[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S3207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



  (At the request of Mr. Reid, the following statement was ordered to 
be printed in the Record.)

            HONORING BRAVO COMPANY OF WEIRTON, WEST VIRGINIA

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, today it is my great honor to 
commend the soldiers of Bravo Company of the 463rd Engineering 
Battalion, Army Reserve Unit of Weirton, WV, as they return home. 
Selflessly leaving their families and communities behind during an 11-
month deployment in Iraq, the 463rd served as a model of courage 
throughout their tour of duty.
  In October 2004, more than 140 men and women of Bravo Company 
answered the call to service--leaving for training at Fort Bragg and in 
Kuwait. In doing so, they joined generations of West Virginians who 
have served our Nation in times of war, unselfishly putting themselves 
in harm's way to defend our country and protect the freedom of all 
Americans. I am not surprised by their actions--West Virginians, and 
our neighbors throughout the Ohio Valley, have always been among the 
first to respond to their country's call to service--but I am 
nevertheless grateful for their service and commitment. Thanks to the 
463rd and so many other West Virginia men and women who have fought in 
Iraq and Afghanistan, I am proud to say that West Virginia's long 
tradition of patriotism is very much alive and well.
  On Christmas Eve 2004, Bravo Company entered Iraq to begin its 
mission of rebuilding the war-torn country. Bravo Company provided 
engineering support for our troops, upgraded an Iraqi Air Force base, 
repaired a damaged bridge on the Tigris River needed for troop 
movements, and provided infrastructure for refueling the airplanes that 
provided such critical support in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Through 
their determined efforts, these individuals secured the safety of their 
fellow American men and women in uniform, simultaneously serving as the 
embodiment of American commitment to the people of Iraq. For that, they 
deserve our sincere gratitude and deepest respect.
  Tragically, Bravo Company's mission was not completed without loss. 
On August 21, 2004, the life of Sgt. Joseph Nurre, a 22-year-old native 
of Wilton, CA was claimed by a roadside bomb near Samarra, Iraq. His 
fellow soldiers described him as an intensely dedicated soldier and a 
warm, engaging friend. As Bravo Company returns home, Sergeant Nurre 
and his family remain in our thoughts and prayers.
  To all the men and women of Bravo Company, 463rd Engineering 
Battalion, I thank you for your service, patriotism, and commitment to 
our country and its defense. Your bravery and selfless sacrifice have 
earned you the admiration and respect of West Virginians and our 
Nation. God bless you all, and welcome home.

                          ____________________