[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 102 (Friday, July 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ERIC CANTOR

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2006

  Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important 
contributions and deep sacrifices that our men and women in the 
military make. I would like to share the experience of one of my 
constituents, Major Jeff Farmer, who recently returned from Iraq and 
sent me this message:

       I'll leave you with a little story. After going on R&R 
     three months earlier (to date I'd been away from my home for 
     more than twelve months), I flew into Atlanta National 
     Airport from Kuwait for a layover waiting for the next flight 
     to Charlottesville, VA. I had on my same uniform that I had 
     been wearing for 36 straight hours. I was trying to get home 
     to my family. I was hungry so I went into an Appleby's in the 
     airport terminal. I did not feel very patriotic so I found a 
     corner booth and dropped my pack next to the floor by my 
     table. I was tired so I put my head down as if to meditate 
     and trying not to attract any attention. I was not quite sure 
     if I wanted to eat or sleep however both were weighing 
     heavily on my mind. The waiter came to my table and reminded 
     me that I could not drink alcohol in the airport in uniform 
     because of General Order #1. I told the waiter that was OK. I 
     was not drinking anyway. My eyes were a little hazy and I was 
     appreciating the look of free people walking around and 
     enjoying each other's conversation. It was refreshing and 
     distracted my attention while I was trying to look at the 
     menu and order. It was nice to hear a baby cry, people laugh, 
     and just enjoy what they were doing without consequences or 
     repercussions. The environment was very warm which made me 
     feel a little envious of my experience and if they really 
     knew how good life really is. My meal finally came and I ate 
     slowly trying to taste, smell, and enjoy every bite. French 
     fries never tasted so good.
       After an enjoyable meal I slowly got up and walked over to 
     the counter to ask for my waiter so I could pay and leave. 
     The cashier said, ``Don't worry. The meal is covered.'' I 
     thanked him and he said don't thank me. Four different people 
     offered to pay your meal and when I told the other three the 
     meal was paid in full they said, ``Keep the money for the 
     next soldier coming in.'' As I turned from the counter with 
     my pack on my back people began to stand, thank me, pat my 
     back, and applaud. Tears filled my eyes. I was humbled. Just 
     the thought and gesture made me feel proud of what I was 
     doing and my service to my country. At that moment I knew I 
     was home.

  We owe Major Jeff Farmer and his fellow servicemen and women a debt 
of gratitude for helping preserve freedom and democracy.

                          ____________________