[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 135 (Tuesday, September 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      REMARKS IN HONOR OF U.S. ARMY SPECIALIST MICHAEL C. ROBERTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2011

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Army 
Specialist Michael C. Roberts who was killed on August 27, 2011 in 
Kandahar Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 
while serving with the 561st Military Police Company, based at Fort 
Campbell, Kentucky.
  Specialist Roberts was 23 years old and was from Watauga, Texas. He 
graduated from Richland High School in Fort Worth, Texas in 2006 where 
he played tuba in the band and was a varsity wrestler. Specialist 
Roberts was the youngest of three brothers to join the Army when he 
enlisted in November 2007. According to his brother Patrick, Specialist 
Roberts relished the opportunity to ``have a positive influence.'' 
Specialist Roberts' first tour was to Iraq in 2009 in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom as a communications specialist with the 1st 
Cavalry Division based at Fort Hood, Texas. He re-enlisted in 2010 and 
transferred to Fort Campbell, Kentucky in February 2011.
  Specialist Roberts was on his second tour when he was killed. He lost 
his life to a vehicle borne improvised explosive device that detonated 
near his patrol. Specialist Roberts was protecting a secured area 
outside a police station when a vehicle attempted to breach the area. 
Specialist Roberts engaged the enemy, forcing them to detonate the 
device prematurely, and preventing them from injuring or killing a 
large number of fellow soldiers. Specialist Roberts was recognized for 
his actions by being awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat 
Action Badge. Our nation can never repay the debt we owe to this brave 
man and his family, who understand firsthand the meaning of service and 
sacrifice. Specialist Roberts represents the best values of this nation 
and of the United States Army.
  Specialist Roberts is fondly remembered as someone who lived life to 
the fullest, laughed every day, was extremely generous, and stood 
strongly for what he believed.
  I wish to extend my condolences to Specialist Roberts' parents, David 
and Kathy, and his brothers Patrick and Brian, and hope that they 
continue to find solace in his lasting impact on both this grateful 
nation and his fellow soldiers.

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