[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 5, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H10445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF SERGEANT SEAN DRISCOLL, 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION, UNITED 
                              STATES ARMY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with the Members of 
the House and the American people my experiences visiting Walter Reed 
Army Medical Center yesterday. I had the pleasure and the honor of 
visiting some true American patriots who were severely injured in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom and are currently recuperating at Walter Reed. 
I was especially pleased to meet with Sergeant Terry Jones, a 
reservist, from Columbus, Georgia, Fort Benning, who served bravely in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, my visit to Walter Reed was one of the most moving 
things I have done since coming to Congress in January. I felt it was 
important to let these heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom know how much 
we in Congress appreciate their sacrifices. I wanted to relay to them 
my belief that through their heroic deeds, they have made the United 
States a safer place for all Americans and brought precious freedom and 
democracy to the people of Iraq.
  Mr. Speaker, yesterday I also had the pleasure to meet with Sergeant 
Sean Driscoll of Clarksville, Tennessee, and his wife Georgette. 
Sergeant Driscoll was recently wounded in Iraq as part of his 
operations serving in the Army's 101 Airborne Division.
  Mr. Speaker, I could talk at great length about Sergeant Driscoll's 
dedication and sacrifice to his Nation during a 15-year career in the 
Army, as well as about my immense gratitude for all that he has done to 
advance freedom across the world. But I think that his 18-year-old 
daughter, Antoinette, has paid tribute to her father much better than 
my words could.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I would like to read the following 
testimonial written by Antoinette Driscoll about her father, Sergeant 
Sean Driscoll, so that it can be placed into the Congressional Record.
  It is titled ``Hero.''
  ``Words cannot express how proud I am to be able to say that my Dad 
is a HERO. There are people who have parents that are doctors that save 
and rehabilitate people everyday, but my Dad is far greater. Some 
parents save others from fiery buildings or patrol the streets at 
night, but my Dad is far more dignified. Those people may be heroes in 
their own way, but my Dad is far more superior than they. For my Dad is 
a soldier, defending our wonderful nation, putting in countless hours 
of sweat, tears, and selfless sacrifice and service for those who live 
in the United States.
  ``My Dad is the one who fights and risks his own life for us 
privileged Americans. He makes sure that doctors have a place to 
educate themselves and practice. He makes sure that everyone has the 
opportunity to find a job, and has a home and an education, and makes 
sure everyone can sleep safely at night. I can't think of any other who 
is greater than he. I am proud and honored to be able to love someone 
like this.
  ``I can only hope that I will one day follow in his footsteps and 
defend my country. He has taught me a couple of things which I feel 
every American should know. One, freedom is not free, and there is no 
greater Nation than the United States of America. He has served many 
years and has shed blood for my freedom. I could never thank him enough 
for all that he has done. Not just for me, but for my family, friends, 
and people who he doesn't even know. I hope that one day I'll be able 
to fight for him, so he can live safely and rest when he comes home. I 
love him for these reasons and many more.''
  Mr. Speaker, I think this statement from Antoinette Driscoll 
poignantly demonstrates her love and admiration for her father. It is 
also important to note that Antoinette will soon enter the United 
States Air Force herself, and her younger 16-year-old brother will join 
the service in a few years as well.
  The Driscoll family has demonstrated to me great resolve in the face 
of difficult circumstances. Even though Sergeant Sean Driscoll was 
severely wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom and he has spent many 
months away from home, his family remains undaunted in its commitment 
to serving our Nation. They can teach all of us a valuable lesson in 
sacrifice and dedication to the American ideal.

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