[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 133 (Wednesday, December 6, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11301-S11307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES
Corporal Michael Cifuentes
Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I come to the Floor today to honor a brave
Ohioan, Marine LCpl Michael Cifuentes, from Fairfield, who was killed
in the line-of-duty when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive
device in Iraq on August 3, 2005. Michael is survived by his parents,
Gregory and Carolyn, his brother Daniel, and his fiance Tara Reynolds.
Friends, family, and fellow marines remember Michael, first and
foremost, for his kind and generous spirit. A 1998 graduate of St.
Xavier High School in Cincinnati and then a 2002 graduate of my alma
marter, Miami University, Michael chose to postpone his upcoming
graduate studies in math education in order to serve in the U.S. Marine
Corps.
Michael was known as having a soft spot in his heart for children,
and eventually, he wanted to become a math teacher. To make the most of
his time before graduate school, Michael was a substitute teacher at
Talawanda Middle School in Oxford, OH. Principal Sharon Lytle remembers
that he was an excellent teacher, who was well liked by his students
and who exhibited a special willingness to help those requiring special
instruction. She said the following about Michael:
He was always willing to take the toughest cases. He was a
real team player [and] unfailingly polite and respectful. A
lot of college kids come in here just more relaxed. He was
just more mature.
Mark Hinkle, Michael's uncle, said that Michael was a great teacher--
a teacher who also always wanted to be a Marine. Michael taught Mark's
10-year-old daughter at Talawanda Middle School. His uncle said that
Michael ``just loved the kids.''
Michael held a graduate assistantship through iDiscovery, an online
program for teachers, until he was called for duty in the Marine Corps
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Reserve. Sara Hayes, coordinator of this teaching program, said that
``Michael was a bright, funny, caring personality, and he would have
made an excellent math teacher.'' Hayes' sentiments are frequently
echoed by friends and family alike.
Michael was always a wonderful friend, and he made an impact upon
everyone whom he met. St. Xavier marching band member Kyle Metzroth
recalls a particularly humorous moment with Michael:
I only knew Mike for a year. I was a freshman in the
marching band the year he was a senior. I can remember him
for always having a smile, and I remember a lot of laughs.
But, the one solid, concrete memory I have of Mike was a trip
up to Cleveland for the St. Ignatius football game that fall.
Mike was a sousaphone player in the band, and if I remember
correctly, he had forgotten it on this trip, or it was
broken, or something of that nature. The important fact was
that he was unable to march with it.
The band director was going to allow him to march anyway
without an instrument. But I guess to some true bandsmen,
marching without an instrument, just doesn't cut it. There
was one extra instrument lying around among the band. The
difficulty with this instrument was the fact that it had
strings--[it was] a banjo. One of the other bandsmen must
have brought it with him as something to do on the bus ride.
Little did we know that we were about to witness St. Xavier
High School's very first marching banjo! To this day, people
I know in the band still talk about it.
At Miami University, Michael continued to play in the marching band--
tuba, actually--and was actively involved in the Acacia fraternity, was
the head manager for the women's basketball team, and was a member of
Miami's Naval ROTC.
Miami University Marching Band Director David Shaffer said this about
Michael:
[He] always gave 100 percent. He loved Miami football and
was the team's loudest voice from the stands. With great
enthusiasm, he was always the first in line for the tuba
snake and the one to ring the President's doorbell during the
Band Day parade. I know Mike was a very proud Marine and a
true American. We can only be thankful that Mike was with us
for 25 years. He was our friend, our brother, and our
defender.
It was at Miami University that Michael met his fiance Tara Reynolds.
Michael's friends say that one of the happiest moments of Michael's
life was when Tara agreed to be his wife.
Friend Janice Hughes said that ``Michael was always looking for the
right girl. When he met her, they clicked, (and) he was really excited
to talk about her.''
Michael planned for the perfect proposal. In fact, he puts most
people to shame when it comes to creative proposals. After going over
the details for weeks with his fraternity brothers as a way to quell
his nervousness, Michael sat with Tara on an outdoor wooden bench with
a packet of recent photos. Mixed into the pile was a snapshot of him
holding a sign reading: ``Will You Marry Me?'' She, of course, said
``yes.''
A few months after their engagement, Michael's Marine reserve unit
was activated and left Oxford for Iraq.
Tom Fennell, president of the Acacia fraternity, said this about
Michael:
Spending time with Mike in formal and social situations
immediately led us to understand his love for his friends,
family, fiance, and country. . . . The best word to describe
Michael was `committed.' He was committed to his fiance, and
he was committed to the Marines.
Pride is another recurring word used to describe Michael. Chris
Rhoton, assistant principal at Talawanda Middle School, said that pride
``was how he felt about being called up. Michael was patriotic, mature,
and respectful. He was a great role model. Students and anyone who met
him just respected him immediately. He enhanced the lives of several
kids here.''
The Reverend John Ferone perhaps summed it up best when he said,
``Michael was a lover, a reconciler . . . a person who was able to give
everything away so that this world would be a better place.''
Michael's parents included a tribute to their son as part of the
program distributed to attendees of his memorial service. This is what
they wrote:
We will celebrate Michael's life for the good that he
brought to this world. With his buddies and fellow Marines,
he was trying to bring a better life to a people who have
suffered for too long.
My wife Fran and I continue to keep Michael's family and friends in
our thoughts and prayers.
SPECIALIST ROBERT SWANEY
Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a fellow Ohioan and a
brave soldier--Army SPC Robert Swaney, of West Jefferson, OH, who died
on July 30, 2005, from injuries sustained when his military vehicle
struck an improvised explosive device in Iraq. He was 21 years old.
Robert was an enthusiastic and passionate young man--someone who
approached his life with a whole-hearted determination and zeal. In the
words of his Uncle Joe, ``Robert lived and died giving it his all.''
Robert graduated from Marion-Franklin High School in 2003, where he
was known for his love of football. Despite being one of the smaller
players on the team, he fought with a true grit to prove himself on the
field. His passion, was an inspiration to his coach and his teammates.
``He was our `Rudy','' said Marion-Franklin head football coach, Gary
Tucker, referring to the 1993 film about a football player, small in
stature, who struggled against the odds to play college ball. As Coach
Tucker put it, ``Michael always gave 150 percent.''
A former teammate, then quarterback Tony McMichael, said that Robert
``lived and breathed football. . . . He knew how to pump people up.''
After graduation, Robert would return to Marion-Franklin to cheer on
the younger players. ``He was so involved, so spirited, so upbeat,''
Coach Tucker said. ``He felt like he could conquer anything.''
Robert's enthusiasm and willingness to get involved stretched beyond
the football field. He was a summer school teacher's aide at Marion-
Franklin and an aide for the Sunday school at Sts. Simon and Jude
Catholic Church of West Jefferson. He was an avid outdoorsman, and he
was also very active in West Jefferson Youth Athletic Association.
Shortly after graduating from Marion-Franklin High, Robert moved in
with his Aunt Angie and Uncle Joe, and his cousins Jordan, Riley,
Landon, and Ryan. ``He was a good kid,'' Angie said. ``We thought of
him as a son. He was just like one of the kids. He was such a beautiful
soul and spirit.''
Robert loved playing baseball, basketball, and football with his
younger cousins, as well as watching The Ohio State University Buckeyes
football games. His Uncle Joe fondly remembers the eagerness with which
Robert would help out at youth football games. ``He would run chains,
do the scoreboard, carry water, anything to help out the Peewee team,''
Joe said. ``He was so enthusiastic, you would have thought he was
coaching pro ball!''
Mr. President, Robert also loved animals and had a wicked sweet
tooth. ``He was a junk-food junkie,'' his Aunt Angie said. ``He'd eat
15 candy bars and three bags of chips in one sitting and never offer a
bite.''
Robert lived with his aunt and uncle until he enlisted in the Army.
He was inspired by the example of his older brother Thomas McClellan,
who had joined the Air Force. Although family members tried to persuade
Robert into either the Air Force or the Navy, Robert was adamant in his
decision to enlist in the Army. Robert's lifelong ambition, which he
had dreamed about since high school, was to become a nurse, and the
Army was where he could get the skills he needed to achieve that goal.
Robert was a good soldier. According to SGT Christopher Mills, Robert
had a ``determination to become a better soldier'' and ``never failed
to get the job done.'' Robert's brother Thomas said that ``he knew what
he was getting into, but that's Rob. He had a big heart. He always
wanted to help other people.''
Robert was assigned to the 3rd U.S. Armored Cavalry Regiment, Thunder
Squadron, based at Fort Carson, CO. That October, he married the woman
he loved--Alexandria--while on leave. Alexandria said that Robert
``would always be the first to let you know that he was the strongest
in our family, and he would do anything to take care of us.'' She also
remembers Robert's cheerful, outgoing nature. ``He was always trying to
find the good in people,'' she recalled. ``He would always love to
talk. He would always love to put a smile on [my] face.''
While in Iraq, Robert frequently wrote to his family. His last letter
home was sent to his 8-year-old cousin Riley. He wrote to Riley that
keeping her safe was all the encouragement he
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needed. He wrote: ``I can't promise that I will make it home . . . but
I promise I will return a hero.''
Robert Swaney did, indeed, become a hero. He was a young man who
always put the well-being of others before his own. In recognition of
his outstanding service, the Army posthumously promoted him to
specialist.
I would like to conclude by quoting from a letter that Robert wrote
to his mother. This is what he wrote:
I want you to know that I'm doing well and doing what I
enjoy the most--serving the people of the United States of
America.
My wife Fran and I continue to keep Robert's family and friends in
our thoughts and in our prayers.
LANCE CORPORAL TAYLOR B. PRAZYNSKI
Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a fallen marine--LCpl
Taylor B. Prazynski from Fairfield, OH. Lance Corporal Prazynski was
killed on May 9, 2005, by an indirect fire explosion while in combat in
Iraq. He was only 20 years old.
As a young boy growing up in Fairfield, Taylor dreamed of being a
soldier. He was born on Veterans Day at an Air Force base where his
father John was serving in the military. John remembers that Taylor
loved to try on his dad's uniform as a boy and was simply destined to
join the military.
As a child, his favorite hangout was an Army surplus store. Today, a
photo of 6-year-old Taylor in a military camouflage jumpsuit and beret
still hangs there.
Taylor joined the Marines shortly after graduating from Fairfield
High School in 2003. For him, there was simply no question of what it
was he wanted to do. As his father recalls, ``Taylor always said he was
where he was supposed to be and doing what he was supposed to be
doing.''
Taylor was a compassionate young man who loved kids. While a senior
in high school, he volunteered to serve as an aide for a classroom of
multihandicapped students. Some of the students he worked with
contacted Taylor's family when they heard news of his death.
Gary Staggs, an aide for the school's multihandicapped class,
described Taylor as a budding teacher who inspired students. He
remembers Fairfield graduate Josh Dixon, who was among the first to
line up to pay respects to Taylor at his funeral, which was held at the
Fairfield High School gym. Josh used a walker to enter the gym, and
Gary said it was Taylor's hard work in 2003 that helped Josh abandon
his wheelchair. According to Gary:
Taylor took it upon himself to set up Josh Dixon's braces
and lay down mats for his practice walks every school day. He
basically carried him. Then one day, Josh walks into the
classroom with Taylor by his side and both of them [were]
beaming with pride. . . . One person can make such a
difference in someone's life, and Taylor did that--and more.
Taylor was simply the kind of young man who cared so much for others.
As Gary Staggs put it:
He was big enough to bend over and help somebody else. He
was doing what he wanted to be doing. He helped kids, but he
also wanted to help society. He wanted to make a difference
in Iraq.
Friends describe Taylor as a hard-working man who loved art, played
football, and participated in track and field. He was well liked and
deeply respected by all who knew him.
Scott Datillo, the head football coach at Fairfield High School,
remembers Taylor's spirit of cooperation:
When you are a coach and want to develop a team, you want
kids like him. He bought into the team concept. He worked
hard and made the most of his abilities.
Taylor's tribute pages on the Internet continue to be filled in daily
by those who knew and loved him. He is so deeply missed. One friend,
Elizabeth Williams, wrote the following message to her dear friend
Taylor:
Taylor, words will never be able to express the void that I
have felt in my life and heart since you've been gone. . . .I
have always loved you with all of my heart, and I just hope
you knew that when you were here with us. There is not a
single day that goes by that I don't think about you and miss
you like crazy. Sometimes, I cannot help but think about
things that could have been; but, even on those days, all I
can think about are all the happy memories and the moments of
our lives together.
Fellow Marine Cpl Brent T. Willoughby, stationed in Afghanistan, says
this of Taylor:
I had the honor of meeting Taylor . . . in Louisville on
our way to Parris Island in November 2003. We were in the
same platoon and graduated on January 30, 2004. During our
time at Parris Island, I saw the love of life that Ski
(that's what we called him) possessed. As the lay reader for
a platoon, Ski asked me to pray with him on several
occasions, and he always let me know within a few days that
his prayers had been answered. His dedication and devotion to
this country and to his fellow marines will never be
forgotten. Rest assured that God has called him home and that
when we meet him again, he will be standing guard somewhere
in heaven smiling that timeless smile. Godspeed and Semper
Fi.
Taylor Prazynski was loved and admired by all those who knew him. He
will always be remembered. He had a bright future before him. His
father said that in the last months of his son's young life, Taylor had
spoken in phone calls from Iraq about wanting to become a special
education teacher.
More than 1,500 people came to Fairfield High School's gym to pay
final respects to Taylor. It was fitting that the stirring tribute to
the fallen hero took place at his high school, where the line of well-
wishers waiting to file past Taylor's coffin stretched over 100 yards.
His father said:
Taylor loved the idea of ``once a marine always a marine.''
Every time I spoke to him, I told him I loved him and that he
was my hero. We sent a boy to boot camp, and he came home a
man.
A compassionate young man, Taylor had a great big heart and a
tremendous sense of dedication to his family, community, and his
country.
My wife Fran and I continue to keep the family of Taylor Prazynski--
his father and stepmother, John and Carol, and his mother Claudia--in
our thoughts and our prayers.
Corporal Joshua D. Jones
Mr. President, this evening, I wish to pay tribute to Army Cpl Joshua
Jones, a soldier from Pomeroy, OH. On August 27, 2006, Joshua died in
Iraq when his humvee came under attack from enemy small arms fire. The
24-year-old soldier was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor
Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division based out of
Fort Hood, TX. Joshua leaves his wife Tiffany, his daughter Cami, and
their unborn child which Tiffany is expecting this coming March. He is
also survived by his mom Sandy, stepfather Arlyn, his father Gary,
stepmother Cindy, brothers Caleb, Peter, and Jacob, and sister
Alexandria.
Joshua completed his basic training at Fort Knox in May 2004 and went
to Iraq in December 2005. Joshua knew his mission in Iraq. He knew it
well. He knew that he was fighting so that those he loved--his friends,
family, and so many other Americans--would never have to. Friends tell
us he joined the Army to protect them.
The role of protector was not a new one for Joshua. He was born on
January 2, 1982, and was one of six children. Growing up, Joshua always
looked out for his younger siblings. His love of family was evident in
all his actions.
His dad beams with pride when talking about his son. Joshua's dad
recalls the passion and bravery Joshua showed when he talked with him
nearly 3 years ago about his decision to join the Army. According to
Gary:
Whenever [Joshua] talked about joining the Army, he always
said he was going to go fight so that his siblings would
never have to.
Joshua is lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing
this brave young man. Those who knew him best recall his energy, his
optimism, his warmth. They remember him doing the things he loved--
singing, traveling, racing remote-controlled cars, and riding all-
terrain vehicles in the hills and trails of southeastern Ohio. Family
friend David Kelly remembers Joshua as a young man who knew what he
wanted and that was simply to love and care for the people around him.
And there is no one whom Joshua loved more than his wife Tiffany.
This past September 12, they would have celebrated their 3-year wedding
anniversary. Tiffany is making sure that Joshua's character and heroism
are not forgotten. She made a book of pictures of their family and
Joshua's time in Iraq. Before his death, she also kept a Web site with
pictures and updates on his activities in Iraq. To be sure, Tiffany's
efforts will preserve Joshua's legacy for their children.
Joshua's family saw him for the last time in June, while he was home
on a 2-week leave after being in Iraq for half
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of a year. They made the most of every moment they had together before
he had to return. Josh loved his family so much.
Joshua was the very best kind of person--a man who put family and
Nation above all else. He was a great son, husband, and father. He
liked nothing more than to hold his wife and his daughter. Shortly
after his return to Iraq, Joshua received the wonderful news that
Tiffany was pregnant with their second child.
He called her every day from Iraq and often sent instant messages to
his parents. For Joshua, nothing was more important than staying in
touch with the people he loved.
Joshua's death is a loss to all of Meigs County. At his funeral, he
was remembered not just for his heroism but for the quality and
integrity of his life. As a soldier, he approached every task with
determination and purpose. Army BG Bruce Berwick lauded Joshua for his
service when he said the following:
No one will ever say Corporal Jones did nothing. He
confronted evil. He drove it back. He made a difference. He
died doing nothing less than saving this world.
One of Joshua's friends, Tammi Adamson, left the following message
for him on an Internet tribute Web site. She reflected on his devotion
to his country, his kindness, and the deep love he held for his family.
This is what Tammi wrote:
Thank you, Josh, for your most honorable and unselfish
service. I will never forget you, nor will I ever stop loving
you. You were like my brother, and I will miss you each and
every day. You are my hero and a hero to my children. Words
cannot express the sadness and the sorrow I feel for [your]
family. Anyone who knew [you would know that you were] a
wonderful person and husband who adored [your] wife and
[your] . . . daughter. May God keep you in His hand, and may
you rest now. Your mission is finished.
That was so beautifully said by his friend.
My wife Fran and I will continue to keep the friends and family of
Cpl Joshua D. Jones in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Specialist David H. Ford IV
Mr. President, this evening I pay honor and tribute to Army SPC David
H. Ford, IV, from Ironton, OH. Specialist Ford was a member of the 4th
Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry,
stationed at Fort Stewart, GA. On September 26, 2005, he was killed
when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle
while he was on patrol in Baghdad. He had turned 20 years old just 6
days before his death.
On September 10, 1985, David was born to Violet Adams Ford and David
Ford, III, in Norfolk, VA. David's family then moved to Ironton, OH. In
2003, David graduated from Ironton High School, where he was a big fan
of the football team.
David also liked to bowl. ``He was an excellent person,'' his Aunt
Minnie said. ``[H]e would give the last thing he could to anybody.''
David was a proud soldier. When he joined the Army, he was continuing
his family's tradition of military service. His father served in the
Navy for 20 years, and his brother Ray also serves in the Army. As
David's friend, Shannon Bare, said:
He always wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps.
His friends will remember him as a fun-loving young man who enjoyed
life. The Rev. Robert Pierce, David's pastor of 14 years, agrees that
David always had a smile for everyone. He said:
I'll always remember him as that grinning little boy.
Life wasn't always easy for David, however. His father passed away
while he was in junior high, and his house burned down before he
graduated from high school. But David always kept a brave smile on his
face. He simply dealt with hardship with unusual grace. His friend and
Ironton classmate, Rebecca Dingus, considers him a true example of
courage. This is what she said:
He was wonderful, such a strong person. He had been through
so much. He lost his father at a young age. His house burned
down our senior year, but he kept going. He had such a big
heart.
Indeed, this is the strength and spirit that helped David and his
family through their difficulties. David's friend Shannon remembers how
David always stayed positive:
He never had a sad look on his face. He always kept a smile
on his face. He made friends with everybody. He called me a
couple months ago to ask how everyone was doing back here.
David cared about people and they cared about him. He was deeply
loved by his family--his mother Violet, his fiancee Susie White, his
brother Ray, and his sister Kimberly. His mother said that David was a
responsible young man who loved life and was easy to love. He was her
``pride and joy.'' But she knows that he ``died doing what he wanted.''
That is what his mom said.
David joined the Army in 2003 after graduating from high school. He
planned to study forensic science after his military service was
completed. His cousin, J.P. Harris, said that David was interested in
forensic science and that ``[h]e wanted to get into CSI-type of
investigations.'' J.P. also said:
It makes you proud he was a member of your family. He was
the type of person who did what he was supposed to do.
Repeatedly, that is what friends and families said about David--that
he was such a good person, that he cared for his family, that he did
what was right and that made his family very proud. ``He was proud of
being a soldier,'' his mother remembers. ``He believed in standing up
for what he believed in.''
One of David's former teachers, Sue Blagg, remembers that David ``was
a quiet student. He always had his work in on time, and he was never
any trouble.'' David's work ethic, his kindness, and his optimism were
also apparent to those he served with in the Army. One of his comrades,
SGT Heath A. Hutchison, left the following message in David's memory on
an Internet tribute Web site. This is what he wrote:
There would never be enough to say about David. I knew him
well. He was always the guy to make me laugh, and now he
makes me cry. I will always remember him and all of the crazy
things that we did together. I will miss him, and I thank God
that I knew him.
At David's funeral, BG John C. Bartley read the following statement
from David's commanding officer in Iraq noting David's unforgettable
smile:
When I saw him, I thought to myself: My goodness, this
soldier looks so young. But as time went on, I saw him mature
from a boy into a man. Watching him grow amazed me. As first
gunner, I could see he was nervous, but before I knew it, he
was standing before me grinning from ear to ear.
David will be remembered with pride by all who knew him. Internet
tribute pages are full of comments from those individuals who remember
his warmth, his bravery, and how he could make any day brighter simply
by being himself. He was a great friend to many, and his death is a
loss for all. As his grandfather Ray Adams said:
I am proud of him. I am real proud. He was a fine boy. I
tell you, it is a great loss.
Indeed, David Ford was a remarkable person--a beloved son, grandson,
and brother. He was also a gracious human being. He was bright and he
was kind. When confronted with challenges in life, he smiled. He didn't
give up. He kept going. He persevered.
David Ford will never be forgotten. We celebrate his life--a life
devoted to serving his country and loving and respecting his family and
friends.
My wife Fran and I will continue to keep David's family in our
thoughts and in our prayers.
First Sergeant Ricky L. McGinnis
Mr. President, this evening I would like to honor the memory of Army
1SG Ricky L. McGinnis, who was originally from Hamilton, OH. First
Sergeant McGinnis was killed in Iraq when a roadside bomb detonated
near his patrol on October 26, 2006. He is survived by his wife Kerstin
and their four daughters: Julia, Laura, Melissa, and Nina. He is also
survived by his sisters, Rhonda Isaacs and Julie Wilson and his brother
Carl Wilkerson. Ricky was 42 years of age at the time of his death.
Ricky McGinnis graduated from Hamilton High School in 1983 and joined
the Army soon after at the age of 18. His niece Nichole recalls how
important the military was to Ricky. She said:
I remembered him always being in an Army uniform. Ever
since I was born, he was in the Army.
Ricky gave 23 years of dedicated service to our country and to the
Army, though he was planning to retire from the military when he
returned from his deployment in Iraq. Ricky's sister Rhonda remembers
how
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proud he was to serve our country and how patriotic he was. Ricky's
commitment to the military took him around the world--from Germany to
Korea to the Middle East.
It was in Germany where he met the love of his life, his wife
Kerstin. They were married over 20 years ago in Weisenbaden, Germany,
in 1986. Ricky was a loving husband and a devoted, proud father of
their four girls. He certainly loved his family unconditionally.
Relatives remember that Ricky's daughters meant everything to him. He
loved coaching them in softball, basketball, and soccer. One family
friend wrote the following to Ricky on an Internet tribute Web site:
Coach Mac, we can't believe you are gone. God must have
needed a great coach and leader in Heaven to have taken you
so very soon.
In his 23 years of service, Ricky embodied the best of everything the
Army stands for: loyalty, courage, and selflessness. His passion and
commitment to the Army was seen by all who were privileged to serve
with him. Ricky inspired so many others to follow his example and join
the Army, including his 19-year-old nephew, PFC Joey Isaacs.
To Joey, his uncle was more than a mentor--he was a ``best friend''
and a ``second father.'' Joey's mother Rhonda--Ricky's sister--
remembers that Joey saw his uncle as a hero. Joey remembers how proud
Ricky was when he decided to join the Army. This is what Joey says:
All we ever talked about was going to Iraq. My uncle and I
were inseparable. When I told him I joined the Army, he
couldn't have been more proud. He said it was going to be a
long year, but we were going to get through it. Whenever I
needed him, he was always there.
In Iraq, Ricky and Joey served in the same unit as part of the First
Cavalry Division. Every day they would meet to eat lunch together.
According to Rhonda, ``Ricky was going to make sure nothing ever
happened to Joey.'' And that is exactly what Ricky did.
While both Ricky and Joey were in Iraq, Joey's father was
hospitalized after an accident. Without hesitation, Ricky started
working to get his nephew home so that he could be with his family.
Rhonda remembers the last words Ricky spoke to her. He said:
Hey, Sis, I am doing everything to get Joey home. I love
you.
That conversation took place on Tuesday. The following Thursday, just
2 days later, Ricky was killed.
Joey also recalls the last conversation he had with his uncle. Ricky
had come to his barracks to make sure that his nephew was doing all
right, and doing all right with his dad's accident. This is how Joey
remembers that last final meeting:
The last time I saw my uncle, he came to my barracks to
visit me because I was having a rough time with my dad and
his accident. He came in and told me he was there for me--I
could talk to him. He told me to be strong, to keep doing my
job, and he told me that he loved me.
Ricky's final mission was simply taking care of his family. He
succeeded. Joey was able to return home and his father recovered from
his accident. As Joey said:
God saved my dad and now my uncle is with God.
Without question, Ricky did his job in protecting his family, but his
compassion and strength were large enough to take care of others as
well. He was loyal to and protective of everyone with whom he served.
LTC Keith Gogas, Ricky's squadron commander, remembers the dedication
with which he served. This is what he said:
Ricky was doing exactly what he loved doing: leading his
soldiers. He loved being a first sergeant because he loved
his troops. He loved training them. He loved watching them
mature, and he loved turning them into cavalrymen.
Indeed, Ricky was a leader in the truest sense of the word. With his
words and his deeds he trained a new generation of leaders. And he
truly believed in what he was doing. As his niece Nichole said:
Ricky was very patriotic. He said he was going to go to
Iraq just to get the job done. He was totally about just
getting over there and doing his job and worrying about the
men he supervised.
Ricky made it his job to look out for others. This is the type of man
he was.
The following words were once said by an American soldier:
What we have done for ourselves, alone, dies with us. What
we have done for others and the world remains and is
immortal.
These words could not be more fitting in describing the full life of
1SG Ricky McGinnis. Ricky spent 23 years of his life working for
others, working for our Nation. This lifetime of service will remain,
and it will be immortalized in all those who Ricky trained, led, and
inspired. A devoted husband, father, uncle, and son, he impacted them
and changed their lives in countless ways. He is deeply missed by all
those who knew him and all of those who loved him.
My wife Fran and I continue to keep Ricky's family in our thoughts
and in our prayers.
Army Sergeant David Gordon
Mr. President, this evening I would like to honor the life of David
Gordon from Williamsfield, OH. David was a member of the 3rd Battalion,
16th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division based in Fort
Hood, TX. On September 8, 2006, he was killed in Baghdad when an
improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. David was
serving his second tour of duty in Iraq, and he was scheduled to return
home in just 2 months. He was 23 years of age at the time of his death.
David Gordon leaves his wife Kimber, his stepchildren Miguel and
Matthew, his father Rodney, his mother Judy, his stepfather Bob, and
his three sisters Theresa, Tiffany, and Jean.
David was born in Westfield, NY. His family moved to Pennsylvania and
then to Ohio where he attended Pymatuming Valley School. David was
known for always helping his loved ones. A childhood friend, Michael
Reed, said David was the best friend anyone could ask for and that
whenever anyone said something bad about Michael, David would stick up
for him. Michael described David as tough, but that deep down he was
just a big puppy dog.
In 2000, David graduated from South Ridge Christian Academy where he
spent his senior year. David joined the Army immediately after
graduating high school. According to his aunt, Kathy Hicks, he wanted
people to be proud of him and wanted to model himself after others who
had gone into the military. David's grandfather Howard Gordon said that
David was going to make the Army a career, and he really believed he
was making a difference.
A person with a great zest for life, David enjoyed so many different
things. He liked hunting, fishing, football, and wrestling, and he was
a fan of NASCAR. His sister Jean remembers that he was an outgoing
person. She says:
He liked to horse around. He liked to watch movies, play
video games, and to be on his computer.
David's wife Kimber remembers the impact he had on those whom he
knew, and this is what she said:
David was an extraordinary man, husband, father to our
sons, and awesome son and brother. Anyone who had the
privilege of having him as a friend would say he touched
their life like no other. David is so deeply missed and will
always be loved and held in our hearts forever.
David's aunt Kathy wants people to remember that he was a great kid,
the kind of boy who always wanted to help out others. This is what she
said:
David was so polite, especially to me. He would hug me
whenever he saw me. Most kids that age would not do that, but
David was a fun-loving kid who played video games. He was a
good kid all the way around.
His mom said:
He was the kind of boy that would make your darkest days
shine bright. He was not only my son, but also my best
friend.
A fitting tribute to David was given when his body was brought home
to Andover, OH. Friends, neighbors, and strangers stood silently as his
body was brought through Andover Square, led by Wayne and Andover fire,
police, and emergency crews. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts stood at
attention and held candles to honor this brave fallen soldier. One of
the Scouts said:
I am here to honor him and to honor my country. It is so
sad, so sad that he is dead, but I can feel him in my heart.
Mr. President, the Andover Council president, Myra Brown, said it was
important for the communities to support each other as they grieved for
their hero. Mark Wilbur, president of the Andover Fraternal Order of
Eagles, said:
David won't just be honored in Andover, he will be
remembered forever as our hero. He reminds us that freedom
isn't free.
Friend Tim Haidon said the following about him:
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We met at the church a few years ago before we went back to
Iraq. He was a person of faith and we are fortunate to know
today he is in heaven.
David Gordon was a good person, someone who was passionate about the
security of others, who dedicated himself to protecting all of us.
David Gordon was an exceptional young man. He was simply the type of
person who never gave up. Today, we honor his life and we remember how
he was a devoted son, a caring brother, a loving husband and father. It
is through the good deeds that he did--the service to our Nation that
he so selflessly gave--that his memory will never fade.
I would like to conclude my remarks with the heartfelt words of the
father of fallen Army soldier, SGT Gregory L. Wahl. He posted this
message on a Web site honoring David. This is what he had to say:
To the Gordon family from the Wahl family--you are not
alone. Every fallen family and our family are with you. Our
heart and prayers are with you and David. He has not died in
vain. He is an American hero, and so much more to all who
knew him. David has touched the hearts of many. Be supportive
towards one another in honoring your son, David.
He continues on:
Each of you and all of us who knew him will reflect on the
very fond and precious memorable times we shared together
with David. Shed a smile, laugh, and tears. David would not
want anyone sad or unhappy. David is with Gregory. They
didn't know one another, yet both are brothers. David, you
will never, ever, ever be forgotten as you are remembered
today and always.
My wife Fran and I continue to keep SGT David Gordon's family and
friends in our thoughts and in our prayers.
STAFF SERGEANT ELVIS BOURDON
Mr. President, I rise this evening to pay tribute to a fallen
soldier--Army SSG Elvis Bourdon, originally from Youngstown, OH. Staff
Sergeant Bourdon was killed in Baghdad on September 6, 2004, when his
military vehicle came under attack by enemy small-arms fire. He was 36
years old, and was serving with the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division based out of Fort Hood, TX. Left to
cherish his memory are his wife Mary, and their two children Corey and
Allyssa, his father Juan, his mother Dalila, his brothers Ray and Juan,
Jr., and his sisters Elizabeth, Jenny, Thannia, and Barbara.
Although Elvis and his family resided in Texas, he will always be a
proud son of Ohio. His home community of Youngstown mourns the loss of
a true hero. Family, friends, and neighbors will never forget Elvis.
His death was a loss for his entire community. Every day, he is
remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and patriot.
A friend of Elvis' named Teresa Schaub from Killeen, TX, left him a
message on an Internet tribute Web site. In it, she reflects upon the
love shared by Elvis and his wife, and the pride with which his life is
remembered. This is what she wrote:
Elvis, I come to your grave side often. . . . You [and
Mary] were both always laughing and so happy. Nothing can
ever take that away. You both were always an inspiration to
everyone and continue to be. . . . Everyone is so proud of
you, Elvis. . . . Leaving us is like going through a stormy
season here on Earth, but then we think of you as the rainbow
that comes out after the storm and the clouds begin to fade.
You are our rainbow, our hope, and you will always be our
HERO.
Elvis was deeply respected and loved by those with whom he served in
the Army. They remember him as a man with whom new recruits could
always sit down and talk--whether it was about personal problems or any
other questions that needed to be answered. Whatever it was, Elvis was
always willing to listen.
Elvis is also remembered for his humor. Those who served with him
recall that he was always joking, always smiling. He was a spirited and
humorous man--someone who shared great laughs with everyone around him.
SPC Christopher Beck served with Elvis and remembers how much Elvis
taught him during that time. In his honor, Specialist Beck wears a
black ``killed in action'' bracelet, on which is written Elvis' name,
rank, hometown, military branch, and date of death. Specialist Beck
does this so that he may never forget the sacrifice that Elvis made for
our country and for those he loved.
Soldiers who served with Elvis at Fort Hood remember the respect with
which the Staff Sergeant was regarded. ``He was always a great NCO,''
Joshua Roughton wrote. ``I respected him greatly, as I know all of us
in 1-22 Infantry, B-Company did. He will be missed.''
And another of Elvis' comrades, Eric Kneffler, wrote the following in
his memory on an Internet tribute Web site:
Staff Sergeant Bourdon will be dearly missed by his family
and Fellow Soldiers. I had the opportunity to serve with him
at Fort Hood and considered him a good buddy and someone to
count on.
Aaron DeShay also served with Elvis. He wrote this on Elvis's tribute
Web page:
To the family and friends of Elvis Bourdon, may God bless
you and bring you comfort in this most painful of times. I,
like many others, served with Elvis in B-Company 1-22 and
found a good friend in him. I share your pain as he has left
his mark in my heart as he has with those who got to know
him. We had a lot of laughs together, and I know he will be
greatly missed as he truly was a great man.
Jeremy Cheney was another of Elvis' comrades who will never forget
him. This is what he wrote about Elvis:
Staff Sergeant Bourdon taught me many things as a soldier
and as a person. He was an excellent team member and was easy
to get along with, regardless of differences in rank. He will
be missed.
In these numerous messages left for Elvis, I think one thing is
beautifully clear--Elvis was a man who could be depended upon and was
someone that so many looked up to. He was someone who could be trusted
and who had a huge impact on everyone he met. Indeed, Elvis was a
dedicated and respected soldier.
More importantly, though, he was a devoted family man, who deeply
loved his wife, children, and siblings. Elvis' brother, who also serves
in the military, remembers how they would laugh and talk over a cup of
coffee.
They would talk so that they could help each other cope through
difficult times. And, in the military, they fought side-by-side. They
were truly brothers-in-arms.
Elvis' sister remembers her brother as a true hero and a peacemaker.
It is for these traits that she remembers and honors him. She wrote the
following in honor of Elvis:
I would like to thank everyone for the blessing of my
brother and any fallen heroes. Our family sends love and
appreciation to those all over the United States. I loved my
brother dearly and he is a true hero in my book. He was a
good person, who loved his family and siblings. He was a
peacemaker, and I love him for that. Your family misses you,
little brother, and you will always be in our prayers. We
love you and miss you very much.
Elvis was dearly loved and respected by all who knew him. His tribute
pages continue to be filled with messages from family and friends.
These messages serve as living testaments to his legacy. Elvis had many
people who loved him. On the tribute page, his wife recognized the
outpouring of support. She wrote the following, 2 years after Elvis's
death:
It makes me feel good inside to know my husband had touched
so many soldiers' lives. He loved his job . . . and would be
proud and humbled by your words. The children and I are
strong, faithful people. God knew he was a good guy and
wanted to be with him, too. Continue to keep my husband's
advice going, and keep his family in your prayers. Thank you.
When I think of men like Elvis Bourdon, I am reminded of words once
spoken by Sir Winston Churchill. He said that ``courage is rightly
esteemed the first of human qualities, because it is the quality that
guarantees all others.''
Without question, Elvis served his country with courage--and that
guaranteed the rest. He will always be remembered. My wife Fran and I
continue to keep his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.
SPECIALIST RICHARD A. HARDY
Mr. President, I rise this evening to pay tribute to Army SPC Richard
A. Hardy from Bolivar, OH. On October 15, 2005, Specialist Hardy was
one of five soldiers who died when an improvised explosive device
detonated near his military vehicle. He was 24 years old.
Rick--as he was called by family and friends--wasn't planning to join
the Army when he graduated from Timken High School in 2000. However,
the terrorist attacks of September 11th motivated him to enlist. He
wanted to serve his country. He wanted to protect our homeland. Rick
was assigned to A
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Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division,
based at Fort Benning, GA.
Rick's father Richard remembers his son as ``a great kid.'' He also
recalls the commitment Rick displayed in always trying to do his best.
Rick graduated in 2000. ``He was really proud of that,'' his father
recalls.
During Rick's funeral, BG Tod Carmony, the deputy commander for the
38th Infantry Division, remarked upon the courage Rick displayed by
enlisting in the Army after the 9/11 attacks. Rick knew it was wartime,
and he knew the risks that he would be running. But, he enlisted
anyway. This is what Brigadier General Carmony said about Rick:
He understood that we have no choice but to win this global
war on terrorism if his family, his community, and his
country are to be safe. So Richard put himself on the line,
and he died trying to keep that promise of safety to his
family and country.
Brigadier General Carmony also noted that Rick was an expert with a
carbine and a qualified Bradley gunner. According to the Brigadier
General, this ``is quite an accomplishment.''
Rick's father remembers that his son was proud of his role in the
military and took the dangers of it in stride. He said, ``Rick didn't
mind at all. It was a job--that's the way he looked at it.''
Indeed, the Army was a job that Rick did exceedingly well. When he
died, he was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. And according to his
father, Rick had been sent back because the Iraq elections were
approaching and they ``wanted some guys with experience in the
country.''
Well, Rick was a guy with experience--and he used that experience to
help further the goal of democracy in Iraq. In fact, the day Rick died
was also the day that millions of Iraqis braved death to vote for their
new constitution.
As Brigadier General Carmony put it, ``By being there, Richard gave
the Iraqi people a chance to move a step closer to freedom and
democracy.''
Rick was scheduled to return home in December 2005. According to his
father, he was going to take some time off to relax and then planned on
getting a job as a welder.
Those who knew best Rick remember that his favorite pastime was
riding dirt bikes. His father owns about 6 acres of land, and Rick
simply loved riding all over it. ``He was all over the place,'' his dad
recalls.
Rick also loved barbecue--steaks and ribs. His father said that Rick
had to have a barbecue every time he came home. According to his dad,
Rick ``said it beat the MREs--[that] there was nothing like a home-
cooked meal.''
These barbecues were one of the many things Rick loved. He enjoyed
life, and he especially enjoyed the simple things--like coming home to
eat a good meal with his family.
Specialist Hardy was a courageous soldier--a true hero, who always
stood on the front lines. His Internet tribute Web page continues to be
filled daily by family and friends with messages that serve as a living
testament to Rick's legacy. Rick had many people who loved him.
His Aunt ``Debbers'' posted the following message on the tribute Web
site. This is what she wrote:
Ricky! You were supposed to come home alive and well! I
guess God had other plans. You are so loved and missed. I
know you didn't want to be forgotten, but this wasn't the way
we wanted to remember you. May you at last find peace. You
will always be remembered, especially at the family
barbeques.
God bless you for what you have ultimately paid the price
for--our freedom. Give Gram a hug and kiss. All our love to
you.
Rick's Aunt Sandra posted this message:
To my nephew--you will be missed greatly, and we love you.
We are also very proud of you and all of your comrades who
are fighting this war. God bless all of you.
Rick's body was laid to rest with full military honors at St.
Stephen's Catholic Cemetery in Bolivar. For his brave actions, Rick was
posthumously awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. During his
career with the Army, he was also the recipient of the Army Good
Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal,
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat
Infantryman's Badge, and the Weapons Qualification Badge.
The world is a better place since Rick Hardy has been in it. A young
man with courage and a sense of adventure, Rick was the model of what
we all hope our children will become.
My wife Fran and I will continue to keep Rick's father and step-
mother, Richard and Jody, his mother Doris; and his sisters Kristy and
Jessica in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order
for the quorum call be dispensed with.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
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