[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 90 (Wednesday, July 12, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S7411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                  U.S. Army Sergeant Russell M. Durgin

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today to pay special tribute to U.S. 
Army SGT Russell M. Durgin, a courageous young American from Henniker, 
NH, who on June 13, 2006, gave his last full measure in service to our 
Nation.
  Russell, or Russ or Durgs to family and friends, was a 2001 graduate 
of John Stark Regional High School, Weare, NH, where he played 
lacrosse. Friends say his sense of humor, adventurous spirit, love of 
life, and wide smile made every moment spent with him a good one. 
Daniel Webster, speaking of early American leaders said, ``While others 
doubted, they were resolved; where others hesitated they pressed 
forward.'' In this spirit, at the age of 17 while still in High School, 
Russ enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed basic infantry training at 
Ft. Benning, GA, in July 2002. Next came a 1-year tour of duty in South 
Korea with the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, followed by 
assignment to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain 
Division, Fort Drum, NY, and a 1-year tour of duty to Iraq from 
September 2003 to September 2004. Back in the United States during 
2005, he successfully completed the U.S. Army's warrior leadership 
course, combat lifesaver course, and sniper school. In March 2006, he 
deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring 
Freedom.
  Tragically, in June 2006 during combat operations in the mountains of 
Korengel, Afghanistan, this brave soldier died of injuries sustained 
when his unit came under small arms fire. Sergeant Durgin's awards and 
decorations include two Bronze Star Medals, one with the combat 
distinguishing ``V'' device, two Army Commendation Medals, one with the 
combat distinguishing ``V'' device, two Army Achievement Medals, the 
Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service 
Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on 
Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned 
Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas 
Service Ribbon 2, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Expert Weapons 
Qualification Badge.
  Patriots from the State of New Hampshire have served our Nation with 
honor and distinction from Bunker Hill to Kabul--and U.S. Army SGT 
Russell Durgin served in that fine tradition. Friends and family said 
he loved his work and was fiercely committed to the Army and to the 
people with whom he served. During these chaotic and violent times, 
Russ dedicated himself to serving his Nation because in his heart, he 
sensed a call to duty.
  My sympathy, condolences, and prayers go out to Russell's parents, 
Jean and Lester, and to his other family members and many friends who 
have suffered this most grievous loss. The death of Russ, only 23 years 
old, on an Afghan battlefield far from New Hampshire is also a great 
loss for our State, our benevolent Nation, and the world. He will be 
sorely missed by all; however, his family and friends may draw some 
comfort in knowing that because of his devotion, sense of duty, and 
selfless dedication, the safety and liberty of each and every American 
is more secure. In the words of Daniel Webster--may his remembrance be 
as long lasting as the land he honored. God bless Russell M. Durgin.

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