[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 190 (Wednesday, December 12, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S15226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                        Corporal Tanner O'leary

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Corporal 
Tanner O'Leary and his heroic service to our country. As a member of 
the Army's C Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 
82nd Airborne Division based in North Carolina, Corporal O'Leary was 
serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On December 9, 2007, 
he was killed in action in Afghanistan.
  A native of rural Eagle Butte and a 2003 graduate of Timber Lake High 
School, Tanner joined the Army in 2005. His teachers remember Tanner as 
a student who loved to learn. He was active in school science fairs and 
on the football team. As his former science teacher recalls, ``Once 
Tanner latched on to something he didn't let go; I know that was how it 
was with him with the Army as well.''
  Growing up on a ranch west of Timber Lake, Tanner was a hard worker 
who enjoyed spending time with his family. He took great pride in his 
daughter Alexis, and his family will always remember what a wonderful 
father he was. Friends and family will miss Tanner's easygoing, fun-
loving personality.
  Corporal O'Leary gave his all for his soldiers and his country. Our 
Nation owes him a debt of gratitude, and the best way to honor his life 
is to emulate his commitment to our country. I join with all South 
Dakotans in expressing my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of 
Corporal O'Leary. He will be missed, but his service to our Nation will 
never be forgotten.

                          ____________________