[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 19, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8477-S8478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES
Specialist Adam N. Brewer
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I would like to honor one of America's
fallen, a brave soldier from the State of Oklahoma. SPC Adam Brewer was
serving in Iraq when he died defending his fellow soldiers and this
Nation. His memory continues on in testimony to the selfless way he
lived.
Specialist Brewer graduated from Bartlesville High School in 2000 and
joined the Army shortly thereafter. He served for 2 years and was
assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, normally stationed
Fort Hood, TX. Specialist Brewer was serving his second tour in Iraq
and had taken part in the original invasion that began in March 2003.
On February 25, 2005, his unit was deployed to an area near Taji, Iraq.
An improvised explosive device exploded nearby, tragically killing him
and two other soldiers.
At Specialist Brewer's funeral, the pastor put it well: ``Not only
did he defend our country but he defended the values of freedom that we
hold so dear . . . I know his passing has been hard. But for the rest
of your life, whenever you see his picture or mention his name, you can
be proud.'' We are indeed proud, as we are of those young men and women
who have committed to defend our Nation and put their lives on the line
every day.
But I think Specialist Brewer's mother Karen Brewer said it best,
``He wanted to serve his country, and he served it all the way.'' He
indeed gave all that he had, in life and in death, for his country. The
legacy of such sacrifice challenges us on behalf of the Senate, this
Nation, and the cause of freedom around the world, I honor a special
Oklahoman and true soldier, SPC Adam Brewer.
Specialist Robert T. Hendrickson
Mr. President, I wish to honor a true hero who, on February 1, 2005,
gave his life while serving in Iraq. SPC Robert Hendrickson is an
example of the selfless service that is essential to this country's
freedom.
Although he was born in Biloxi, MS, Specialist Hendrickson listed
Broken Bow, OK, as his hometown. He attended school in Del City and
Edmond before moving with his mother to Broken Bow. His father, Dave
Hendrickson, says his son planned to return to school when he returned
from service and study to become a pediatric nurse.
After high school, Specialist Hendrickson enlisted in the U.S. Army.
He was assigned to the 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry
Division, normally stationed in Fort Hood, TX. He was serving in Iraq
with this unit when, just after the successful elections took place,
his vehicle overturned. He was found unconscious and never recovered.
He died to help the Iraqi people achieve their freedom,'' Dave
Hendrickson said. ``He died for the Iraqi people and the war against
terrorism so that his son might have a safer world to live in.''
Specialist Hendrickson is survived by his parents, his sister, and a
6-year-old son, Dylan. ``He loved Dylan more than anything,'' Dave
said. ``My son was a good boy. He was a good man. He was a good dad.''
SPC Robert Hendrickson was indeed a good man. He put aside his own
safety, volunteering to serve in the most dangerous of professions. He
gave so much and his sacrifice will be remembered by friends, family,
and all of us who are profoundly indebted to him.
Staff Sergeant Jason R. Hendrix
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I rise to honor a brave soldier who gave
his life to the defense of this Nation. SSG. Jason Hendrix chose to
place himself in harms way and for this service he paid the highest
price.
Staff Sergeant Hendrix joined the Army right out of high school and
served for 11 years. He was a squad leader in the 1st Battalion, 9th
Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. This unit is usually
stationed in South Korea, but was deployed to assist in Operation Iraqi
Freedom. When Staff Sergeant Hendrix found out that he was heading for
one of the most dangerous areas in the world, he told his family, ``You
guys might not understand why we're over here, but we need to be over
here, and I've got to do my job.''
Those who knew Staff Sergeant Hendrix best describe him as a
``professional soldier.'' They also speak of his compassion and care
for the men in his unit. Last Christmas, Staff Sergeant Hendrix gave up
his leave so that other men could go home and see their newborn
children. He also bought, at his own expense, equipment for his men
such as night-vision goggles, facemasks, flashlights, dozens of
handcuffs and magazine couplers for their M-16s.
Staff Sergeant Hendrix fought in the rebel stronghold of Fallujah
late last year and was serving in Ar Ramadi at the time of his death.
On February 16, 2005, he was leading a 25-man squad when they came
under a heavy artillery attack. Staff Sergeant Hendrix was hit and died
from his wounds.
For this soldier from Claremore, Ok, there is no deeper honor than
the memory he leaves behind. He gave of himself in life as well as in
death, and stands out as an example to all of us. Today I honor a true
hero, SSG. Jason Hendrix.
Specialist Jeffrey S. Henthorn
Mr. President, I wish to rise in honor of a son of Oklahoma and an
American hero. SPC Jeffery Henthorn demonstrated the type of patriotism
that protects our freedom and encourages freedom in other countries.
For his dedication and sacrifice I am pleased to honor him on the
Senate floor today.
Specialist Henthorn was from Choctaw, OK. After earning his high
school degree, Specialist Henthorn enlisted in the Army and was
assigned to the 24th Transportation Company, out of Fort Riley, KS.
Specialist Henthorn was serving in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi
Freedom. He died on February 8, 2005, while stationed in Balad, Iraq,
from noncombat related injuries. He was 25 years old and leaves behind
family and friends who grieve along with our grateful Nation.
Specialist Henthorn was willing to place his life on the line and
paid the fullest cost for the sake of freedom. On behalf of the U.S.
Senate, I wish to express my profound gratitude and deepest honor for
the men and women who, like Specialist Henthorn, know the true meaning
of service. They continue to give so much, and as freedom spreads
throughout the Middle East region we know that their sacrifice has not
been in vain.
I honor the life and memory of those who have given their lives in
this noble cause. I am grieved, but very proud of this young man from
Oklahoma, SPC Jeffery Henthorn.
[[Page S8478]]
Army Specialist. Lyle W. Rymer II
Mr. President, I wish to honor one of this country's fallen warriors,
a young man that comes from my home State of Oklahoma. Army SPC Lyle
Rymer II was making way for freedom in Iraq when he paid the ultimate
price.
Specialist Rymer was born in Roland, OK. After graduating from high
school, he joined the National Guard to help his family. ``That's what
he decided to do,'' his grandmother Bobby Sue Drake said. ``He liked
it. He said, `Somebody's got to defend this country. It might as well
be me.' He was a great kid.'' According to his friends, he planned to
make a career of the Army and was considering enrolling in Airborne
school. Rymer also had a reputation for cheering up fellow soldiers.
Specialist Rymer was serving in Iraq with the 239th Engineer Company,
an Arkansas-based National Guard unit. On January 28, 2005, he was
guarding an area where engineers were setting up barriers in
preparation for the elections. Without warning, he was shot by an enemy
sniper and died from his wounds. Army Specialist Rymer is buried at
Fort Smith National Cemetery, AR.
Many are left behind who are both proud and grieved at his sacrifice.
Specialist Rymer is survived by his wife LaTisha, a 2-year-old son,
Sean, and a 10-month-old daughter, Jasmine. He was able to see his
newborn daughter during a November furlough.
The loss of Specialist Rymer is one that will continue to be felt as
the years pass. He was one who gave more than was required, in life and
in death. He sacrificed his own well-being and put himself in harm's
way, showing courage that demands our recognition. I am honored to
honor him, and hope that I somehow express gratefulness beyond these
mere words.
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