[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF UNITED STATES ARMY SERGEANT 
                            JEFFREY A. REED

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 18, 2009

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army 
Sergeant Jeffrey A. Reed, who was killed in action near Taji, Iraq on 
March 2, 2009.
  Sergeant Reed was assigned to the 411th Military Police Company, 89th 
Military Police Brigade, from Fort Hood, Texas. His mission in Iraq was 
to mentor Iraqi Police units so that they could effectively maintain 
the peace as we withdraw our forces in the coming months.
  Jeffrey was just 15 days from completing his second tour in Iraq and 
returning to Tucson, where he and his wife Ashley reside. A 
Chesterfield, Virginia native, Jeffrey joined the Army shortly after he 
graduated from high school in 2004, following the example of his older 
brother, who left college to sign up with the Army after the Sept. 11 
attacks.
  He was part of a routine patrol just north of Baghdad when a grenade 
ended his life. Jeffrey was just 23 years old.
  We remember Sergeant Jeffrey Reed and offer our deepest condolences 
and sincerest prayers to his parents and young wife. My words cannot 
effectively convey the feeling of great loss nor can they offer 
adequate consolation, but it is my hope that in future days, his family 
may take some comfort in knowing that Jeffrey's legacy reaches beyond 
the desolate landscape of Iraq and into the hearts of a grateful 
nation.
  This body and this country owe Jeffrey and his family a debt of 
gratitude and it is vital that we remember him and his fellow 
servicemembers who have paid the ultimate price.
  Jeffrey is a hero both to his country and to his wonderful family. We 
salute his selfless service, sacrifice and bravery. May he not be 
forgotten and may his mission continue in the work of this body and the 
hearts of all Americans.

                          ____________________