[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 135 (Tuesday, September 13, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                    Staff Sergeant Patrick Hamburger

  Mr. JOHANNS. Madam President, I rise today to honor a fallen hero, 
Nebraska Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Patrick Hamburger, a native 
of Lincoln who later settled in Grand Island, Nebraska.
  Staff Sergeant Hamburger served his country as a flight engineer 
while mobilized with the Nebraska Army National Guard's Company B, 2nd 
Battalion 135th General Support Aviation, based in Grand Island. Staff 
Sergeant Hamburger and 29 fellow soldiers paid the ultimate price in 
support of Operation Enduring Freedom on August 6, 2011. He was the 
crew chief on the Chinook helicopter downed by enemy fire in 
Afghanistan. It is through extraordinary sacrifices such as his that we 
are able to enjoy the freedoms we have today.
  Staff Sergeant Hamburger's unfaltering devotion to duty and pride in 
his country went beyond the time he spent in uniform. Patrick lived to 
help others. From his childhood in Lincoln, to mentoring fellow 
soldiers, those who knew him recall that he was always looking out for 
others. Patrick's brother Chris remembers his kind spirit by stating:

       He didn't worry about himself half as much as he worried 
     about everyone else. You could have been a complete stranger 
     and if he could have helped you, he would have done it.

  Thirteen years ago, that mentality and sense of patriotism led a 
young high school senior to take an oath to support and defend the 
Constitution of the United States and the State of Nebraska against all 
enemies, foreign and domestic. That oath brought opportunities for 
Staff Sergeant Hamburger to share his mechanical talent with his fellow 
soldiers.
  Those closest to him will tell us his pride and joy were his family, 
his friends, and the ``V-Day Express,'' the Chinook helicopter he 
maintained. He loved being a soldier, and he took great pride in his 
service.
  The decorations and badges earned during his 13 years of 
distinguished service speak to his dedication and to his skill: the 
Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Reserve Component Achievement 
Medal (4th Award), the National Defense Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign 
Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces 
Reserve Medal (with 10 year device), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with 
Mobilization Device), the Noncommissioned Officer Professional 
Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat 
Action Badge, the Senior Aviation Badge, the Nebraska National Guard 
Homeland Defense Ribbon (with M device), the Nebraska National Guard 
Emergency Service Medal, the Nebraska National Guard Service Medal (10 
year device), and the California National Guard Commendation Medal.
  These medals, as well as Sergeant Hamburger's willingness to serve 
others in need, speak clearly to his commitment to upholding the values 
and ideals that all Nebraskans hold dear. We are proud of his character 
and the ways in which he represented Nebraska. I am confident that in 
the coming months, Nebraskans will surround and uplift his family and 
friends as they mourn the loss of a truly remarkable son, brother, and 
friend.
  Today, as we bow our heads with the Hamburger family, I ask that God 
protect our servicemembers, both here and overseas.
  We are truly grateful for the service and sacrifice made by those in 
uniform and their families.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Tester). The Senator from Vermont.
  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________