[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 83 (Thursday, June 4, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S6178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                         Sergeant Justin Duffy

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Army SGT 
Justin J. Duffy, age 31, who was killed in Iraq on June 2, 2009.
  Sergeant Duffy was born in Moline, IL. As a child, his family moved 
to Cozad, NE, where he graduated from high school in 1995. He earned a 
degree in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. 
Duffy worked at Eaton Corporation for 5 years, where he was recognized 
for his work ethic and leadership ability and promoted to a supervisor 
position. His colleagues and friends said Duffy was the kind of person 
who never missed a day on the job and was always on time and ready to 
work. This young man stood out among his peers and always sought a 
challenge, so it came as no surprise to his friends and family when he 
decided to join the Army, enlisting in May 2008.
  Sergeant Duffy's father Joe said the U.S. Army had attracted his son 
because he wanted adventure and needed more of a challenge and he 
believed that desire would be fulfilled by serving in the military. His 
time with the U.S. Army was marked by success; one of his proudest 
accomplishments was his quick rise to Sergeant, beating the standard 
time it normally takes to achieve that rank. Sergeant Duffy was 
assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. While 
in Iraq, Sergeant Duffy's team was responsible for escort security for 
high-ranking military leadership.
  Sergeant Duffy passed away in eastern Baghdad after an improvised 
explosive device detonated near the humvee he was driving; three of his 
fellow soldiers were also wounded in the blast. Sergeant Duffy served 
his country honorably and made the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow 
Americans. His life and service represents an example we should all 
strive to emulate.
  SGT Justin Duffy leaves behind his parents Joe and Janet Duffy of 
Cozad, NE; his grandfather LeRoy Hood of Moline, IL; and two sisters 
Jenny of Grand Island, NE, and Jackie of Yuma, AZ. He will forever be 
remembered by his family and friends as the kind of person who was 
quick to jump in wherever he was needed; some even labeled him a 
shepherd, as he always looked out for family, friends, and even 
strangers. I join all Nebraskans today in mourning the loss of Sergeant 
Duffy and offering our deepest condolences to his family.


                      Specialist Jeremy R. Gullett

  Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I would like to invite my colleagues to 
join me in recognizing Greenup County, KY, for paying tribute to Army 
SPC Jeremy R. Gullett.
  SPC Jeremy R. Gullett served in the 4th Battalion, 320th Field 
Artillery Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division based out of Fort 
Campbell. He lost his life in the line of duty on May 7, 2008, in the 
Sabari District of Afghanistan.
  This evening Greenup County will have a dedication ceremony to name a 
local bridge after Specialist Gullett, honoring his life and service to 
our Nation. The bridge will serve as a reminder to all of those who 
live or travel through Greenup County of the sacrifice Specialist 
Gullett made for our freedom.
  A member of the Greenup County High School Class of 2003, Specialist 
Gullett participated in his high school's Junior ROTC program and 
joined our Nation's Armed Forces soon after earning his diploma. In 
addition to serving under our Nation's armed services, Specialist 
Gullett was a member of Little Sandy Volunteer Fire Department and 
Veterans of Foreign Wars, dedicating his life to service domestically 
and internationally.
  Specialist Gullett's sacrifice for our Nation will forever be a 
reminder that freedom comes at a high cost. We should never take for 
granted the sacrifice that men and women make daily in all branches of 
the Armed Forces.
  As we commemorate the life and service of SPC Jeremy Gullett, my 
thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. All Kentuckians 
and Americans are deeply indebted to Specialist Gullett.

                          ____________________