[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 45 (Friday, April 2, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H2137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          HONORING THE LIFE OF ARMY PRIVATE BRANDON LEE DAVIS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true 
American hero who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country 
with honor and courage. 20-year old Army Private Brandon Lee Davis of 
Cresaptown in Garret County, Maryland, was among five soldiers killed 
when a bomb exploded under their vehicle in the Al Anbar province of 
Iraq.
  The soldiers were conducting security and stability operations in the 
region just north of Fallujah. They were from the 1st Infantry 
Division's 1st Brigade, based in Fort Riley, Kansas.
  I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Private Davis during 
this difficult time. I, along with the other Members of the Maryland 
federal delegation, mourn their loss. Our prayers are with Private 
Davis' mother, Jackie Weatherholt; his father, Jeffrey Davis; and his 
two siblings. Words cannot express the sense of loss felt by the 
Maryland community when one of our own, a young man who offered such 
promise and hope for the future, is taken from us. This tragedy makes 
the war in Iraq more personal for all of us.
  Private Davis joined the Army shortly after graduating from Fort Hill 
High School in Cumberland, Maryland. Like many young men and women who 
seek direction in life after high school, Private Davis hoped to learn 
a trade while serving his country. His dedication to service to others 
would not have rested with his duty in the Army.
  Private Davis dreamed of using his life to protect men and women by 
becoming a police officer. Sadly, that dream will never come true. The 
deadly consequences of war are a reality that all of us must face. 
However, the knowledge of what may happen in war does little to 
diminish the pain and anguish when that reality reaches your front 
door.
  Mrs. Weatherholt will never have the opportunity to feel the joy of a 
mother who watches her youngest son experience all of the milestones in 
life. Mr. Davis will never get to see his son teach the lessons he 
learned about how to be a man. All this Maryland family now has are 
memories. Mrs. Weatherholt must hold on to the memory of that last 
telephone conversation on March 20th, when she gave her son these words 
of caution, ``Watch your back, Brandon.''
  These parents have the memories of their son making others laugh with 
his outgoing and upbeat personality. They have the memories of their 
son going out of his way to show kindness to strangers and make his 
friends and family feel happy. There were no limits to Brandon's loving 
generosity. He gave up the opportunity to come home to his family for a 
two-week break in February, and, instead, donated his leave time to an 
Army buddy who wanted to return to the United States to get married. I 
am sure Private Davis longed to be with his family during this time, 
but he gave his priority to his desire to help a friend.
  The Army deployed Private Davis to Iraq nearly six months ago. He 
never discussed his fear or worry with his family, although he was 
stationed thousands of miles from home in a foreign land with death and 
destruction as his bedfellows.
  This brave young American knew of the dangers of the high-risk areas 
into which he was being sent, but he was proud to be a soldier. He was 
proud that, by serving in the United States Army, he was not only 
making a better for himself, but he was trying to make a better, safer 
life for us all.
  Mr. Speaker, I must say that I opposed President Bush's decision to 
go to war with Iraq before exhausting every diplomatic measure and 
without clearly demonstrating an imminent threat of attack on the 
United States. But I will do everything within my power to support our 
men and women in uniform. I stand behind our troops in Iraq and pray 
for their safe return home.
  Although I did not know Private Brandon L. Davis personally, I 
consider it a privilege to honor his life and to pay tribute to the 
sacrifice that this young man made for all Americans. This country has 
lost a true leader. Private Davis gave his life to set the Iraqi people 
free. I pray to God that we succeed.
  God Bless you, Private Davis.

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