[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 62 (Thursday, May 6, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO STAFF SERGEANT BILLY JOE ORTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 2004

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, to die for one's country, while tragic, is 
the ultimate honor. To die for the freedom of others may not carry with 
it an adequate expression to illustrate the debt it generates. Today, I 
rise to honor Staff Sergeant Billy Joe Orton who was killed during his 
tour of duty in Taji, Iraq. He was 41 years old.
  Staff Sergeant Orton dedicated his life to serving our Nation 
bravely. He served in Panama from November 1993 to November 1996; Egypt 
from October 2001 to August 2002, and was ordered to active duty for 
``Iraqi Freedom'' on Oct. 12, 2003, with the 39th Infantry Brigade in 
Arkansas.
  His dedication to his country was surpassed only by his love for his 
family, friends and community. The lives he touched were evident as 
more than 150 people recently gathered outside the Orton home where 
Staff Sergeant Orton lived with his wife, Margarita, and their three 
children. The crowd gathered carrying lit candles and a heavy heart as 
the community came together to share the grief with the Orton family.
  Arkansans have always been proud of their tight-knit communities, but 
to see such an outpouring of support is proof of the magnetic 
personality Orton possessed.
  Staff Sergeant Billy Orton fought honorably to establish freedom and 
democracy, and we are all struck by the enormity of this tragedy. We 
will remember Staff Sergeant Orton for his honor, his mettle and his 
bravery. On behalf of the Congress, I extend the utmost respect for- a 
fine American, a loving father, husband and son, and the perfect model 
of a patriot.

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