[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 53 (Friday, May 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT LEA MILLS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2006

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
an American soldier who gave his life in service to our Nation.
  Marine Sergeant Lea Mills of Masaryktown, Florida was killed by a 
terrorist lED explosion last week while on patrol in Iraq. Sergeant 
Mills was 21 years old, and leaves behind a young wife and a grieving 
family.
  Dedicated to serving his country, Sergeant Mills joined the Marines 
following his graduation from Hernando High School in 2002. Lea felt 
that the Marines would give him the best opportunity to serve his 
Nation on the front lines and make a difference in people's lives.
  When I spoke to Sergeant Mills' father Rob, he told me that Lea was 
inspired to volunteer for the military after the September 11 attacks.
  Not only did Sergeant Mills request to be sent to Iraq, but he also 
felt that it was his duty as a Marine and that it was the right thing 
to do for his country.
  A dedicated soldier, Sergeant Mills understood what the Marines' 
mission was in Iraq. As his father Rob said to me, ``He believed very 
strongly in what he was doing.'' In fact, Lea had recently just re-
upped for a second stint with the Marines.
  Sergeant Mills leaves behind his wife Keesha Malicoate, his parents 
Dee and Rob Mills, and his brother Parker Mills.
  Mr. Speaker, it is soldiers like Sergeant Lea Mills who have 
volunteered to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear.
  While brave men and women like Lea have perished in the cause of 
freedom and liberty, his family, friends and loved ones should know 
that this Congress will never forget their sacrifice and commitment.

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