[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 89 (Thursday, June 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE SACRIFICE OF AN AMERICAN HERO: SPECIALIST ERIC McKINLEY

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                          HON. DARLENE HOOLEY

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2004

  Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the very 
special life of Eric McKINLEY.
  Eric, like most young men, loved his family, enjoyed his job, and 
dreamed of doing something important with the time given him.
  But Specialist Eric McKinley was different from most. Simply put, 
Eric did more in his brief twenty-four years than many ever will. This 
local hero volunteered to serve his community, his State, and his 
Nation for a six year enlistment with the Oregon Army National Guard.
  He proudly did his duty, and then he did more. You see, Eric was due 
to come home and be discharged in early April. His family, his friends, 
and his coworkers at the bakery shop in Corvallis where he worked 
longed for his laugh, his smile--his gentle presence.
  But it was not to be.
  Like a lot of young soldiers, Eric McKinley's service was extended in 
Iraq because his special skills were needed to rebuild a broken state, 
protect a delicate peace, and foster a climate within which a 
vulnerable but growing seed of democracy might take root.
  Eric took his duty seriously, he knew the risks, and yet this self-
sacrificing man chose to serve. He accepted his charge without 
complaint, he understood the need of the extension and quietly 
soldiered on as he always had.
  Eric is the face of the Guard--but he is also the face of our 
community.
  His desire was simple: lift young people up; provide them with new 
and viable alternatives for a healthy life, and provide a place for 
safe and meaningful fun.
  Eric McKinley will not have the opportunity to build his own business 
as he had dreamed and watch the young people of Benton County enjoy the 
fun of a safe haven.
  We are all now indebted to Eric's spirit and sacrifice. We are all 
now accountable to seek out the opportunities of tomorrow to help the 
young people that he cared so much about. We must stretch ourselves to 
make Eric's vision a new reality. All of us must join together to take 
up Eric's personal commitment in seeking to provide opportunities for 
the young people in our lives.
  As the seasons come and the time passes, the pain of our loss will 
slowly subside. But the sacrifice of Eric McKinley will be as 
significant then as it is today: he gave his all so that others could 
have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
  Eric's sacrifice must always be remembered.
  It is now, and will be forever, our turn to repay the debt.

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