[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 11, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S7712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              AN OKLAHOMA LOSS IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, over the past few months we have seen the 
fall of Saddam Hussein's brutal regime coupled with the dawning of a 
new day for the Iraqi people.
  With major military combat operations in Iraq over and the security 
of our homeland bolstered, America and her allies are turning our 
efforts toward helping the Iraqi people build a free society.
  Like many Americans, I was thrilled and heartened by the dramatic 
images of U.S. troops helping Iraqi citizens tear down statues and 
paintings of Saddam Hussein. The Iraqi people needed our help, our 
tanks, our troops, and our commitment to topple Saddam Hussein.
  For the first time in their lives, many Iraqis are tasting freedom, 
and like people everywhere, they think it is wonderful. I am proud of 
our military and America's commitment to make the people of the Middle 
East more free and secure.
  Our military men and women surely face more difficult days in Iraq, 
and the Iraqi people will be tested by the responsibilities that come 
with freedom. The thugs who propped up the previous regime and outside 
forces with goals of their own will seek to cause problems, stir up 
trouble, and initiate violence. Freedom is messy--nowhere more so than 
in a country that has just shaken off a brutal dictatorship.
  But the journey toward a democratic Iraq has now begun. Like so many 
nations before it, Iraq now endures the growing pains common to a 
fledgling democracy. The uncertainty in today's Iraq will soon give way 
to the promise of a better future for the Iraqi people. As we move 
closer to this goal, we must remember those who sacrificed for this 
noble cause.
  Today, I rise to honor a man who made the ultimate sacrifice one can 
make for his country and the cause of freedom. Petty Officer 3rd Class 
Doyle Wayne Bolinger, Jr., 21, of Poteau, died last week in Iraq when 
an unexploded ordnance accidently detonated in the area where he was 
working. Bolinger, who joined the Navy shortly after high school, was 
assigned to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 based in 
Gulfport, MS, whose members are commonly known as Seabees. His unit has 
been in the Middle East since January providing construction support to 
our Armed Forces during military operations.
  Everybody liked Bolinger. He was known to always have a smile on his 
face. People in Poteau, who he often helped out with various jobs, will 
miss him especially.
  His family recently issued a statement saying, ``Wayne is a very 
special young man and is proud to be a Navy Seabee. He died defending 
his country. He is without a doubt one of America's finest.''
  I could not possibly agree more. This young man represents the very 
best this Nation has to offer. Petty Officer Bolinger did not die in 
vain. He died so many others could live in security and freedom. For 
that sacrifice we are forever indebted. Our thoughts and prayers are 
with him and his family today and with the troops who are putting their 
lives on the line in Iraq.

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