[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 155 (Monday, October 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO PRIVATE FIRST CLASS THOMAS R. WILSON

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                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 15, 2007

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Madam Speaker, last month we marked the sixth 
anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks against America. 
The terrorists responsible carefully selected their targets; the World 
Trade Center standing for America's success, and the Pentagon for 
America's strong defense. These extremists sought to bring down the 
greatest democracy in the history of the world. They thought we were 
weak--or unprepared to defend our freedom. They were wrong. The 
terrorists soon discovered America is not comprised of buildings; 
America is made up of her people. We are strong. We stand together 
against those who seek to destroy us.
  And so it is with great sorrow but immense pride that I recognize one 
of my own constituents who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. 
Private First Class (PFC) Thomas R. Wilson, United States Army, was 
killed on August 27, 2007, while proudly serving his country in 
Afghanistan as part of the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 
173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.
  PFC Wilson, who was only 21 years old at the time of his death, grew 
up in Maurertown located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of 
Virginia. He was a typical all-American boy. He loved being outdoors 
enjoying nature. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and hiking and 
he possessed a great love of art and photography. He was an active 
member of the 4-H and local chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA). 
In high school PFC Wilson excelled in the classroom and on the athletic 
field. He was a member of the National Honor Society in addition to 
playing on Central High School's basketball and track teams. In 2004, 
he graduated from high school, where he is remembered by teachers and 
friends as ``a student leader at all times.''
  After graduation, PFC Wilson went on to West Virginia University 
where he completed two years before joining the U.S. Army. Upon his 
completion of boot camp and airborne school, PFC Wilson was sent to 
Camp Ederly, in Vicenza, Italy and from there was deployed to 
Afghanistan.
  PFC Wilson was a proud soldier. In e-mails he sent home from the war 
zone, he shared his commitment to the mission and his pride in the U.S. 
Army. According to his commanding officer, PFC Wilson's fearless 
actions on the day of his death saved the lives of many of his fellow 
soldiers. PFC Wilson has been posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the 
Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Purple Heart for these noble 
actions.
  We extend our deepest sympathies to Julie Hepner, PFC Wilson's 
mother, and his siblings, Chloe, Chelsea and Ethan. Not only did Tom 
answer the call of his country and in doing so protect the freedoms 
that we so cherish, but he also paid a dear price to bring freedom to 
people he had never met. He gave his life in order to make our Nation 
stronger and safer for future generations.
  In 1962, speaking to a gathering of cadets at West Point General 
Douglas MacArthur delivered stirring remarks in which he described the 
``American man at arms.'' He said, ``His name and fame are the 
birthright of every American citizen. In his youth and strength, his 
love and loyalty, he gave all that mortality can give. He needs no 
eulogy from me, or from any other man.''
  In an age when the word `hero' is tossed around casually to describe 
everything from sports stars to singers in bands, PFC Thomas R. Wilson 
is a hero in the truest sense of the word--a possessor of courage and 
strength who pursued feats of noble purpose.

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