[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1153-E1154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING ARMY SPECIALIST ROBERT L. VOAKES, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DAN BENISHEK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2011

  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, Northern Michigan mourns the loss of Army 
Specialist Robert L. Voakes, Jr., 21, from L'Anse. Robert, who was 
posthumously promoted from private first class, was killed during an 
insurgent attack in Lagham Province, Afghanistan. Robert was just three 
months into a 15-month Operation Enduring Freedom deployment in 
Afghanistan.
  Robert graduated in 2009 from Baraga High School and enlisted in the 
military that November. He went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood 
in Missouri and was then stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson 
in Alaska. Robert was in the 164th Military Police Company, 793rd 
Military Police Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.
  Robert enjoyed sports, particularly basketball, and was a proud and 
active member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. He is remembered as 
a quiet, thoughtful young man with an excellent sense of humor.
  While Robert could have stayed in L'Anse, he chose instead to serve 
the cause of freedom and defend America's liberty in a distant country. 
Robert's deeds and daring will forever be illustrative of the 
selflessness and bravery that lives in Northern Michigan's young 
people. I can find no words that can express my gratitude for Robert's 
service or for the sypthathy I feel for his many loved ones whose lives 
have been shattered by this loss.
  To Robert's family, I can offer only the hope that you may be 
comforted by the kind providence of the Almighty, and the knowledge 
that

[[Page E1154]]

so many in our area are praying for you more than they have ever prayed 
for themselves. I am well aware that my words will not soften your 
overwhelming grief, but in the words of President Lincoln, ``May God 
give you that consolation which is beyond all earthly power.''
  On behalf of the First District of Michigan, I would like to express 
my profound sadness for the loss of such a noble young man as Robert 
Voakes. Northern Michigan has certainly lost one of its finest, and his 
memory and service will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________