[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 77 (Friday, June 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             FALLEN HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
Marine Sgt. Brian McGinnis of the Marine Light Attack Helicopter 
Squadron 169, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country on March 
30, 2004 in southern Iraq. In the words of his fellow Marines, Sgt. 
McGinnis was a trusted mentor, a brother, and a hero.
  Sgt. McGinnis, a graduate of William Penn High School and native of 
St. Georges, Delaware joined the Marine Corps because as he stated, he, 
``wanted to be a part of the best.'' As a member of the United States 
Armed Services, Sgt. McGinnis had fulfilled his goal of becoming a part 
of the best fighting force in the world. Sgt. McGinnis had the 
opportunity to take part in activities he loved in the Marine Corps and 
had received his crew wings the day before he met with tragedy in 
southern Iraq. The most important aspect of Sgt. McGinnis' service in 
Iraq was the sense of pride he felt knowing that he was serving his 
country.
  Mr. Speaker, it is not possible to quantify the sense of loss our 
great nation feels when faced with the loss of life of our men and 
women in the United States Armed Services. Nonetheless, I will say that 
Sgt. Brian McGinnis will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, 
the Marine Corps, and by his nation. His service for our nation and the 
service of countless men and women before and after him will never be 
forgotten.

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