[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THREE GENERATIONS OF MITCHELL BRONZE MEDALS

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                   HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2004

  Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, the United States Army reserves the 
Bronze Star for soldiers who distinguish themselves through heroic or 
meritorious achievement or service. The Army has awarded this, its 
fourth highest honor for military personnel, to three generations of 
the Mitchell Family. I rise today to honor their service to this 
nation.
  First Sergeant David Mitchell and his son Sergeant Brian Mitchell 
recently returned from active duty in Iraq. For their achievements and 
dedication to our nation's military, they have both been awarded the 
Bronze Star. They are the second and third generations of this family 
respectively to earn this medal, following in the steps of David's 
father R.L. Mitchell. David is a native of Calhoun City and Brian lives 
in Forest, in the heart of my district.
  The Mitchells are part of the thirty-two members of the Mississippi 
National Guard recently decorated with the Bronze Star for their 
service in Operation Iraqi Freedom; all but one from the 223rd Combat 
Engineer Battalion based in West Point, Mississippi. The other, Raymond 
resident Lt. Col. Ellis Riser is of the 168th Engineer Group in 
Vicksburg.
  While in Iraq under the constant threat of attack from Iraqi 
militants and foreign terrorists, the Mitchells conducted engineering 
projects, secured the operations of our military's computer operations 
and even helped Iraqi schools.
  David Mitchell received the award on his birthday and said, ``As a 
father, it makes me real proud to serve my country and have my son by 
my side.'' In addition to Brian, another of David's sons also serves in 
the Army. I am proud, as a Congressman, that we have patriotic and 
dedicated men in Mississippi serving our nation and that they instill 
these characteristics as part of a family tradition.
  Brian Mitchell told his hometown newspaper, the Scott County Times, 
``I joined in part because of the G.I. Bill and the education benefits 
but there was also a family tradition. I also wanted to serve my 
country.'' Brian said family is important to him and his unit became a 
second family to him. His family back at home, his wife Stacy and his 
children Dusty, Katie, and Alex all missed him, and their grandfather 
David. Just as they are, I'm glad Brian and David are home after 
fulfilling their missions.
  These men, and many men with them, are heroes and I'm proud not only 
they are recognized for their achievements as American military men, 
but also that they have shown the tradition of Mississippi values to 
their fellow servicemen, and across the world to the people of Iraq. 
Honor is earned; not given. Mr. Speaker, the Mitchells have earned this 
honor.

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