[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 71 (Wednesday, June 7, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5592-S5593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                     Marine Corporal Cory L. Palmer

  Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I would like to set aside a few moments 
today to reflect on the life of Marine Cpl Cory L. Palmer. Cory 
epitomized the best of our country's brave men and women who have 
fought to free Iraq and to secure a new democracy in the Middle East. 
He exhibited unwavering courage, selfless devotion to his country, and 
above all else, honor. In the way he lived his life--and how we 
remember him--Cory reminds each of us how good we can be.
  Cory was born to Charles and Danna Palmer on May 10, 1984. He was the 
youngest of three sons. After graduating from Seaford High School in 
2002, Cory studied computer engineering at West Virginia University for 
one semester and then decided to join the Marine Corps. Friends, 
family, and school officials recalled Cory Palmer as courageous yet 
humble, fun-loving and adventurous, an all-around good person. He 
viewed the Marine Corps as an opportunity to gain life experience and 
as a way to serve his country.
  Cory was proud to be a member of the Marine Corps 2nd Recon 
Battalion, A Company, 1st Platoon. After his initial recruit training 
at Parris Island, Cory underwent marine combat training at Camp Geiger, 
located in North Carolina. He excelled in all of his military training 
and graduated from sniper school, advanced sniper school, jump school, 
combatant dive school and special survival training school. For his 
dutiful service, Cory had been awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the 
National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the 
Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism 
Expeditionary Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Combat Action 
Medal.
  Cory was on his second deployment in Iraq. His death was caused by 
injuries sustained when the humvee he was riding in was hit by an 
explosive device near Fallujah.
  Cory was a remarkable and well-respected young soldier. His friends 
and family remember him as a kind-hearted and mischievous young man who 
loved the outdoors. Cory was an avid sportsman and explorer who had 
planned on going hiking and fishing with his two older brothers, Thad 
and Kyle, upon his return. Cory also had a softer side that he wasn't 
afraid to show. He served as a mentor and role model to his friends and 
even took the time to hand-make gifts for his family.
  As a youngster, Cory came to the Governor's Fall Festival in Dover 
that I hosted as Governor and ran with many of us in the 5-kilometer 
race that kicked off the festival every year.

[[Page S5593]]

When I visited Cory's family in their Seaford home a little more than a 
week ago, they shared with me a photo of Cory running in one of those 
races a decade before his tragic death.
  I rise today to commemorate Cory, to celebrate his life, and to offer 
his family our support and our deepest sympathy on their tragic loss.


                      Staff Sergeant Curtis Haines

  Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, it is with the greatest pleasure that I 
rise today to honor SSG Curtis Haines of Hope, AR. He is a member of 
the Arkansas Army National Guard's Company A, 1-153rd Infantry of the 
39th Brigade Combat Team based in Prescott, AR. For his heroic service 
in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Haines was recently presented the Soldier's 
Medal for Bravery at a ceremony in the Prescott High School auditorium.
  On May 6, 2004, at a military checkpoint in Baghdad, a car bomb 
explosion occurred. An Iraqi citizen was seriously injured, on fire, 
and trapped in a burning vehicle. Without regard for his own safety, 
Staff Sergeant Haines rescued the man from his vehicle, carried him to 
safety, and administered medical aid. Because of his heroic actions, 
Staff Sergeant Haines ultimately saved the man's life.
  Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Staff 
Sergeant Haines on receiving this well-deserved honor. Also, please 
join me in thanking all of our brave men and women in uniform for their 
service. They risk their lives every day to protect our freedoms and 
deserve our respect and support for the sacrifices they have made and 
continue to make for our country.


               Private First Class Nicholas R. Cournoyer

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to U.S. Army 
PFC Nicholas R. Cournoyer of Gilmanton, NH, for his service and his 
supreme sacrifice for his country.
  Nicholas, also called Nick by family and friends, grew up in 
Gilmanton and was a graduate of the Guilford High School class of 2000. 
On January 22, 2005, he answered a call to serve our country during 
these tense and turbulent times by enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was 
sent to Fort Benning, GA where as a member of an infantry training 
battalion he successfully completed Infantry One Station Unit Training, 
which combines in one location basic training with advanced individual 
training. Upon graduation, he left for assignment in June 2005 with the 
2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th 
Mountain Division, Light Infantry, Fort Drum, NY, where he served as an 
infantryman. On August 11, 2005, he deployed with his unit to Iraq in 
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Tragically, on May 18, 2006, this brave 25-year-old soldier was 
killed in action along with three of his comrades and an interpreter 
when an improvised explosive device explosion detonated near their 
military vehicle during combat operations in the vicinity of Baghdad in 
Iraq. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple 
Heart, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign 
Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, 
Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Weapons 
Qualification Badge.
  Patriots from the State of New Hampshire have served our Nation with 
honor and distinction from Bunker Hill to Baghdad--and Nick 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.'' Nick 
was a courageous and dedicated volunteer who loved his family and his 
country and was proud of being a soldier. He served honorably doing the 
job he wanted to do. This generous, fun-loving young man had a big 
heart and 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.
  My heartfelt sympathy, condolences, and prayers go out to Nick's 
parents, Denis and Lenda, his sister Natalie, and his family and 
friends who have suffered this grievous loss. Because of his devotion 
and sense of duty, the safety and liberty of each and every American is 
more secure. May God bless PFC Nicholas Cournoyer.

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