC. He Tran was assigned to the Fires Squad- Sacramento, CA. was from Los Angeles, CA. ron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, LCpl Stacy A. Dryden, 22, died Octo- PFC Michael Robert Patton, 19, died Vilseck, Germany. He was from ber 19 from injuries sustained in a non- June 14 while supporting combat oper- Reseda, CA. hostile incident in Anbar province, ations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. SGT Alejandro A. Dominguez, 24, Iraq. Lance Corporal Dryden was as- Private First Class Patton was as- died June 25 in Mosul, Iraq, from signed to 1st Supply Battalion, 1st Ma- signed to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, wounds suffered when his vehicle en- rine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expedi- countered an improvised explosive de- CA. tionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. vice on June 24. Sergeant Dominguez SPC Armando A. De La Paz, 21, died PFC Dawid Pietrek, 24, died June 14 was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 3rd November 13 in Baghdad, of injuries while supporting combat operations in Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, sustained during a vehicle rollover. Farah Province, Afghanistan. Private TX. He was from San Diego, CA. Specialist De La Paz was assigned to First Class Pietrek was assigned to 2nd LCpl Jeffery S. Stevenson, 20, died the 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Di- July 13 from a nonhostile incident in Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, vision, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Lance Cor- 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO. Twentynine Palms, CA. poral Stevenson was assigned to the He was from Riverside, CA. LCpl Layton Bradly Crass, 22, died 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st SGT Jose Regalado, 23, died Novem- June 14 while supporting combat oper- Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expe- ber 12 in Mosul, Iraq, when an Iraqi ations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. ditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. Army soldier wearing a uniform ap- Lance Corporal Crass was assigned to SSG Faoa L. Apineru, 31, died July 2, proached him and opened fire. Sergeant 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine 2007, from wounds sustained while sup- Regalado was assigned to the 3rd Division, I Marine Expeditionary porting combat operations in Al Anbar Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regi- Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. province, Iraq. Staff Sergeant Apineru ment, Fort Hood, TX. He was from Los SGT Michael Toussiant-Hyle Wash- was assigned to Headquarters Com- Angeles, CA. ington, 20, died June 14 while sup- pany, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Divi- CPL Aaron M. Allen, 24, died Novem- porting combat operations in Farah sion, Marine Forces Reserve. He was ber 14 while supporting combat oper- Province, Afghanistan. Sergeant Wash- wounded on May 15, 2005. After his ations in Anbar Province, Iraq. Cor- ington was assigned to 2nd Battalion, death on July 2, 2007, the initial med- poral Allen was assigned to 1st Bat- 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Ma- ical examiner concluded that Staff Ser- talion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Divi- rine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine geant Apineru did not die from injuries sion, Camp Pendleton, CA. He was from Palms, CA. sustained during his deployment, but a Buellton, CA. Hospitalman Marc A. Retmier, 19, subsequent opinion by the Armed I would also like to pay tribute to died June 18 as a result of wounds suf- Forces Institute of Pathology indicated the 29 soldiers from California who fered from an enemy rocket attack in that his death was a result of his inju- have died while serving our country in northern Paktika Province, Afghani- ries sustained in Iraq. He was from Operation Enduring Freedom since stan. Hospitalman Retmier was as- Yorba Linda, CA. April 16. signed to Provincial Reconstruction PFC Jennifer L. Cole, 34, died August Senior Airman Jonathan A.V. Team Sharana in Afghanistan. He was 2 in Bayji, Iraq, of injuries suffered in Yelner, 24, died April 29 near Bagram, from Hemet, CA.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:19 Nov 21, 2008 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20NO6.006 S20NOPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with SENATE S10714 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 20, 2008 LCpl Andrew Francis Whitacre, 21, LCpl Jacob J. Toves, 27, died August 8, 2008, when an improvised explosive died June 19 while conducting combat 14 while supporting combat operations device detonated near his vehicle. He operations in Farah Province, Afghani- in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. was 38 years old. stan. Lance Corporal Whitacre was as- Lance Corporal Toves was assigned to A native of Tennessee, Staff Sergeant signed to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 3rd Walker joined the Army in 1990. He Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Ma- Marine Division, III Marine Expedi- served in Bosnia from 1999 to 2000, Ku- rine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine tionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. He was wait in 2001, and also served two tours Palms, CA. from Grover Beach, CA. of duty in support of Operation Iraqi CPT Eric Daniel Terhune, 34, died SPC Marques I. Knight, 24, died Sep- Freedom. During his most recent de- June 19 while conducting combat oper- tember 6 in Aliabad, Afghanistan, of ployment, Staff Sergeant Walker, a ations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. wounds suffered when he received small combat medic himself, was actively in- Captain Terhune was assigned to 2nd arms fire while on dismounted patrol. volved in training Iraqis to treat com- Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Specialist Knight was assigned to the bat wounds on the battlefield, and he Marine Division, I Marine Expedi- 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, served as the medical material coordi- tionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry nator for the Iraqi Security Forces lo- Hospitalman Dustin Kelby Burnett, Division, Fort Hood, TX. He was from gistics coordination team, which teach- 19, died June 20 while conducting com- San Juan Capistrano, CA. es Iraqi police officers and soldiers how bat operations in Farah Province, Af- SGT Jerome C. Bell Jr., 29, died Sep- to track and receive medical supplies. ghanistan. Hospitalman Burnett was tember 19 while supporting combat op- Throughout his 18 years of service, assigned to First Marine Division De- erations in Farah Province, Afghani- and in every capacity, Staff Sergeant tachment, Twentynine Palms, CA. stan. Sergeant Bell was assigned to 2nd Walker distinguished himself through SGT Matthew E. Mendoza, 24, died Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st his courage, his dedication to duty, and June 20 while conducting combat oper- Marine Division, I Marine Expedi- his willingness to take on any chal- ations in Helmand Province, Afghani- tionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. lenge—no matter how dangerous, no stan. Sergeant Mendoza was assigned CPT Bruno G. Desolenni, 32, died matter how big or small. His extraor- to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, September 20 in Kandahar, Afghani- dinary bravery and talent earned him 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expedi- stan, of wounds sustained when an im- more than 20 awards and medals, in- tionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. provised explosive device detonated cluding the Purple Heart, the Bronze SGT Ryan J. Connolly, 24, died June near his vehicle. Captain Desolenni was Star, and the Meritorious Service 24 in Khogyani, Afghanistan, of wounds assigned to the Joint Forces Head- Medal. suffered when his vehicle struck a sus- quarters, Element Training Team, Or- Staff Sergeant Walker is remembered pected landmine. Sergeant Connolly egon Army National Guard. He was by those who knew him as a consum- was assigned to the 173rd Special from Crescent City, CA. mate professional and friend who they Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Bri- Cpl Jason A. Karella, 20, died October could turn to in times of need, and who gade Combat Team, Bamberg, Ger- 9 while supporting combat operations they could always count on to raise many. He was from Vacaville, CA. in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Cor- SSGT Christopher D. Strickland, 25, their spirits in times of sadness. They poral Karella was assigned to the 2nd died June 25, while supporting combat recall his knack for giving people nick- Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st operations in Helmand Province, Af- names, and the infectiousness of his ghanistan. Staff Sergeant Strickland Marine Division, I Marine Expedi- laughter. And, most of all, they re- was assigned to 1st Marine Logistics tionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. member his devotion to his wife and SGT Federico G. Borjas, 33, died Oc- Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, children, and to his country. tober 16 in Bermel District Center, Af- The Greek historian Thucydides Camp Pendleton, CA. SGT James M. Treber, 24, died June ghanistan, of wounds suffered from wrote that ‘‘the bravest are surely 29 in Khosrow-E Sofla, Afghanistan, small arms fire during a dismounted those who have the clearest vision of from injuries sustained when his vehi- patrol. Sergeant Borjas was assigned to what is before them, glory and danger cle rolled into a canal. Sergeant Treber 416th Civil Affairs Battalion, 351st Civil alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Spe- Affairs Command, San Diego, CA. He to meet it.’’ Throughout our Nation’s cial Forces Group, Airborne, Fort was from San Diego, CA. history, the bravest have gone out to Bragg, NC. He was from Imperial LCpl San Sim, 23, died October 22 meet every danger that has imperiled Beach, CA. while supporting combat operations in our way of life. They stormed the SGT Israel Garcia, 24, died July 13 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Lance beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima Wanat, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered Corporal Sim was assigned to 1st Bat- facing long odds, and now, in 2008, they when his outpost was attacked by talion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Divi- traverse the mountains of Afghanistan small arms fire and rocket propelled sion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and navigate the cities of Iraq under grenades from enemy forces. Sergeant Twentynine Palms, CA. He was from constant threat of insurgent attacks. Garcia was assigned to the 2nd Bat- Santa Ana, CA. The bravest have kept us safe and talion, 503d Infantry Regiment, Air- Cpl Adrian Robles, 21, died October 22 strong. They will always make us borne, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat while supporting combat operations in proud. Team, Vicenza, Italy. He was from Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Cor- Staff Sergeant Walker’s service was Long Beach, CA. poral Robles was assigned to 2nd Bat- in keeping with this American tradi- PFC Ivan I. Wilson, 22, died July 21 talion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Ma- tion. At substantial personal risk, he while supporting combat operations in rine Division, I Marine Expeditionary braved the chaos of combat zones Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Pri- Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. throughout the world to attend to the vate First Class Wilson was assigned to 1LT Trevor J. Yurista, 32, died Octo- injuries of his men. And though their the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Ma- ber 27 while supporting combat oper- fate on the battlefield was uncertain, rine Division, I Marine Expeditionary ations in Helmand Province, Afghani- his men knew that, in Staff Sergeant Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. He was stan. First Lieutenant Yurista was as- Walker, they were in good hands. For from Clearlake, CA. signed to 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Ma- the lives he saved, and for the lives he PFC Jair De Jesus Garcia, 29, died rine Division, I Marine Expeditionary touched, Staff Sergeant Walker will be August 1 in Chowkay Valley, Afghani- Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. forever remembered as one of the brav- stan, from wounds sustained when his STAFF SERGEANT TIMOTHY H. WALKER est. vehicle encountered an improvised ex- Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, it is To Staff Sergeant Walker’s mother plosive device. Private First Class Gar- with a heavy heart that I rise today to Barbara, his father Wayne, his wife cia was assigned to the 6th Squadron, honor the life and heroic service of Dawn, his children Gregory and Madi- 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade SSG Timothy H. Walker. Staff Ser- son, his sister Shelly, and all his Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, geant Walker, a member of the 4th In- friends and family, I cannot imagine Fort Hood, TX. He was from fantry Division at Fort Carson, was the sorrow you must be feeling. I hope Chatsworth, CA. killed in Sadr City, Iraq on November that, in time, the pain of your loss is

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:19 Nov 21, 2008 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A20NO6.008 S20NOPT1 jbell on PROD1PC69 with SENATE November 20, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S10715 assuaged by your pride in Tim’s service your loss is assuaged by your pride in poral Robles received three good con- to his country and by your knowledge Jon’s service to his country and by duct medals—an unusual achievement that his country will never forget him. your knowledge that his country will for such a young marine—as well as We are humbled by his service and his never forget him. We are humbled by medals for his service in Iraq and Af- sacrifice. his service and his sacrifice. ghanistan. He served as a rifleman, the SERGEANT JON L. STILES SPECIALIST JAMES CLAY backbone of the Marine Corps. Origi- Mr. President, it is with a heavy Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, Arkansas nally deployed to help train Afghan heart that I rise today to honor the life is grieving for a young hero, a coura- Army recruits, his unit’s mission and heroic service of Sergeant Jon L. geous soldier who was serving in Iraq changed as the security situation dete- Stiles. Sergeant Stiles, assigned to the as a member of the 224th Maintenance riorated; and Corporal. Robles was ‘‘in 927th Engineer Company, 769th Engi- Company. This team keeps our troops the fight’’ right to the end. neer Battalion, was killed on November safe and their equipment and vehicles Fully aware of the dangers he faced, 13, 2008, when an improvised explosive running. It is a mission paramount to Corporal Robles made the courageous device detonated near his patrol in our soldiers’ success. choice to serve his country and help Shubhuyan, Afghanistan. He was 38 A member of the National Guard for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan years old. almost 7 years, SPC James Clay of achieve peace and security. He made Sergeant Stiles grew up in Highlands Mountain Home, AR, showed great the ultimate sacrifice so that others Ranch, CO, and after graduating from commitment and patriotism through- might enjoy the freedoms he had high school, spent nearly 13 years in out his assignment with the 2nd Bat- known all his life. the U.S. Marine Corps and 2 years in talion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th Corporal Robles represents all that the Army. Two years following his dis- Brigade Combat team. Of his service, we have to be proud of in our Armed charge, he moved back to Colorado, MG William Wofford, adjutant general Forces. I commend his bravery and joined the Colorado National Guard, of the Arkansas National Guard re- selflessness while offering my deepest and was deployed to Afghanistan, calls, ‘‘He was called to serve, and he condolences to the family members he where he worked to clear transpor- answered that call with valiant service. left behind. It is small comfort for tation routes of IEDs and insurgents in He was a true patriot and will not soon those who must now go on without one support of Operation Enduring Free- be forgotten.’’ they loved so dearly, but they know dom. Specialist Clay’s untimely death has that Corporal Robles gave his life for a This past October, Sergeant Stiles brought me to the Senate floor today, noble goal. I join all Nebraskans—in- saved the lives of three fellow soldiers but I want to take a minute to honor deed, all Americans—in mourning the when he rescued them from underneath his life. He overcame major obstacles loss of such a fine young man. a burning vehicle that was struck by a in his personal life, including the death f suicide bomber, an act of incredible of both his parents, yet he graduated bravery that earned him the Bronze from Cotter High School in 2002 where TRIBUTE TO SENATORS Star. He suffered serious damage to his teachers describe him as outstanding, GORDON SMITH lungs and vocal chords as a result of considerate, and spirited. Friends re- Mr. HATCH. Mr. President. I thank this incident, but instead of taking member Specialist Clay as a role model you for the opportunity today to pay medical leave, he insisted on returning who persevered with dignity and hu- tribute to a very special man, caring to battle. He believed strongly in our manity. Everyone who knew this husband and father, and great Senator mission in Afghanistan, cared deeply young hero recalled his great smile and GORDON SMITH. for his men, and wanted to make a dif- his compassion for others. It is no sur- Sadly, he will be leaving this august ference. prise that he died fighting for the peace body soon and returning to private life. Sergeant Stiles’ friends and family and security of others. The United States Senate will be losing remember him as a soldier’s soldier My prayers go out to Specialist a great leader, a man of high integrity, with a passion for military service in Clay’s family and friends, particularly and a true statesman. his DNA. He was an avid outdoorsman his high school sweetheart and wife, GORDON joined the United States known to brave sub-zero temperatures Mellissa Clay. During his second Inau- Senate in January 1997, after winning to get in a day of fishing. He was gen- gural Address, Abraham Lincoln an election as a rural conservative in a erous with hugs and incredibly loyal to pledged, ‘‘to care for him who shall State defined by a more liberal land- his friends. He was a loving husband have borne the battle and for his widow scape. After his election, Senator who wanted to live peacefully with his and his orphans.’’ Mrs. Clay, we will SMITH quickly made his mark as some- wife in the mountains of Colorado. And never forget the sacrifice of your loved one both sides of the aisle could work he was a proud American willing to one, and we work to honor his memory, with for the good of his State and our sacrifice everything in defense of the courage, and service to our great Na- Nation. He displayed the characteris- country he held dear. tion. tics of what I believe makes a truly Adlai Stevenson once asked, ‘‘what CORPORAL ADRIAN ROBLES great Senator—someone who is willing do we mean by patriotism in the con- Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. Presi- to roll up his sleeves and battle for text of our times? I venture to suggest dent, I rise today to honor Marine Cpl what he believes is right. that what we mean is a sense of na- Adrian Robles, who was killed in ac- His commitment to Oregon was ex- tional responsibility . . . a patriotism tion in Afghanistan on October 22, 2008. emplary. He focused on issues that which is not short, frenzied outbursts Corporal Robles, who was a native of were critical to the citizens of his of emotion, but the tranquil and steady Scottsbluff, NE, was assigned to the State including education, health care, dedication of a lifetime.’’ Sergeant Second Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st natural resources, and bridging the Stiles felt this sense of responsibility Marine Division, I Marine Expedi- rural-urban divide. Along the way he at a young age and served with the tionary Force, based at Twentynine displayed a true independent streak, steady dedication that reminds us of Palms, CA. He had worked his whole bucking his party when he believed he what it is to be a true patriot. In his life to become a marine. At age 16, Cor- needed to go a different direction for memory, and with his inspiration, may poral Robles told his parents about his the good of those he represented. we all continue to work to make our plans to enlist and, at 17, asked that Senator SMITH’s leadership and abili- union more perfect, and our world safer they sign forms which would allow him ties were greatly appreciated by the for all. to join before his 18th birthday. His committee members he served with, To Sergeant Stiles’ mother Linda, parents told him to wait, so he finished and the positions he was asked to as- his father Lynn, his wife Launa, his high school and then enlisted imme- sume. As chairman of the Senate Spe- sister Natalie, his brother Charles, his diately. cial Committee on Aging he presided grandparents Maxine and Kenney, and Corporal Robles had previously over critical issues facing our Nation’s all his friends and family, I cannot served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in aging population. In addition, he made imagine the sorrow you must be feel- 2006, and was on a tour serving in Af- tremendous contributions to four addi- ing. I hope that, in time, the pain of ghanistan at the time of his death. Cor- tional committees: Commerce, Science,

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