[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   REMEMBERING COLONEL DAVID A. McCRACKEN OF NEW CASTLE, PENNSYLVANIA

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                           HON. JASON ALTMIRE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2011

  Mr. ALTMIRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the achievements of 
Colonel David A. McCracken, a graduate of the Army ROTC program at 
Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a native of New Castle, 
Pennsylvania, who passed away on September 2, 2011 after a battle with 
brain cancer.
  I, along with all Americans, am extremely grateful for his brave and 
honorable service in the United States Army during such an important 
period in our Nation's history.
  Colonel McCracken's awards and decorations include the Defense 
Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Army 
Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement 
Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with one silver 
and one bronze oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal 
with bronze star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Bosnia), Iraq 
Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Reserve 
Medal with an ``M'' device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service 
Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, NATO Medal 
and Army Engineer Associations and the Bronze DeFleury Medal.
  His career was celebrated and his bravery unflagging, even as he 
received treatment for cancer. His service is an example of courage, 
dedication, and the values that make western Pennsylvania and our 
country great.
  Our prayers, gratitude, and condolences go to his family in New 
Castle: his parents Theo and Laura McCracken, as well as his wife of 15 
years, Tammy, sons, PFC Tyler Hindley and Connor, and daughter Maitlin.

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