[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10711-S10715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES

  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, another 4 months have passed, and more 
American troops have lost their lives overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. 
I wish to memorialize their service and sacrifice by including their 
names in the Congressional Record.
  Since I last included the names of our fallen troops on July 15, the 
Pentagon has announced the deaths of 162 troops in Iraq and in 
Operation Enduring Freedom, which includes Afghanistan. They will not 
be forgotten and today I submit their names into the Record:
  CPL Aaron M. Allen, of Buellton, CA;
  CWO Christian P. Humphreys, of Fallon, NV;
  CWO Donald V. Clark, of Memphis, TN;
  SGT Jonnie L. Stiles, of Highlands Ranch, CO;
  SGT James M. Clay, of Mountain Home, AR;
  SPC Corey M. Shea, of Mansfield, MA;
  SGT Jose Regalado, of Los Angeles, CA;
  SPC Armando A. De La Paz, of Riverside, CA;
  SSG Timothy H. Walker, of Franklin, TN;
  PFC Theron V. Hobbs, of Albany, GA;
  SPC Adam M. Wenger, of Waterford, MI;
  SGT Daniel W. Wallace, of Dry Ridge, KY;
  PFC Bradley S. Coleman, of Martinsville, VA;
  SSG Scott J. Metcalf, of Framingham, MA;
  1LT Trevor J. Yurista, of Pleasant Valley, NY;
  SSG Kevin D. Grieco, of Bartlett, IL;
  SGT Nicholas A. Casey, of Canton, OH;
  PFC Cody J. Eggleston, of Eugene, OR;
  LCpl San Sim, of Santa Ana, CA;
  CPL Adrian Robles, of Scottsbluff, NE;
  SSgt Brian P. Hause, of Stoystown, PA;
  SGT Deon L. Taylor, of Bronx, NY;
  LCpl Stacy A. Dryden, of North Canton, OH;
  MAJ Robert D. Lindenau, of Camano Island, WA;
  SPC Heath K. Pickard, of Palestine, TX;
  SPC Justin A. Saint, of Albertville, AL;
  SGT Federico G. Borjas, of San Diego, CA;
  SGT John M. Penich, of Beach Park, IL;
  SPC Cory J. Bertrand, of Center, TX;
  SPC Stephen R. Fortunato, of Danvers, MA;
  SGT Preston R. Medley, of Baker, FL;
  SPC Christopher A. McCraw, of Columbia, MS;
  CPL Scott G. Dimond, of Franklin, NH;
  SGT Michael K. Clark, of Sacramento, CA;
  SPC Geoffrey G. Johnson, of Lubbock, TX;
  SGT Reuben M. Fernandez III, of Abilene, TX;
  CPL Jason A. Karella, of Anchorage, AK;
  COL Michael R. Stahlman, of Chevy Chase, MD;
  SGT William P. Rudd, of Madisonville, KY;
  SPC Jason E. von Zerneck, of Charlotte, NC;
  PFC Tavarus D. Setzler, of Jacksonville, FL;
  SPC Christopher A. Bartkiewicz, of Dunfermline, IL;
  CPT Richard G. Cliff Jr., of Mount Pleasant, SC;
  SFC Jamie S. Nicholas, of Maysel, WV;
  SFC Gary J. Vasquez, of Round Lake, IL;
  SPC Christopher T. Fox, of Memphis, TN;
  PFC Jamel A. Bryant, of Belleville, IL;
  SGT William E. Hasenflu, of Bradenton, FL;
  CPT Michael J. Medders, of Ohio;
  SSG Ronald Phillips Jr., of Conway, SC;
  1LT Thomas J. Brown, of Burke, VA;
  CH COL Sidney J. Marceaux Jr., of Beaumont, TX;
  CPT Bruno G. Desolenni, of Crescent City, CA;
  SSG Matthew J. Taylor, of Charleston, SC;
  PO3 Matthew J. O'Bryant, of Duluth, GA;
  SSG Nathan M. Cox, of Walcott, IA;
  PVT Joseph F. Gonzales, of Tucson, AZ;
  SGT Jerome C. Bell Jr., of Auburn, NY;
  SSG Brandon W. Farley, of Grand Prairie, TX;
  SSG Jason A. Vazquez, of Chicago, IL;
  1LT Mohsin A. Naqvi, of Newburgh, NY;
  CPT Bruce E. Hays, of Cheyenne, WY;
  SGT Joshua W. Harris, of Romeoville, IL;
  MAJ Rodolfo I. Rodriguez, of El Paso, TX;
  1LT Robert Vallejo II, of Richland Hills, TX;
  CPL Michael E. Thompson, of Harrah, OK;
  CWO Brady J. Rudolf, of Oklahoma City, OK;
  SGM Julio C. Ordonez, of San Antonio, TX;
  SSG Anthony L. Mason, of Springtown, TX;
  SGT Daniel M. Eshbaugh, of Norman, OK;
  CWO Corry A. Edwards, of Kennedale, TX;
  LTC James L. Wiley, of North Bend, OR;
  CPT Darrick D. Wright, of Nashville, TN;
  PFC Leonard J. Gulczynski I, of Carol Stream, IL;
  HM3 Eichmann A. Strickland, of Arlington, WA;
  LTC Ralph J. Marino, of Houston, PA;
  PVT Michael W. Murdock, of Chocowinity, NC;
  SGT Wesley R. Durbin, of Hurst, TX;
  SSG Darris J. Dawson, of Pensacola, FL;
  CWO Michael Slebodnik, of Gibsonia, PA;
  SFC Daniel R. Sexton, of Wentzville, MO;
  SPC Marques I. Knight, of San Juan Capistrano, CA;
  CPO Jason Richard Freiwald, of Armada, MI;
  SCPO John Wayne Marcum, of Flushing, MI;
  CPT Jesse Melton III, of Randallstown, MD;
  1LT Nicholas A. Madrazo, of Bothell, WA;
  PVT Vincent C. Winston Jr., of St. Louis, MO;
  PVT Michael R. Dinterman, of Littlestown, PA;
  PVT Jordan P. P. Thibeault, of South Jordan, UT;
  PFC Bryan R. Thomas, of Battle Creek, MI;
  SSG Kenneth W. Mayne, of Fort Benning, GA;

[[Page S10712]]

  SFC Gregory A. Rodriguez, of Weidman, MI;
  PFC Patrick W. May, of Jamestown, NY;
  PO1 Joshua Harris, of Lexington, NC;
  SPC Steven J. Fitzmorris, of Columbia, MO;
  SPC Jorge L. Feliz Nieve, of Queens Village, NY;
  SPC Carlo E. Alfonso, of Spokane, WA;
  SPC Michael L. Gonzalez, of Spotswood, NJ;
  SGT David K. Cooper, of Williamsburg, KY;
  PFC Tan Q. Ngo, of Beaverton, OR;
  SSG Brian E. Studer, of Ramsey, MN;
  SSG David L. Paquet, of Rising Sun, MD;
  SFC David J. Todd Jr., of Marrero, LA;
  SFC George Stanciel, of Greenwood, MS;
  SGT Nickolas Lee Hopper, of Montrose, IL;
  LCpl Travis M. Stottlemyer, of Hatfield, PA;
  PFC Jonathon L. Luscher, of Scranton, PA;
  1LT Donald C. Carwile, of Oxford, MS;
  PFC Paul E. Conlon Jr., of Somerville, MA;
  PVT Janelle F. King, of Merced, CA;
  SSG Kristopher D. Rodgers, of Sturgis, MI;
  CPL Anthony G. Mihalo, of Naperville, IL;
  LCpl Juan Lopez-Castaneda, of Mesa, AZ;
  LCpl Jacob J. Toves, of Grover Beach, CA;
  PFC Daniel A. C. McGuire, of Mashpee, MA;
  CPL James M. Hale, of Naperville, IL;
  SGT Michael H. Ferschke Jr., of Maryville, TN;
  CPL Adam T. McKiski, of Cherry Valley, IL;
  CPL Stewart S. Trejo, of Whitefish, MT;
  PFC John A. Mattox, of Daingerfield, TX;
  SGT Kenneth B. Gibson, of Christiansburg, VA;
  SGT Jose E. Ulloa, of New York, NY;
  PO2 Anthony M. Carbullido, of Agat, GU;
  MSG Danny E. Maybin, of Columbia, SC;
  SGT Errol M. James, of St. Croix, VI;
  SPC Ronald A. Schmidt, of Newton, KS;
  PVT Timothy J. Hutton, of Dillon, MT;
  CAPT Garrett T. Lawton, of Charleston, WV;
  SGT Gary M. Henry, of Indianapolis, IN;
  SPC Jonathan D. Menke, of Madison, IN;
  SGT Jaime Gonzalez Jr., of Austin, TX;
  SSG Brian K. Miller, of Pendleton, IN;
  SGT Ryan P. Baumann, of Great Mills, MD;
  PFC Jennifer L. Cole, of American Canyon, CA;
  SPC Andre D. Mitchell, of Elmont, NY;
  SPC David J. Badie, of Rockford, IL;
  2LT Michael R. Girdano, of Pennsylvania;
  SPC William J. Mulvihill, of Leavenworth, KS;
  PVT Jair De Jesus Garcia, of Chatsworth, CA;
  SPC Kevin R. Dickson, of Steelville, MO;
  SGT James A. McHale, of Fairfield, MT;
  SSGT Faoa L. Apineru, of Yorba Linda, CA;
  SPC Seteria L. Brown, of Orlando, FL;
  PFC Ivan I. Wilson, of Clearlake, CA;
  1LT Nick A. Dewhirst, of Onalaska, WI;
  SSGT Danny P. Dupre, of Lockport, LA;
  BM3 Daniel R. Verbeke, of Exton, PA;
  PFC Willington M. Rhoads, of Las Vegas, NV;
  1LT Jason D. Mann, of Woodlynne, NJ;
  TSgt Jackie L. Larsen, of Tacoma, WA;
  LCpl Jeffery S. Stevenson, of Newton, NJ;
  SSG David W. Textor, of Roanoke, VA;
  SSG Jeremy D. Vrooman, of Sioux Falls, SD;
  1LT Jonathan P. Brostrom, of Hawaii;
  SGT Israel Garcia, of Long Beach, CA;
  CPL Jonathan R. Ayers, of Snellville, GA;
  CPL Jason M. Bogar, of Seattle, WA;
  CPL Jason D. Hovater, of Clinton, TN;
  CPL Matthew B. Phillips, of Jasper, GA;
  CPL Pruitt A. Rainey, of Haw River, NC;
  CPL Gunnar W. Zwilling, of Florissant, MO;
  SPC Sergio S. Abad, of Morganfield, KY.
  We cannot forget these men and women and their sacrifice. These brave 
souls left behind parents and children, siblings, and friends. We want 
them to know the country pledges to preserve the memory of our lost 
soldiers who gave their lives for our country.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I rise to pay tribute to 28 young 
Americans who have been killed in Iraq since April 16. This brings to 
859 the number of service members either from California or based in 
California that have been killed while serving our country in Iraq. 
This represents 20 percent of all U.S. deaths in Iraq.
  PO1 Cherie L. Morton, 40, died April 20 in Galali, Muharraq, Bahrain. 
Petty Officer 1st Class Morton was assigned to Naval Security Force, 
Naval Support Activity Bahrain. She was from Bakersfield, CA.
  SGT Guadalupe Cervantes Ramirez, 26, died on April 23, 2008, in Camp 
Arifjan, Kuwait, of injuries suffered in a vehicle incident. Sergeant 
Cervantes Ramirez was assigned to the 2nd Transportation Company, 
National Training Center Support Brigade, Fort Irwin, CA. He was from 
Fort Irwin, CA.
  SPC William T. Dix, 32, died April 27 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, of 
injuries suffered in a noncombat related incident. Specialist Dix was 
assigned to the 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, I 
Corps, Fort Lewis, WA. He was from Culver City, CA.
  SGT Merlin German, 22, died April 11 at Brooke Army Medical Center, 
San Antonio, TX, from wounds he suffered while conducting combat 
operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq, on February 22, 2005. Sergeant 
German was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st 
Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA, 
while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant German's 
parent unit was the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. He was 
medically retired September 28, 2007, as a result of his injuries.
  SSG Bryan E. Bolander, 26, died April 29 in Baghdad from wounds 
suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. Staff 
Sergeant Bolander was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry 
Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Air 
Assault, Fort Campbell, KY. He was from Bakersfield, CA.
  SGT Glen E. Martinez, 31, died May 2 in Al Anbar province, Iraq, 
supporting combat operations. Sergeant Martinez was assigned to the 
Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine 
Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.
  LCpl James F. Kimple, 21, died May 2 in Al Anbar province, Iraq, 
supporting combat operations. Lance Corporal Kimple was assigned to the 
Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine 
Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.
  CPL Miguel A. Guzman, 21, died May 2 in Al Anbar province, Iraq, 
supporting combat operations. Corporal Guzman was assigned to the 
Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine 
Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. He 
was from Norwalk, CA.
  LCpl Casey L. Casanova, 22, died May 2 in Al Anbar province, Iraq, 
supporting combat operations. Lance Corporal Casanova was assigned to 
the Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st 
Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, 
CA.
  PFC Aaron J. Ward, 19, died May 6 in Al Anbar, Iraq, of wounds 
suffered when his unit came under small arms fire while conducting 
cordon and search operations. Private First Class Ward was assigned to 
the 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military

[[Page S10713]]

Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, Fort Lewis, WA. He was 
from San Jacinto, CA.
  SPC Mary J. Jaenichen, 20, died May 9 in Iskandariyah, Iraq, of a 
noncombat related injury. Specialist Jaenichen was assigned to the 
Brigade Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry 
Division, Fort Stewart, GA. She was from Temecula, CA.
  SSG Frank J. Gasper, 25, died May 25 in Najaf, Iraq, of wounds 
suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. 
Staff Sergeant Gasper was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 10th Special 
Forces Group, Fort Carson, CO. He was from Merced, CA.
  SGT Cody R. Legg, 23, died June 4 in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered 
in Sharqat, Iraq, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using 
small arms fire and hand grenades. Sergeant Legg was assigned to the 
1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th 
Mountain Division, Light Infantry, Fort Drum, NY. He was from 
Escondido, CA.
  SGT John D. Aragon, 22, died June 12 in Kadamiyah, Iraq, of wounds 
suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. 
Sergeant Aragon was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry 
Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Air 
Assault, Fort Campbell, KY. He was from Antioch, CA.
  SSG Du Hai Tran, 30, died June 20 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds 
suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit 
while on patrol during combat operations. Staff Sergeant Tran was 
assigned to the Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, 
Germany. He was from Reseda, CA.
  SGT Alejandro A. Dominguez, 24, died June 25 in Mosul, Iraq, from 
wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive 
device on June 24. Sergeant Dominguez was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 
3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, TX. He was from San Diego, CA.
  LCpl Jeffery S. Stevenson, 20, died July 13 from a nonhostile 
incident in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Lance Corporal Stevenson was 
assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics 
Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.
  SSG Faoa L. Apineru, 31, died July 2, 2007, from wounds sustained 
while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Staff 
Sergeant Apineru was assigned to Headquarters Company, 23rd Marines, 
4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve. He was wounded on May 15, 
2005. After his death on July 2, 2007, the initial medical examiner 
concluded that Staff Sergeant Apineru did not die from injuries 
sustained during his deployment, but a subsequent opinion by the Armed 
Forces Institute of Pathology indicated that his death was a result of 
his injuries sustained in Iraq. He was from Yorba Linda, CA.
  PFC Jennifer L. Cole, 34, died August 2 in Bayji, Iraq, of injuries 
suffered in a noncombat related incident. Private First Class Cole was 
assigned to the 426th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st 
Airborne Division, Air Assault, Fort Campbell, KY. She was from 
American Canyon, CA.
  CPL Adam T. McKiski, 21, died August 7 while supporting combat 
operations in Anbar Province, Iraq. Corporal McKiski was assigned to 
the 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine 
Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.
  CPL Stewart S. Trejo, 25, died August 7 while supporting combat 
operations in Anbar Province, Iraq. Corporal Trejo was assigned to the 
1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine 
Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.
  PVT Janelle F. King, 23, died August 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries 
suffered in a non-combat related incident. Private King was assigned to 
the 115th Combat Support Hospital, Fort Polk, LA. She was from Merced, 
CA.
  COL Michael R. Stahlman, 45, died October 5 from injuries sustained 
in a July 31 nonhostile incident in Anbar province, Iraq. Colonel 
Stahlman was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Air 
Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, CA.
  SGT Michael K. Clark, 24, died October 7 in Mosul, Iraq, of wounds 
suffered when he encountered small arms fire while on dismounted 
patrol. Sergeant Clark was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry 
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, 
CO. He was from Sacramento, CA.
  LCpl Stacy A. Dryden, 22, died October 19 from injuries sustained in 
a nonhostile incident in Anbar province, Iraq. Lance Corporal Dryden 
was assigned to 1st Supply Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Camp 
Pendleton, CA.
  SPC Armando A. De La Paz, 21, died November 13 in Baghdad, of 
injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover. Specialist De La Paz was 
assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd 
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO. He was 
from Riverside, CA.
  SGT Jose Regalado, 23, died November 12 in Mosul, Iraq, when an Iraqi 
Army soldier wearing a uniform approached him and opened fire. Sergeant 
Regalado was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry 
Regiment, Fort Hood, TX. He was from Los Angeles, CA.
  CPL Aaron M. Allen, 24, died November 14 while supporting combat 
operations in Anbar Province, Iraq. Corporal Allen was assigned to 1st 
Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA. He was 
from Buellton, CA.
  I would also like to pay tribute to the 29 soldiers from California 
who have died while serving our country in Operation Enduring Freedom 
since April 16.
  Senior Airman Jonathan A.V. Yelner, 24, died April 29 near Bagram, 
Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an 
improvised explosive device. Senior Airman Yelner was assigned to the 
28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South 
Dakota. He was from Lafayette, CA.
  SFC David L. McDowell, 30, died on April 29, in Bastion, Afghanistan, 
of injuries sustained when he received small arms fire. Sergeant First 
Class McDowell was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger 
Regiment, Fort Lewis, WA. He was from Ramona, CA.
  SPC Christopher Gathercole, 21, died May 26 in Ghazni, Afghanistan, 
of wounds suffered from small arms fire during combat operations. 
Specialist Gathercole was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger 
Regiment, Fort Lewis, WA. He was from Santa Rosa, CA.
  PFC Chad M. Trimble, 29, died May 28, near Gardez, Afghanistan, of 
wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive 
device. Private First Class Trimble was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 
61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne 
Division, Air Assault, Fort Campbell, KY. He was from West Covina, CA.
  SFC David Nunez, 27, died May 29 in Shewan, Afghanistan, of wounds 
suffered when he encountered small arms fire while conducting combat 
operations. Sergeant First Class Nunez was assigned to the 3rd 
Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, NC. He was from Los 
Angeles, CA.

  PFC Michael Robert Patton, 19, died June 14 while supporting combat 
operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Private First Class Patton 
was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I 
Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.
  PFC Dawid Pietrek, 24, died June 14 while supporting combat 
operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Private First Class Pietrek 
was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I 
Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.
  LCpl Layton Bradly Crass, 22, died June 14 while supporting combat 
operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Crass was 
assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine 
Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.
  SGT Michael Toussiant-Hyle Washington, 20, died June 14 while 
supporting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Sergeant 
Washington was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine 
Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.
  Hospitalman Marc A. Retmier, 19, died June 18 as a result of wounds 
suffered from an enemy rocket attack in northern Paktika Province, 
Afghanistan. Hospitalman Retmier was assigned to Provincial 
Reconstruction Team Sharana in Afghanistan. He was from Hemet, CA.

[[Page S10714]]

  LCpl Andrew Francis Whitacre, 21, died June 19 while conducting 
combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Lance Corporal 
Whitacre was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.
  CPT Eric Daniel Terhune, 34, died June 19 while conducting combat 
operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Captain Terhune was assigned 
to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine 
Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.
  Hospitalman Dustin Kelby Burnett, 19, died June 20 while conducting 
combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Hospitalman Burnett 
was assigned to First Marine Division Detachment, Twentynine Palms, CA.
  SGT Matthew E. Mendoza, 24, died June 20 while conducting combat 
operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Sergeant Mendoza was 
assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I 
Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.
  SGT Ryan J. Connolly, 24, died June 24 in Khogyani, Afghanistan, of 
wounds suffered when his vehicle struck a suspected landmine. Sergeant 
Connolly was assigned to the 173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd 
Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany. He was from Vacaville, 
CA.
  SSGT Christopher D. Strickland, 25, died June 25, while supporting 
combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant 
Strickland was assigned to 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine 
Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.
  SGT James M. Treber, 24, died June 29 in Khosrow-E Sofla, 
Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when his vehicle rolled into a 
canal. Sergeant Treber was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special 
Forces Group, Airborne, Fort Bragg, NC. He was from Imperial Beach, CA.
  SGT Israel Garcia, 24, died July 13 in Wanat, Afghanistan, of wounds 
suffered when his outpost was attacked by small arms fire and rocket 
propelled grenades from enemy forces. Sergeant Garcia was assigned to 
the 2nd Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment, Airborne, 173rd Airborne 
Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy. He was from Long Beach, CA.
  PFC Ivan I. Wilson, 22, died July 21 while supporting combat 
operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Private First Class Wilson 
was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I 
Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. He was from 
Clearlake, CA.
  PFC Jair De Jesus Garcia, 29, died August 1 in Chowkay Valley, 
Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an 
improvised explosive device. Private First Class Garcia was assigned to 
the 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st 
Infantry Division, Fort Hood, TX. He was from Chatsworth, CA.
  LCpl Jacob J. Toves, 27, died August 14 while supporting combat 
operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Toves was 
assigned to the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III 
Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. He was from Grover Beach, 
CA.
  SPC Marques I. Knight, 24, died September 6 in Aliabad, Afghanistan, 
of wounds suffered when he received small arms fire while on dismounted 
patrol. Specialist Knight was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th 
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort 
Hood, TX. He was from San Juan Capistrano, CA.
  SGT Jerome C. Bell Jr., 29, died September 19 while supporting combat 
operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Sergeant Bell was assigned 
to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine 
Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.
  CPT Bruno G. Desolenni, 32, died September 20 in Kandahar, 
Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device 
detonated near his vehicle. Captain Desolenni was assigned to the Joint 
Forces Headquarters, Element Training Team, Oregon Army National Guard. 
He was from Crescent City, CA.
  Cpl Jason A. Karella, 20, died October 9 while supporting combat 
operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Corporal Karella was 
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.
  SGT Federico G. Borjas, 33, died October 16 in Bermel District 
Center, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from small arms fire during a 
dismounted patrol. Sergeant Borjas was assigned to 416th Civil Affairs 
Battalion, 351st Civil Affairs Command, San Diego, CA. He was from San 
Diego, CA.
  LCpl San Sim, 23, died October 22 while supporting combat operations 
in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Sim was assigned to 
1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary 
Force, Twentynine Palms, CA. He was from Santa Ana, CA.
  Cpl Adrian Robles, 21, died October 22 while supporting combat 
operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Corporal Robles was 
assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I 
Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, CA.
  1LT Trevor J. Yurista, 32, died October 27 while supporting combat 
operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. First Lieutenant Yurista 
was assigned to 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine 
Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.


                    Staff Sergeant Timothy H. Walker

  Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I rise 
today to honor the life and heroic service of SSG Timothy H. Walker. 
Staff Sergeant Walker, a member of the 4th Infantry Division at Fort 
Carson, was killed in Sadr City, Iraq on November 8, 2008, when an 
improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was 38 years 
old.
  A native of Tennessee, Staff Sergeant Walker joined the Army in 1990. 
He served in Bosnia from 1999 to 2000, Kuwait in 2001, and also served 
two tours of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his 
most recent deployment, Staff Sergeant Walker, a combat medic himself, 
was actively involved in training Iraqis to treat combat wounds on the 
battlefield, and he served as the medical material coordinator for the 
Iraqi Security Forces logistics coordination team, which teaches Iraqi 
police officers and soldiers how to track and receive medical supplies.
  Throughout his 18 years of service, and in every capacity, Staff 
Sergeant Walker distinguished himself through his courage, his 
dedication to duty, and his willingness to take on any challenge--no 
matter how dangerous, no matter how big or small. His extraordinary 
bravery and talent earned him more than 20 awards and medals, including 
the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
  Staff Sergeant Walker is remembered by those who knew him as a 
consummate professional and friend who they could turn to in times of 
need, and who they could always count on to raise their spirits in 
times of sadness. They recall his knack for giving people nicknames, 
and the infectiousness of his laughter. And, most of all, they remember 
his devotion to his wife and children, and to his country.
  The Greek historian Thucydides wrote that ``the bravest are surely 
those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and 
danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.'' Throughout 
our Nation's history, the bravest have gone out to meet every danger 
that has imperiled our way of life. They stormed the beaches of 
Normandy and Iwo Jima facing long odds, and now, in 2008, they traverse 
the mountains of Afghanistan and navigate the cities of Iraq under 
constant threat of insurgent attacks. The bravest have kept us safe and 
strong. They will always make us proud.
  Staff Sergeant Walker's service was in keeping with this American 
tradition. At substantial personal risk, he braved the chaos of combat 
zones throughout the world to attend to the injuries of his men. And 
though their fate on the battlefield was uncertain, his men knew that, 
in Staff Sergeant Walker, they were in good hands. For the lives he 
saved, and for the lives he touched, Staff Sergeant Walker will be 
forever remembered as one of the bravest.
  To Staff Sergeant Walker's mother Barbara, his father Wayne, his wife 
Dawn, his children Gregory and Madison, his sister Shelly, and all his 
friends and family, I cannot imagine the sorrow you must be feeling. I 
hope that, in time, the pain of your loss is

[[Page S10715]]

assuaged by your pride in Tim's service to his country and by your 
knowledge that his country will never forget him. We are humbled by his 
service and his sacrifice.


                         Sergeant Jon L. Stiles

  Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor 
the life and heroic service of Sergeant Jon L. Stiles. Sergeant Stiles, 
assigned to the 927th Engineer Company, 769th Engineer Battalion, was 
killed on November 13, 2008, when an improvised explosive device 
detonated near his patrol in Shubhuyan, Afghanistan. He was 38 years 
old.
  Sergeant Stiles grew up in Highlands Ranch, CO, and after graduating 
from high school, spent nearly 13 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and 2 
years in the Army. Two years following his discharge, he moved back to 
Colorado, joined the Colorado National Guard, and was deployed to 
Afghanistan, where he worked to clear transportation routes of IEDs and 
insurgents in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
  This past October, Sergeant Stiles saved the lives of three fellow 
soldiers when he rescued them from underneath a burning vehicle that 
was struck by a suicide bomber, an act of incredible bravery that 
earned him the Bronze Star. He suffered serious damage to his lungs and 
vocal chords as a result of this incident, but instead of taking 
medical leave, he insisted on returning to battle. He believed strongly 
in our mission in Afghanistan, cared deeply for his men, and wanted to 
make a difference.
  Sergeant Stiles' friends and family remember him as a soldier's 
soldier with a passion for military service in his DNA. He was an avid 
outdoorsman known to brave sub-zero temperatures to get in a day of 
fishing. He was generous with hugs and incredibly loyal to his friends. 
He was a loving husband who wanted to live peacefully with his wife in 
the mountains of Colorado. And he was a proud American willing to 
sacrifice everything in defense of the country he held dear.
  Adlai Stevenson once asked, ``what do we mean by patriotism in the 
context of our times? I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense 
of national responsibility . . . a patriotism which is not short, 
frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication 
of a lifetime.'' Sergeant Stiles felt this sense of responsibility at a 
young age and served with the steady dedication that reminds us of what 
it is to be a true patriot. In his memory, and with his inspiration, 
may we all continue to work to make our union more perfect, and our 
world safer for all.
  To Sergeant Stiles' mother Linda, his father Lynn, his wife Launa, 
his sister Natalie, his brother Charles, his grandparents Maxine and 
Kenney, and all his friends and family, I cannot imagine the sorrow you 
must be feeling. I hope that, in time, the pain of your loss is 
assuaged by your pride in Jon's service to his country and by your 
knowledge that his country will never forget him. We are humbled by his 
service and his sacrifice.


                         SPECIALIST JAMES CLAY

  Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, Arkansas is grieving for a young hero, a 
courageous soldier who was serving in Iraq as a member of the 224th 
Maintenance Company. This team keeps our troops safe and their 
equipment and vehicles running. It is a mission paramount to our 
soldiers' success.
  A member of the National Guard for almost 7 years, SPC James Clay of 
Mountain Home, AR, showed great commitment and patriotism throughout 
his assignment with the 2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th 
Brigade Combat team. Of his service, MG William Wofford, adjutant 
general of the Arkansas National Guard recalls, ``He was called to 
serve, and he answered that call with valiant service. He was a true 
patriot and will not soon be forgotten.''
  Specialist Clay's untimely death has brought me to the Senate floor 
today, but I want to take a minute to honor his life. He overcame major 
obstacles in his personal life, including the death of both his 
parents, yet he graduated from Cotter High School in 2002 where 
teachers describe him as outstanding, considerate, and spirited. 
Friends remember Specialist Clay as a role model who persevered with 
dignity and humanity. Everyone who knew this young hero recalled his 
great smile and his compassion for others. It is no surprise that he 
died fighting for the peace and security of others.
  My prayers go out to Specialist Clay's family and friends, 
particularly his high school sweetheart and wife, Mellissa Clay. During 
his second Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln pledged, ``to care for 
him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his 
orphans.'' Mrs. Clay, we will never forget the sacrifice of your loved 
one, and we work to honor his memory, courage, and service to our great 
Nation.


                         Corporal Adrian Robles

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Marine 
Cpl Adrian Robles, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on October 
22, 2008.
  Corporal Robles, who was a native of Scottsbluff, NE, was assigned to 
the Second Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine 
Expeditionary Force, based at Twentynine Palms, CA. He had worked his 
whole life to become a marine. At age 16, Corporal Robles told his 
parents about his plans to enlist and, at 17, asked that they sign 
forms which would allow him to join before his 18th birthday. His 
parents told him to wait, so he finished high school and then enlisted 
immediately.
  Corporal Robles had previously served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 
2006, and was on a tour serving in Afghanistan at the time of his 
death. Corporal Robles received three good conduct medals--an unusual 
achievement for such a young marine--as well as medals for his service 
in Iraq and Afghanistan. He served as a rifleman, the backbone of the 
Marine Corps. Originally deployed to help train Afghan Army recruits, 
his unit's mission changed as the security situation deteriorated; and 
Corporal. Robles was ``in the fight'' right to the end.
  Fully aware of the dangers he faced, Corporal Robles made the 
courageous choice to serve his country and help the people of Iraq and 
Afghanistan achieve peace and security. He made the ultimate sacrifice 
so that others might enjoy the freedoms he had known all his life.
  Corporal Robles represents all that we have to be proud of in our 
Armed Forces. I commend his bravery and selflessness while offering my 
deepest condolences to the family members he left behind. It is small 
comfort for those who must now go on without one they loved so dearly, 
but they know that Corporal Robles gave his life for a noble goal. I 
join all Nebraskans--indeed, all Americans--in mourning the loss of 
such a fine young man.

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