[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 50 (Tuesday, May 2, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S3890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


              Private First class George Ronald roehl, Jr.

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and a deep 
sense of gratitude to pay tribute to a brave young man, PFC George 
Ronald Roehl, Jr., of Manchester, NH, for his service and his supreme 
sacrifice for his country.
  George was born on January 24, 1985, in Manchester, NH. He graduated 
from Franklin High School, Franklin, NH, in 2003 and entered the United 
States Army on November 2, 2004. He subsequently graduated from basic 
combat training and advanced individual training at Ft. Knox, KY, and 
was assigned to Bravo Troop, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry, 1st Brigade, 
4th Infantry Division at Ft. Hood, TX, where he served as a Scout 
dismount.
  George, the oldest of five children, risked everything to fight for 
the values we Americans hold dear, in a country halfway around the 
world. Tragically, on April 11, 2006, this courageous young soldier and 
two of his comrades died as a result of injuries sustained in Taji, 
Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Bradley 
Fighting Vehicle and they subsequently came under small arms fire 
during combat operations. His awards and decorations include the Bronze 
Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National 
Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on 
Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service 
Ribbon, and the Combat Action Badge.
  Patriots from the State of New Hampshire have served our Nation with 
honor and distinction from Bunker Hill to Baghdad--and George served in 
that fine tradition. Daniel Webster said, ``God grants liberty only to 
those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend it.'' 
George was one of those proud and dedicated volunteers who believed in 
fighting for our country and guarding our precious liberty, and for 
that we will always owe our sincere gratitude.
  My condolences and prayers go out to George's family, and I offer 
them my deepest sympathies. Family, friends, and fellow soldiers will 
no longer be able to enjoy the company of PFC George R. Roehl, Jr. Yet 
memories of this young patriot will last forever with those who were 
fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to know him. He realized a 
calling and chose to employ his youthful energy and considerable 
talents for his country. He understood that the freedoms and 
opportunities provided by this Nation need continuous defense and that 
they are among the most precious gifts he can give to his family and 
loved ones. Because of him, the safety and liberty of each and every 
American is more secure. May God bless George Ronald Roehl, Jr.

                          ____________________