[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 59 (Wednesday, May 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF PRIVATE BRANDON T. PICKERING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GEOFF DAVIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 4, 2011

  Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to 
Private First Class Brandon T. Pickering, from Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, 
who lost his life on April 10, 2011 from wounds he suffered while 
fighting enemy forces in Wardak Province, Afghanistan on April 8th.
  A 2008 graduate of Highlands High School, Brandon joined the Army in 
September 2009.
  After completing basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia he was 
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade 
Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, based in Fort Polk, Louisiana. He 
deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in October of 2010.
  His awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star, the Purple 
Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign 
Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service 
Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the 
NATO Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
  Today, as we celebrate the life and accomplishments of this 
exceptional Kentuckian, my thoughts and prayers are with Brandon's 
family and friends, especially his parents.
  We are all deeply indebted to Brandon Pickering for his service and 
his sacrifice. By giving his life for the freedom of others, we are 
reminded of the great price at which our freedom is preserved.

                          ____________________