[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 8, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S3609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                      Sergeant Vorasack T. Xaysana

  Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
to honor the life and heroic service of SGT Vorasack T. Xaysana. 
Sergeant Xaysana, assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters 
Company, 2nd Battalion, based in Fort Hood, TX, died on April 10, 2011. 
Sergeant Xaysana was serving in support of Operation New Dawn in 
Kirkuk, Iraq. He was 30 years old.
  A native of Westminster, CO, Sergeant Xaysana enlisted in the Army in 
2005. During over 6 years of service, he distinguished himself through 
his courage and dedication to duty. Sergeant Xaysana's exemplary 
service quickly won the recognition of his commanding officers. He 
earned, among other decorations, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global 
War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
  Sergeant Xaysana worked on the front lines of battle, serving in the 
most dangerous areas of Iraq. Mark Twain once said, ``The fear of death 
follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die 
at any time.'' Sergeant Xaysana's service was in keeping with this 
sentiment--by selflessly putting country first, he lived life to the 
fullest. He lived with a sense of the highest honorable purpose.
  At substantial personal risk, he braved the chaos of combat zones 
throughout Iraq. Though his fate on the battlefield was uncertain, he 
pushed forward, protecting America's citizens, her safety, and the 
freedoms we hold dear. For his service and the lives he touched, 
Sergeant Xaysana will forever be remembered as one of our country's 
bravest.
  To Sergeant Xaysana's parents, Thong Chanh and Manithip, and to his 
entire family, I cannot imagine the sorrow you must be feeling. I hope 
that, in time, the pain of your loss will be eased by your pride in 
Vorasack's service and by your knowledge that his country will never 
forget him. We are humbled by his service and his sacrifice.

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