[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 161 (Thursday, December 15, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13652-S13653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO CARMEN McCORMICK

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of 
Carmen McCormick. She was a brave young woman, beloved by her family 
and friends, who dedicated her life to the nation she loved through 
honorable service in the U.S. Navy.
  Gunner's Mate First Class McCormick enlisted in the Navy in April of 
1999 and completed her basic training at the Recruit Training Command 
in Great Lakes, IL. Upon completion of basic training, she attended 
Gunner's Mate ``A'' school, and later continued her technical training 
at the Naval Training Center in San Diego. Ultimately, her duty led her 
to the Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, FL.
  To those who served beside her, McCormick was a tremendous asset as a 
talented technician and recognized expert in all aspects of ordnance 
handling, but she was also a trusted leader and a friend whom they came 
to know and love.
  Tragically, she was involved in a serious automobile accident on the 
night of November 11, 2005. Her shipmates joined her at the hospital 
shortly after the accident and later joined her family in a constant 
vigil by her bedside, and throughout the hospital, until the moment she 
passed away on November 13. She would have been 26 years old next 
month.

[[Page S13653]]

  Although Carmen may no longer be with us, I pray that her friends and 
family have found some sense of solace knowing that she was not alone 
at the end of her life's journey but was surrounded by loved ones who 
sought to comfort her with their presence and their prayers. I would 
like to share the family's appreciation for the U.S. Navy officials who 
helped everyone through the difficult issues that arose from Carmen's 
end-of-life care. She had devoted herself to service and looked forward 
to a promising career in the Navy, and in her final moments they did 
everything they could to ensure she was treated with the honor and 
respect she deserved.
  Of particular assistance and comfort to the family were Carmen's 
commanding officer, LCDR Tim Sullivan, as well as Senior Chief Joseph 
Adamo, LT Tim Johnson, CAPT Charles King, and ADM Annette Brown. Their 
compassion and understanding made a tragic situation a little more 
bearable.
  My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Carmen 
McCormick, particularly her parents, Michael Flanigan and Leslie Santa 
Maria. Although her time with us was far too short, her spirit and her 
love will remain in our hearts forever.

                          ____________________