[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO CORPORAL BRANDON M. HARDY, U.S. MARINE CORPS, OF 
                            COCHRANVILLE, PA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH R. PITTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2006

  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Corporal 
Brandon M. Hardy of Cochranville, Pennsylvania, who laid down his life 
for his country.
  At the age of 10, Brandon watched on television as the U.S. military 
liberated the people of Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm. This was his 
inspiration to dedicate his own life to serving his country. And that's 
what he did.
  In July of 1999, directly after graduating from Octorara Area High 
School, Brandon enlisted in the United States Air Force. After serving 
for 5 years in the Air Force, Brandon joined the Marines and was sent 
to Iraq. On April 28 of this year, Brandon lost his life while 
conducting combat operations in Iraq.
  Brandon Hardy understood what it means to live a life with purpose. 
He served a cause greater than himself. He served the cause of liberty. 
He gave his life so that we might be safer, and so 26 million Iraqis 
might have the chance to live in freedom.
  In May, I had the opportunity to travel to Iraq, and each Iraqi 
official I met with--from the Prime Minister down to a local police 
chief--thanked America for sacrificing so much on Iraq's behalf. They 
deeply understand the difference that men and women like Brandon Hardy 
have made for Iraq and for the world. And we at home know that the 
Global War on Terror is being waged to keep us safe, as well. Marine 
Corporal Brandon Hardy served others and gave back to his country, and 
his life made a tremendous difference in the world because of it.
  As an airman, Brandon served in supply management, and he completed 
his service with the Air Force as a staff sergeant on July 6, 2004. 
Brandon further demonstrated his dedication to defending our Nation 
when he re-enlisted in the military--but, this time, with the Marine 
Corps on January 19, 2005. On June 3, 2005, Brandon graduated from 
Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island, South 
Carolina. He was assigned to the Hawaii-based 3rd Assault Amphibian 
Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment as an amphibious assault vehicle crewman 
and was promoted to corporal on April 1, 2006.
  The 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion's mission is ``to transport the 
surface assault elements of the landing force from amphibious shipping 
to inland objectives during the amphibious assault and to provide 
support to mechanized operations ashore. The amphibious assault 
vehicles are primarily utilized to transport personnel in tactical 
operations.'' The battalion is part of the 1st Marine Division, a 
multi-role, expeditionary ground combat force, that provides fully 
trained units and personnel to support Operation Iraqi Freedom and 
Operation Enduring Freedom and other objectives in the Global War on 
Terrorism.
  On April 28, 2006, Brandon made the supreme sacrifice for his 
country. He was killed while conducting combat operations against enemy 
forces in Al Anbar Province in Iraq when his vehicle struck an 
improvised explosive device.
  Brandon earned a number of awards throughout his career in both the 
Air Force and Marine Corps, which demonstrates his professionalism and 
outstanding ability as an airman and a Marine. His awards include an 
Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force 
Outstanding Unit Medal with Valor, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on 
Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Purple Heart 
(death), and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
  May God grant to Brandon's family and his fiancee the peace that 
passes all understanding. My prayers and most heartfelt gratitude go 
out to them, and I offer them my deepest condolences. I am humbled by 
the dedicated service and sacrifice of their loved one, Corporal 
Brandon Hardy. Brandon joins the revered ranks of the many thousands of 
men and women throughout American history who have gone before him in 
battle to secure the liberty of the United States of America. He is an 
inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________