[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4566-S4567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                     Corporal Donte Jamal Whitworth

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the 
life of Marine Cpl Donte Jamal Whitworth from Noblesville, IN. Donte 
was 21 years old when he lost his life on February 28, 2009, from 
injuries sustained from a vehicular accident near Al Taquddum Air Base 
in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was a member of Combat Logistics 
Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Marine Corps Air Station of 
Yuma, AZ.
  Donte, a 2005 graduate of Noblesville High School, joined the Marines 
immediately after graduation, eager to serve his country. While 
deployed, he commanded supply convoys transporting goods between U.S. 
military bases in Iraq. Donte was a dedicated basketball fan who always 
had a smile on his face. Born into a family of marines, he was proud to 
embrace the tradition and become a member of our country's Armed 
Forces. Scheduled to return home in March, Donte planned on reenlisting 
after his tour was complete.
  Today, I join Donte's family and friends in mourning his death. Donte 
will forever be remembered as a loving son, grandson, and friend to 
many. He is survived by his mother, Carla Plowden; father, Daniel 
Whitworth; step-father, Kerry McGee; grandparents, Robert and Catherine 
Williams; and a host of other relatives, friends, and fellow marines.
  While we struggle to express our sorrow over this loss, we can take 
pride in the example Donte set as a dedicated soldier. Today and 
always, Donte will be remembered by family, friends, and fellow 
Hoosiers as a true American hero, and we cherish the sacrifice he made 
while dutifully serving his country.
  As I search for words to do justice to this valiant fallen soldier, I 
recall President Abraham Lincoln's words as he addressed the families 
of soldiers who died at Gettysburg:

       We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow 
     this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled 
     here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or 
     detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we 
     say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

  This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, 
as we can take some measure of solace in knowing that Donte's heroism 
and memory will outlive the record of the words here spoken.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Donte Jamal Whitworth in the 
official Record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country and 
for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. I pray 
that Donte's family can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah 
who said:

       He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will 
     wipe away tears from off all faces.

  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Donte.


                       Sergeant Bradley Marshall

  Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the life, 
achievements, and memory of SGT Bradley Marshall of Little Rock, AR. He 
gave his life on July 31, 2007, defending citizens of the United States 
and advancing democracy throughout the world.
  Sergeant Marshall served in the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field 
Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, Airborne, 25th Infantry 
Division, Fort Richardson, AK. His bravery on behalf of this Nation is 
heroic. His service, professionalism and allegiance to this country 
will continue to serve as the standard bearer for which to honor our 
great Nation.
  Friends and family described Bradley as athletic and fun-loving. He 
was a loyal and valued member of his church, community, and Nation. As 
a husband and father, Bradley loved his family greatly and always 
cherished their time together. His wife of 17 years, Gina Marshall, 
said of him ``Brad was the love of my life.'' His son Wesley remembers 
his dad stopping by his room each night to say, ``I love you.'' Tanner, 
Marshall's other son, put together a slide show presenting hundreds of 
pictures of his father.
  He touched many lives and was respected by everyone that knew him. 
Bradley was known as the dependable man who made sure things got done 
in his own quiet way such as cutting the grass at church, remodeling a 
home for his former high school coach, doing chores around the house, 
and helping with vacations for the family. Bradley's church named their 
new Brad Marshall Family Life Center in honor

[[Page S4567]]

of him and the sacrifice he gave to this country.
  Mr. President, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 
sacrifice SGT Bradley Marshall and his family have given to protecting 
our freedom.

                          ____________________