[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4327-S4328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                    Lance Corporal Stephen R. Bixler

  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to LCpl 
Stephen R. Bixler of Suffield, CT.
  Corporal Bixler, a member of the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd 
Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, NC, was 
killed in action on May 4 while conducting combat operations against 
enemy forces in Anbar Province, Iraq. He was struck while on foot 
patrol by an improvised explosive device on his second tour of duty in 
Iraq. Corporal Bixler is fondly remembered as a quiet but strong leader 
with strength of character and self-assurance unusual for someone of 
his age. As an Eagle Scout and former senior patrol leader in his Boy 
Scout troop, Corporal Bixler enjoyed helping others. He joined the 
Marines shortly after graduating from Suffield High School in 2003 and 
served in Haiti prior to his tour in Iraq. He was well received and 
respected when he proudly visited his high school, where he had been 
admired as he excelled at academics and athletics, to talk to students 
about his experiences. He was a true patriot and defender of our great 
Nation's principles of freedom of justice. Corporal Bixler served as an 
example of the potent American spirit, which permeates this Nation's 
history.
  I am both proud and grateful that we have the kind of defender 
exemplified by Corporal Bixler serving in the Persian Gulf. Our Nation 
extends its heartfelt condolences to his family. To his father, 
Richard, his mother, Linda, and sister, Sandra, we extend our profound 
gratitude for sharing this outstanding Marine with us, and we offer our 
prayers and support.


                        Staff Sergeant Mark Wall

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of a 
truly brave American who has passed away while defending our country. 
SSG Mark Wall died April 27, 2006, in Mosul, Iraq, where he was serving 
his country as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sergeant Wall was 
assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry regiment in Fort 
Wainwright, AK. He was deployed to Iraq in August of 2005 and served 
near Mosul. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his 
parents, Arthur and Helen Wall, his two brothers and his sister.

[[Page S4328]]

  Mark Wall graduated from Alden High School in 1997 where he 
participated in basketball, football, track, chorus, and band. He was a 
Boy Scout, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in 1997. He also 
participated in 4-H, garden and photography projects, and FFA. Staff 
Sergeant Wall joined the Iowa National Guard in February of 1997. He 
attended classes at Ellsworth Community College studying agricultural 
business and worked as an electrician's helper before joining the 
Active-Duty Army in May of 2000.
  I understand that Mark had a passion for the outdoors and took 
advantage of that passion while he was in Alaska, prospecting for gold, 
hiking, fishing, and skiing.
  I would like to again give my condolences to the family of SSG Mark 
Wall. He served his country with pride and passion, and we are all 
saddened by his loss. I would like my colleagues in the Senate to take 
a moment and remember the life of Mark Wall and remember the tremendous 
sacrifice he gave for us and our great country.

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