[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 129 (Wednesday, November 15, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10954-S10957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                  LANCE CORPORAL CHRISTOPHER P. LYONS

  Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, this afternoon I come to the Senate floor 
to pay tribute to Marine LCpl Christopher Lyons from Mansfield, OH. On 
July 28, 2005, Lance Corporal Lyons was killed when his unit 
encountered hostile fire in Iraq. He was only 24 years old.
  Lance Corporal Lyons is survived by his wife Bethany and their 
daughter Ella; his mother Phyllis Lyons; his father and step-mother, 
Paul and Debbie Lyons; his grandmothers Irmil Humphreys and Joyce 
Lyons; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
  Christopher's family and friends remember him as an exceptional young 
man, someone who was always full of fun. With a quick wit and an 
infectious smile, his own love of life always brought happiness to 
those around him. Caring, selfless, loving, and extremely intelligent, 
Christopher had the gift of bringing out the best in everyone. He was 
simply the type of person who stood out in a crowd.
  Christopher graduated in 1999 from Shelby High School, where he was 
enrolled in the Tech Prep Program at Pioneer Career and Technology 
Center. His vice-principal, Tim Tarvin, describes him as a ``big-
hearted kid, who always wanted to do the right thing for people.''
  Kevin Adkins, Christopher's youth pastor, remembers the impact that 
Christopher had on everyone who knew him. He said this:

       As a teenager, [Christopher] was the type of man that I 
     have always strived to be. I'm not so sure how much I 
     actually taught him, but just by his life, alone, he has 
     taught me volumes. As a pastor, I was both humbled and 
     uplifted by Chris's excellence and tenacity toward life. His 
     example will live on in the many lives (like ours) that he 
     has touched. I hope to raise my own two sons to be of such 
     caliber.

  After completing school, Christopher became a sales representative in 
the advertising department at the News Journal in Mansfield, Ohio. 
Advertising Director Scott Miller describes him as a polite young man 
who always took his obligations seriously. And Tom Brennan, publisher 
of the News Journal, said this about him:

       Christopher was an outstanding young man. He was the 
     ultimate professional. Simply put, he was polite and 
     positive. Any employer would have found a spot for him. The 
     staff here will surely miss him.

  Christopher's widow Bethany recalls her husband's ability to make 
everyone laugh and the way that he would tickle her to get her to 
smile. They were married in September 2003. Christopher's youth pastor 
remembers meeting Bethany for the first time. He remarked, ``I will 
always remember that I thought you two were the cutest couple I have 
ever seen. It would take a very special person to catch Chris's eye.''
  Christopher was inspired to join the military by the terrorist 
attacks of September 11, 2001. His unit was called to active duty in 
2005, and Christopher was sent to California for training. In March of 
that same year, he was deployed to Iraq.
  Months before his deployment, Christopher and Bethany became 
expectant parents. For Christopher, who was so devoted to his family, 
it was a momentous occasion, and he was so proud of a t-shirt he wore 
with the word ``Daddy'' on the front of it.
  Christopher's daughter Ella was born while her father was serving in 
Iraq. Although he was overseas, Christopher was able to see his new 
daughter on a web camera and in the many photos that his wife and his 
mother sent to him. And as she grows up, Ella will have numerous emails 
and photos from Christopher to treasure.
  Christopher regularly wrote to family and friends from Iraq. Two of 
these letters were sent to the News Journal in Mansfield and were 
published in their editorial pages. The letters told about 
Christopher's experience in Iraq, and what it was like to lose a 
sergeant in his unit during combat. ``When all is said and done,'' he 
wrote, ``the greatest act is when one of our own gives his or her life 
in service [to] our country and each other.''
  This, of course, is the sacrifice that Christopher, himself, made for 
our Nation and for the ideals of freedom and democracy that we all hold 
dear. Christopher believed in his mission in Iraq. And, while paying 
tribute to eight of his Marine brothers who had fallen in combat, he 
wrote the following in one of his letters:

       The Corps values of honesty, courage and commitment have 
     served as our cornerstone as we press on to put down the 
     insurgency and win the war on terror.
       The people [in the] villages were grateful for our 
     presence, often showing gratitude and appreciation by 
     offering tea, blankets, or simply a smile and wave.
       Seeing this reaffirms that we have a purpose working toward 
     a greater good in this country. Honoring our fallen brothers, 
     we will continue the fight upholding the highest standards 
     and working to break this dark oppressive force that lingers 
     over the Iraqi citizens.

  These are very impressive words, Mr. President, from a young man who 
was just 24-years-old.
  Christopher's widow remembers that Christopher realized he could be 
killed while in serving in Iraq. But, she also remembers that 
Christopher, after being deployed, ``saw how much good the United 
States was doing for Iraq.''
  Christopher's first person accounts of Lima Company's heroism spread 
to the

[[Page S10955]]

families and friends of readers eager to hear from one of their own. In 
Greenwich, OH, Christopher's 9 year-old cousin Devin Back wrote of 
Christopher's heroism in a poem entitled, ``My Hero:''

     My hero is my cousin, Christopher.
     He is nice.
     He is playful.
     He is in Iraq.
     My cousin is very smart.
     Christopher, my cousin, is not afraid of anything.
     He is cool. He is happy a lot.
     He writes to us from Iraq.
     He takes a lot of risks.

  Christopher's aunt Gwen Gwinner remembers that he never said anything 
bad about anyone. And his cousin Amy Blevins remembers that he was the 
definition of honorable, even before he joined the Marines. Throughout 
his entire life, Christopher was simply the kind of person who was 
respectful of and considerate to everyone.
  Christopher's mother describes her son as her best friend, as someone 
who was always ``kind, gentle, caring, compassionate, and giving.''
  ``People have said to me how proud I must be of him,'' she said. ``I 
was proud of him before he entered the military because of his 
integrity and his ability to let things roll off his back.''
  At an early age, Phyllis taught her son the importance of honesty, 
hard work, and respect. Christopher used an acronym to encompass his 
beliefs and values. The acronym was ``WHO:'' W- for willingness--to 
always be willing to do what you must and what is asked of you; H- for 
honesty and integrity--to be honest about what and why you do what you 
do; and O for obedience--always obey those who have rule over you, 
including God first and your mother.
  From boot camp and Iraq, Christopher would write his mother Phyllis 
to say that he would keep the faith and be alright--and that he knew 
``WHO'' he was. Phyllis says it is Christopher she now turns to for 
comfort. ``He is now my strength and guidance,'' she said.
  I am honored that I had the opportunity to meet Christopher's family 
and friends during a memorial in his honor, all of whom remember him as 
a special and unique person. He will never be forgotten by those who 
knew him. Christopher was an avid Scrabble player, and there was a 
message for him spelled out in Scrabble letters at his funeral. It read 
simply: ``B-E-L-O-V-E-D'' beloved.
  The spirit of LCpl Christopher Lyons will never be forgotten. He had 
an insight into life and a sense of humor that was truly unique. He 
understood the importance of service, and was a man who was dedicated 
to family, community, and country.
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep the family of LCpl Christopher 
Lyons in our thoughts and prayers.


                      MAJOR RAMON J. MENDOZA, JR.

  Mr. President, I also rise today to pay tribute to Marine MAJ Ramon 
J. Mendoza Jr., from Columbus, OH. On November 15, 2005, Major Mendoza 
died from wounds that were sustained when an improvised explosive 
device detonated near his vehicle. He was 37 years old. He is survived 
by his wife Karen, his daughter Kiana, and his son Aleksandr. He is 
also survived by his two brothers Niola and Jermaine.
  The death of Major Ray Mendoza has been felt by many. He was a man 
considered indestructible--someone whom his friends and family describe 
as ``larger than life.'' His smile will always be remembered. It was 
huge and put everyone he met immediately at ease.
  Ray was also devoted to serving his Nation and his Marines. He was 
dedicated, compassionate, and hard-working. His death is a loss not 
only for those who knew and loved him, but for our entire country.
  Ray was born in Pleasantville, NJ, in 1968. He moved to Queens, NY, 
as a boy and graduated from John Adams High School in 1986. He then 
attended the prestigious Blair Academy in New Jersey for a year of 
study, where he was captain of the football team and a member of the 
wrestling team.
  Many admired Ray at Blair Academy for his hard work and dedication. 
Bob Latessa, his former wrestling coach, remembers that ``There was no 
task too tall. He never got down. He never ever felt sorry for himself 
or felt like he couldn't do something. This is a kid that just blew 
everybody away. I feel lucky and privileged to have known him.''
  Ray carried his tremendous work ethic and positive attitude with him 
to the Ohio State University, where he was a heavyweight wrestler. 
Coach Russ Hellickson described him as an aggressive athlete who 
pursued his goals with passion. ``He wasn't a guy who stood around,'' 
he said. Coach Hellickson will never forget the young man who was one 
of his star wrestlers. Ray ``forced the action and went after things,'' 
he recalled. ``He was a pleasure to watch. I always felt he was a very 
mature kid. He was committed to accomplishing what he set out to do.''
  Ray lettered for the Buckeyes in 1992 and 1993 and was the Big Ten 
runner-up in the heavyweight division in 1993. His contributions to the 
Buckeyes will never be forgotten. They placed fourth in the Nation 
while he was there, and Ray's overtime victory against a reigning champ 
in the 1993 Big Ten tournament remains one of the program's most 
thrilling moments. Adam DiSabato, one of Ray's former teammates, 
remembers that Ray was the ``key ingredient'' to their team. ``He 
solidified our team,'' he said. ``He was the type of guy who wouldn't 
argue if you told him to do something that would benefit the team.''
  Today, wrestlers at Ohio State remember Ray by wearing a patch 
bearing his name on their singlets. And during one game, the OSU 
football team wore a decal on their helmets in Ray's memory.
  While he was attending OSU, Ray met Karen Miller, the love of his 
life. Karen recalls that Ray began thinking of joining the Marines soon 
after graduating. According to Karen, he simply felt that it was his 
calling. She said, ``We were married and getting set to launch a 
family. He said, `I just have to do this.' It was almost like a calling 
to the pulpit.''
  Ray completed Officer Candidate School at Quantico, VA, and entered 
the Marine Corps in February 1995. He was commissioned Second 
Lieutenant in August 1995 and assigned as an infantry officer at the 
basic school.
  While in the military, Ray continued his competitive wrestling 
career. He competed for the All-Marine Wrestling Team and was the 
Central Region Olympic Trial Greco-Roman Champion at 100 kilograms. One 
year, he placed second in the nation in the Armed Services National 
Wrestling Tournament. And in 1996, Ray was able to live the dream of 
millions when he became an alternate for the U.S. wrestling team at the 
Olympic Games in Atlanta.
  But Ray was much more than an incredible wrestling talent. He brought 
the same dedication and determination that he had displayed on the mat 
to his service as a Marine. In October 1997, Ray was selected for 
augmentation and promoted to the rank of captain. He now had a regular 
commission in the United States Marine Corps.
  Ray was deployed to Iraq with his unit in June 2003. Upon being 
redeployed after combat, he assumed command of Echo Company. And on 
October 1, 2005, Ray was promoted to the rank of major in the 
operational theatre.
  Ray was a true leader in the Marines who always inspired others. 
Courage and dedication were attributes that he repeatedly displayed. In 
Husayba, Iraq, Ray positioned himself at the point of attack to 
maneuver his platoons and attachments, without regard to his own 
safety. While leading from the front, Ray enabled his company to defeat 
several enemy strong points and allowed the battalion to maintain its 
initiative as it advanced through the city.
  MG Richard F. Natonski said this about the service of Ray and his 
comrades in Iraq:

       For a period of 9 days--starting November 5, 2005--Echo 
     Company made history. Company Echo, under Mendoza's 
     leadership, cleared over 600 buildings, found 16 weapon 
     caches, and detained more than 300 insurgents.

  Major Mendoza was truly loved by the marines under his command. SSG 
Boyde Allen described him as ``the best platoon commander I've ever 
served under.'' And, SGT David Sanchez remembers Major Mendoza's effort 
to get to know his marines, and how one day he took the time to ask him 
about his sister's wedding ceremony. ``He was really surprising,'' said 
Sergeant Sanchez. ``He really knew his marines.''

[[Page S10956]]

  Ray's service to this Nation has earned him many awards, including a 
posthumous Bronze Star. But the awards are not what matter most. 
According to Ray's wife:

       Awards are great, but the most fulfilling reward I can 
     receive and our family can receive is knowing that the 
     Marines completed their mission. His boys finished the job.

  Karen has started the Ray Mendoza Blair Wrestling Scholarship fund in 
her husband's memory, which will provide a financial contribution to a 
student-athlete attending Blair Academy. And Karen's own bravery and 
dedication to the Corps have been remarkable to everyone around her. 
``She's a phenomenal example for all of us,'' said Judy L. Svendsen, 
Karen's longtime friend. ``She's always thinking of the military 
families, putting them first.''
  Mr. President, those who knew Ray all agree that he died doing what 
he loved to do--and that was leading marines. ``He was always right in 
the friction,'' remembers 1SG Dennis J. Downing. ``He always thought 
his best point of view was right up there with the Marines.''
  Perhaps the words of SGM Sylvester D. Daniels say it best:

       We all love Major Mendoza, make no mistake about that.

  Without a doubt, Ray will continue to lead and inspire even after his 
passing. Karen says that she will never forget what happened shortly 
after receiving word that her husband had died. Her 8-year-old son, 
Alec, wrote a note and hung it from his bedroom door. The note read,

       Be a leader, not a follower.

  I would like to conclude with words from a tribute that Ray's former 
wrestling coach wrote and posted on the Ohio State web site:

       Much like in the Marines, success on the wrestling mat is a 
     consequence of the diligence and discipline that goes in to 
     the training. Ray knew the only way to truly perform was to 
     immerse yourself in the preparation. Do it hard, do it right, 
     and do it relentlessly with passionate resolve.
       Ray put his heart and soul into every lift, every run and 
     every match he ever wrestled for the Buckeyes. To a man, his 
     teammates are grieving today. To know Ray, was to love him 
     and respect him. No excuses ever! He was never absent, never 
     late, and always ready to do his part with a smile and 100% 
     commitment.
       Ray was a powerful man with a kind and caring heart. He was 
     the ultimate team player in that he cared as much or more 
     about you as he did about himself. Ray loved his family, he 
     loved his fellow Marines, and he loved his wrestling 
     Buckeyes.
       Ray showed us all that leadership is not a position, it is 
     an action. Ray is my hero, too. Good bye, my friend.

  My wife Fran and I will continue to keep the family and friends of 
Ray Mendoza in our thoughts and prayers. He was a truly outstanding 
marine. He was a truly outstanding human being. He will never be 
forgotten.


                     Corporal Jeffrey A. Boskovitch

  Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute on the Senate floor to 
Marine Cpl Jeffrey Allen Boskovitch of Seven Hills, OH. Corporal 
Boskovitch was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th 
Marine Division, based in Brook Park, OH. He was one of six members of 
a sniper unit to be killed on August 1, 2005, by small-arms fire in 
Iraq. He was 25 years of age.
  Jeff--as he was called by family and friends--lived a life that 
epitomized the virtues of bravery and dedication. His zest for life was 
both admirable and rare. He loved shooting pool with friends, bungee 
jumping, hot-air ballooning, and playing paint-ball. In the eyes of his 
young nephews, he was the ``best'' because he was so ``cool'' and 
because he loved the videogame HALO as much as they did. He is greatly 
missed by everyone who knew him.
  Jeff graduated from Normandy High School in 1999, where he played 
quarterback and wide receiver for the Invaders. Soon after graduating, 
he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves and began studying criminal 
justice at Cuyahoga Community College. He graduated from the program as 
president of his class in 2001. At the time he was sent overseas, he 
was working full time as a corporate security supervisor for National 
City Bank and part time as a deputy with the Geauga County Sheriff.
  One of Jeff's classmates, Tim Ellis, recognized his friend's natural 
gifts as a leader. Tim remembers how Jeff--who was in outstanding 
shape--would fall back in order to encourage the slower guys during 
their training runs. ``Hang in there,'' he would say, ``only one lap 
left.'' Tim wrote the following in remembrance of his friend on an 
Internet tribute page:

       Jeff was elected class president without asking for it or 
     even mentioning it. He was a born leader. Jeff had a higher 
     calling, and I will forever look up to him.

  In January of 2005, Jeff followed that higher calling when his unit 
was deployed to Iraq. And Jeff found more than comrades in his sniper 
unit--he found brothers. They became a tightly knit group, so close 
that Jeff later declined a promotion just to be able to stay with them.
  I would like to quote the words of SGT Brian Casagrande, who served 
with the snipers of 3-25. In a eulogy for his fallen comrade, he had 
this to say:

       Jeff Boskovitch was the platoon clown. He had a great sense 
     of humor. He would often imitate other people and we loved to 
     pick on him too. . . . He proved himself to be a valuable 
     asset to the platoon, and was a comforting, sometimes comical 
     voice on the other side of the handset.

  Jeff loved his unit, and he loved his marines. According to his 
father Jim, ``He was always one to do the honorable thing.'' And in the 
words of his uncle Dan, Jeff ``had the biggest heart in the world. He 
was just a great kid.''
  Jeff truly was a person who cared deeply. One example of his 
compassion is the story about a puppy that Jeff found in a paper bag 
carried by an Iraqi boy. He asked the child to sell the puppy to him 
for a quarter and three jellybeans. The boy agreed, and Jeff named the 
dog Beans. Beans became the mascot of the entire 3-25 and would help 
them on missions. One time, she even alerted the unit to an attempted 
ambush. In an e-mail to his mother, Kathy, Jeff expressed the love for 
his new friend with the following simple words: ``Beans is so cool.'' 
He sent his mother pictures of Beans, and Kathy began to raise money to 
bring the dog back to Ohio.
  After Jeff died, Kathy embarked on a quest, a quest to bring his dog 
Beans home, petitioning the aid of both politicians and military 
officials. The story of ``Operation Beans'' was printed in newspapers 
in both the United States and Iraq. Three months later, after crossing 
the Atlantic on a military transport plane, Beans disembarked in Ohio 
and found Jeff's mother Kathy waiting for her. On the way home, Beans 
and Kathy made a stop at Jeff's final resting place.
  Jeff was a young man who had a bright future before him. He was an 
aspiring police officer, someone willing to step forward as a role 
model for the entire community and for those who loved him.
  Jeff was also planning a family. Days before he was killed, he spoke 
with his beloved fiancee, Shelly Tevis, and selected a date for their 
wedding. The date was to be October 14, 2006. In Shelly's words, ``Jeff 
just embodied wholesomeness and strength, everyone looked up to him, 
and we will miss him very, very much.''
  Mr. President, I would like to conclude with the words of Jeff's 
father. This is what he said about his son:

       We're proud of him. And we look at him as a true hero--just 
     like the other men and women who are serving in Iraq.

  Indeed, the world is a better place because Jeff Boskovitch was in 
it. He will forever be remembered for his sincere compassion to help 
and serve others, for his sense of humor, and for his dedication to his 
friends, family, and country. He will be remembered as a devoted son, a 
kind brother, a beloved fiancee, and the best friend of a dog named 
Beans.
  My wife Fran and I will continue to keep Jeff's family and friends in 
our thoughts and in our prayers.


                      Lance Corporal Aaron H. Reed

  Mr. President, I come to the Senate floor today to talk about Marine 
LCpl Aaron Reed from Chillicothe, OH, and pay tribute to him. On August 
3, 2005, Lance Corporal Reed was killed when his military vehicle was 
hit by an improvised explosive device during combat operations in Iraq. 
He was only 21 years old--just 20 days shy of his 22nd birthday.
  Aaron was one of the marines with Lima Company--Marine Force 
Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, 
based in Columbus, OH. Everyone knows their story, which is one that 
has touched hearts across this Nation. On the day

[[Page S10957]]

Aaron died, 13 other men in his unit--eight of them from Ohio--died 
alongside him. It was a tragedy that was felt by the Nation and felt by 
the State of Ohio.
  Aaron's family and friends remember him as a quiet young man with an 
upbeat demeanor. His smile was truly something special. With it, he 
could light up an entire room. He was easy-going and social with his 
friends, always ready to laugh. At the same time, though, when it came 
time to get things done, no one worked harder than he did.
  Aaron's capacity for leadership was unique, and he was active in both 
his church and community. His words always had a great impact on those 
who heard them. A 2001 graduate of Southeastern High School--where he 
had run both cross-country and track and field--he had been elected by 
his classmates to serve as senior class president. Leonard Steyer, 
Aaron's principal, said, ``When you're senior class president, that 
should tell you quite a bit about what kind of young man he was.''
  Aaron was also known for his compassion. His mother Sara was active 
with Habitat for Humanity, and they were planning to help build a house 
together when Aaron returned from Iraq. In the words of Cody Elam, one 
of Aaron's friends from high school, Aaron ``was the kind of guy to 
give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.''
  Aaron joined the Marines shortly after graduating. He wasn't the 
first member of his family to serve in the military--his older brother 
Matt was stationed in Kosovo at the time. According to his father, 
Steve, Aaron simply wanted the challenge of being a marine.
  It is impossible to remember LCpl Aaron Reed without also remembering 
the other marines of Lima Company. The bond among these men was 
something we do not see every day. They were truly brothers. Because 
Aaron had dark hair and glasses, they nicknamed him after the fictional 
wizard ``Harry Potter.''
  Before his death, Aaron had been promoted to team leader. According 
to his friend Joey Barker, Aaron was spending almost all of his spare 
time analyzing past missions to better prepare for the next one. But, 
this is simply the kind of man Aaron was--always hard-working and 
always willing to do his best for others.
  Aaron kept in touch with his family and friends regularly while in 
Iraq, calling and e-mailing frequently. Aaron and his friend Joey had 
been playing an intense game of tic-tac-toe through the mail. Joey 
remembers that Aaron had been ``in one of the best moods he'd ever 
heard him, laughing and joking around.'' At the time, he had been in 
Iraq since March 2005, and was scheduled to come home in late 
September.
  Aaron's dad's last communication from Aaron was through e-mail, a 
short note letting him know his son was safe. His dad still chuckles 
when he reads the greeting--``Hey Daddy-O,'' using the nickname he had 
given his father, ``nothing much going on here. Just the daily grind . 
. . Just thought I'd drop you a short note to let you know I was doing 
fine.'' And in an e-mail to his mother, Sara, Aaron wrote, ``Mom, I'm 
just out here doing the best I know how to do.''
  It was typical of Aaron to describe his service in Iraq as ``nothing 
much.'' He was always willing to serve others and do so with a cheerful 
smile on his face.
  Aaron remained positive throughout his time in Iraq. Angela Flowers 
had been his friend since the time they met in seventh grade, and the 
two wrote each other frequently during Aaron's deployment. Aaron called 
when he was able, and Angela remembers the last time they talked. ``He 
was extremely optimistic and positive,'' she said. ``He was still the 
same old Reed.''
  Hundreds of mourners gathered at Aaron's funeral to pay their 
respects. Family and friends talked about Aaron the jokester, Aaron the 
faithful friend, and Aaron the steadfast teammate. They also laughed 
and told funny tales about joy riding and the typical teenage pranks 
that Aaron had played.
  They also spoke of Aaron's faith in God. Aaron was wearing a cross 
around his neck when he died. It was recovered and returned to his 
mother Sara. She wears that cross every day.
  At his funeral, Aaron's friend Joey played guitar and sang one of 
Aaron's favorite songs: ``The Dance,'' by Garth Brooks. ``We all loved 
Aaron, and Aaron loved all of us,'' Joey said. ``He left this world 
much better than he found it.''
  Aaron had big plans for his life. He was planning to attend college 
when he returned from Iraq. He loved to write, and his father believes 
Aaron would have become an excellent writer. ``He had the heart of a 
poet,'' his father said. ``And he wrote some very good things.''
  Aaron will never be forgotten. A memorial scholarship has been 
established in his honor. Family, friends, community members, and 
complete strangers gave willingly and generously. Almost $25,000 has 
been raised, and the first scholarship of $1,000 was granted last 
spring to a graduating Southeastern senior.
  Aaron's mother Sara also worked to build a Habitat house in his honor 
and in the honor of Army SPC Gavin Colburn, another Ohioan from Aaron's 
hometown who also lost his life serving in Iraq. Aaron had told his 
mother that when he got home, they would volunteer together to help 
build a Habitat house. After his death, several of Aaron's friends 
worked with his mother Sara to help his dream become a reality. 
Fittingly, they decided to name the building Hometown Hero House.
  I had the privilege of meeting several of Aaron's family members and 
friends at a service held in his honor. Each remembers the beaming, 
megawatt smile that would always light up Aaron's face. And they will 
always remember that Aaron died while serving our Nation.
  ``Aaron believed in what he was doing, which made him my hero,'' his 
father Steve said. ``Now he's everyone's hero.''
  Mr. President, 21 years, 11 months, and 11 days was the short time 
that Aaron lived on this Earth, but we are all better off because of 
the time he did live. He was a young man who genuinely loved life and 
had compassion for others. His dedication to his friends, family, 
community, and country was unmatched. Aaron is a model of what we all 
hope our children will become.
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep the family of Aaron Reed in our 
thoughts and prayers.
  I thank the Chair and yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Dakota.
  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I say to my colleague, Senator DeWine, 
those have been very moving tributes to fallen soldiers from his State 
of Ohio. He has set a good example for all of us on recognizing the 
service and sacrifice of those from his home State. I find as I listen 
to those tributes that they are extremely well done. I thank the 
Senator for that.
  I also wish to acknowledge that the Senator from Ohio will be leaving 
at the end of this term and that I have very much appreciated working 
with him. He has been one of the very serious Members of this body, and 
we are going to miss him. I wanted to say to him that I certainly 
appreciate his service in the Senate. He has always been a constructive 
colleague, somebody who was working diligently to try to solve problems 
facing the country. We very much appreciate his dedication to the 
country.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Ohio.
  Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I thank my colleague and tell him that I 
have enjoyed working with him very much. We have worked on things 
together. You can work across the aisle in this body and get things 
done. I thank him for his very kind and generous words.

                          ____________________