[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 15, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1346-S1347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        AMERICAN ASSOCIATION ON MENTAL RETARDATION AWARD WINNERS

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I am pleased today to join the Illinois 
chapter of the American Association on Mental Retardation, AAMR, in 
recognizing the recipients of the 2006 Direct Service Professional 
Award. These individuals are being honored for their outstanding 
efforts to enrich the lives of people with developmental disabilities 
in Illinois.
  These recipients have displayed a strong sense of humanity and 
professionalism in their work with persons with disabilities. Their 
efforts have inspired the lives of those for whom they care, and they 
are an inspiration to me as well. They have set a fine example of 
community service for all Americans to follow.
  These honorees spend more than 50 percent of their time at work in 
direct, personal involvement with their clients. They are not primarily 
managers or supervisors. They are direct service workers at the 
forefront of America's effort to care for people with special needs. 
They do their work every day with little public recognition, providing 
much needed care and assistance that is unknown except to those with 
whom they work.
  It is my honor and privilege to recognize the Illinois recipients of 
AAMR's 2006 Direct Service Professional Award: Cheryl Case, Lisa 
Cutter, Jane Flores, Cindy Block, Patricia Bzdyl, Don Collins, Judy 
Hicks, Holly Spence, Della Reese, Sarah McRae, and Kathy Slimmer.
  I know my fellow Senators will join me in congratulating the winners 
of the 2006 Direct Service Professional Award. I applaud their 
dedication and thank them for their service.


                    army specialist patrick herried

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, in February 6, 2006, one of South 
Dakota's sons made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq. Army 
SP Patrick Herried died when an improvised explosive device detonated 
under the armored military vehicle he was driving. He was a member of 
the 4th Squadron, 14th Calvary Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat 
Team based in Fort Wainwright, AK.
  Specialist Herried was a 1994 graduate of Roosevelt High School in 
Sioux Falls and was fondly remembered by his classmates and teachers. 
Like many South Dakotans, he was passionate about sports and the 
outdoors. He was a member of the Roosevelt High School football team 
and enjoyed skateboarding and mountain biking.
  Specialist Herried joined the Army in the hopes that it would lead to 
a better career and even college. His mother, Rita, agreed that the 
Army had a positive impact on her son. ``He was just a good kid,'' she 
said. ``Really quiet, but very directed since he's been in the service. 
He was a good son.''
  Patrick's family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers during 
this trying time. Coming to terms with the

[[Page S1347]]

loss of any soldier who gives their life in defense of freedom is 
difficult. While we are awed by Patrick's selfless sacrifice, we are 
reminded that his life ended much too soon. It is my sincere hope that 
Patrick's family may take some small measure of comfort knowing our 
Nation is eternally grateful for his dedicated service to our country.


                         Corporal Jesse Zamora

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the life 
of CPL Jesse Zamora. I regret to inform my colleagues that Corporal 
Zamora was killed in Beiji, Iraq on February 3, 2006.
  Those close to Corporal Zamora recognized an indomitable love of 
country and a passionate desire to serve his Nation in the military at 
an early age. Friends and family recall that as a young man, Corporal 
Zamora would often drive into the desert near Las Cruces in his pickup 
to practice his marksmanship. This simple custom is indicative of his 
discipline and certainly contributed to his great skill as a soldier. 
In 2002, shortly after graduating from high school, Corporal Zamora 
enlisted in the Army, fully knowing that his country would soon be 
going to war abroad. This brave decision illustrates the selflessness 
that endeared Corporal Zamora in the hearts of his family members, his 
friends, and his brothers in arms. It also demonstrates his passionate, 
disciplined approach to service and the selfless demeanor that is at 
the core of what the American Army prides its servicemembers on honor, 
duty, humility, and loyalty.
  His mother Paola, stepfather Sergio, sister Christy, are all in our 
thoughts. His brother Tyrel is another brave member of the U.S. Army, 
and I hope that we can soon guarantee him a swift and safe journey 
home.
  Corporal Zamora was assigned as an infantryman to the 101st Airborne 
Division. We can never fully express our gratitude for our veterans' 
service; I ask that we stop now to thank Corporal Zamora and 
acknowledge the sacrifice of his family for their Nation.

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