[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 40 (Friday, March 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN HONOR OF SERGEANT FIRST CLASS GARY COLLINS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2004

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay 
tribute to the life and memory of Sergeant First Class Gary Collins, a 
brave soldier, a devoted husband, and loving father who sacrificed his 
life in the defense of freedom on November 8, 2003, in Fallujah, Iraq.
  Sergeant First Class Collins was respected and loved by all who knew 
him, especially the friends and neighbors that watched him go from an 
outstanding leader and student athlete at Magnolia High School to 
decorated career Army veteran of unit A Co 1-16th Infantry 
(Mechanized), of the 1 Brigade Combat Team at Ft. Riley, KS.
  Born, May 18, 1971, in Beaumont, TX, Gary Collins entered the Army 
shortly after graduating from Magnolia High School in 1990. Two short 
years later, he married his high school sweetheart, Kassie Kennedy. 
Together they have two beautiful daughters, Taylor age 9 and Landry age 
7. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during 
this time.
  True to the Army motto, ``This we'll defend,'' Sergeant Collins 
defended the soil of the United States and protected the liberty of her 
citizens in Bosnia from 1999-2000, in Korea from 2001-2002, and 
ultimately with his life in Iraq late last year.
  Sergeant Collins career is marked by numerous commendations among 
them, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and a Meritorious Service 
Medal. Through the course of his career he was awarded five Army 
Commendation Medals, seven Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct 
medals, and two National Defense Service Medals, the list continues 
totaling thirty-six commendations, ribbons, and medals.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and service of 
Sergeant First Class Gary Collins, an American hero. All of the 
residents of Montgomery County, TX, and the eighth Congressional 
Distract are grateful for his service and dedication to this Nation.

                          ____________________