[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF CHARLES BRADLEY EARNEST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 5, 1999

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to pay tribute to a neighbor, 
friend and young man who gave his life in service to his country. Brad 
Earnest, as he was affectionately called, died on August 2, 1999 in 
Florida.
  Brad was critically injured in a helicopter crash as he served in the 
10th Special Forces of the United States Army. In the nine years since 
that accident Brad remained in a coma.
  He is survived by his mother, Minna H. Earnest, who deserves the 
gratitude, great respect and deepest sympathy of every member of 
Congress and all Americans.
  Not only did Minna Earnest lose her son she also sacrificed her 
husband to our nation when he was killed in Vietnam. What greater 
heartbreak could one family, one wife and mother endure for the sake of 
her country?
  My last memories of Brad recall him proudly telling me of his Army 
assignment and his work in service to our country. Most of all we will 
miss his smile but always remember and celebrate his life.
  Brad was a graduate of Winter Park High School in Winter Park, 
Florida. He attended Auburn University in Alabama where he was a member 
of Theta Chi Fraternity.
  Brad was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on October 16, 1962 and will be 
laid to rest in Opelika, Alabama.
  I know the United States House of Representatives and every Member of 
Congress extend our deepest sympathy to Brad's mother, Minna H. 
Earnest, and to his brother, Bryan H. Earnest of Maitland, Florida, and 
to his paternal grandmother, Margaret Earnest of Opelika, Alabama.

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