[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 14, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S3768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


             Lance Corporal Sean Michael Nicholas O'Connor

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and express our 
Nation's deepest thanks to a brave young man and his family. On Monday, 
I received word that LCpl Sean M.N. O'Connor of Douglas, WY, had fallen 
on June 12, 2011, in the line of duty in support of Operation Enduring 
Freedom. Lance Corporal O'Connor was killed while supporting combat 
operations in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan.
  Lance Corporal O'Connor was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine 
Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, II Marine Expeditionary Force FWD, 
1st Marine Division, out of Camp Pendleton, CA. Sean's roots in the 
Marine Corps run deep. He was born at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. 
Like his father, Lance Corporal O'Connor joined the U.S. Marine Corps 
in 2007 soon after graduating from Douglas High School. Sean was an 
avid reader, swimmer and shooter. He will be remembered as a fun loving 
son and friend who could always be counted on to lend a hand to those 
in need.
  It is because of individuals like Sean O'Connor that all Americans 
are able to live our daily lives as free people. They put their very 
lives on the line every day, and because of their bravery and their 
families, our Nation remains free and strong. Freedom is not free. It 
carries a very high price. And that price has been paid over and over 
by many generations of men and women who answered the call to arms and 
willingly bear the burdens of defending our Nation. They deserve our 
deepest respect and gratitude.
  The motto of the U.S. Marine Corps is ``Semper Fidelis.'' It means 
``Always Faithful.'' LCpl Sean O'Connor lived up to these words with 
great honor. He made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom for 
you and I to enjoy. He gave his life, that last full measure of 
devotion, for you, me, and every single American. Today we thank Lance 
Corporal O'Connor for serving and defending our country. He was always 
faithful to our country and its citizens, and to his fellow marines.
  Lance Corporal O'Connor is survived by his parents Daniel and Dee 
O'Connor and his Aunt Sarah O'Connor. He is also survived by his 
brothers and sisters in arms of the U.S. Marine Corps. We say goodbye 
to a son, friend, neighbor, and a marine. The United States of America 
pays its deepest respect to LCpl Sean O'Connor for his sacrifice, so 
that we may remain free. Sean was the embodiment of honor, courage and 
commitment. All of Wyoming, and indeed the entire Nation, is proud of 
him. May God bless him and his family. Lance Corporal O'Connor, Semper 
Fi.

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