[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 146 (Monday, October 3, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S6043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  TRIBUTE TO CORPORAL DAVID J. BIXLER

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today I honor Corporal David J. 
Bixler for his courage, heroism and selfless dedication to the U.S. 
Army and his fellow soldiers.
  CPL David J. Bixler of Harrison, AR, recently received the United 
Service Organizations Soldier of the Year Award for distinguishing 
himself both on the battlefield and during his recovery from the wounds 
he received from his actions during a firefight in the Arghandab River 
Valley of Afghanistan.
  On September 30, 2010, Corporal Bixler and his platoon conducted a 
patrol in the volatile and dangerous region to talk with some local 
elders. During the mission, Corporal Bixler was assigned a small team 
of Afghan National Army soldiers to lead. The patrol came under heavy 
enemy fire forcing the unit to turn back to safety.
  Corporal Bixlers following actions are heroic and inspiring. As the 
patrol turned around, one of the Afghan Army partners stepped outside 
of the cleared path and Corporal Bixler, recognizing the danger ran 
after the Afghan soldier. As he attempted to shove the soldier back 
onto the cleared path, he detonated an IED that caused extensive damage 
to his body. Through this courageous and selfless action, he saved the 
life of the Afghan soldier and the other members of his patrol. For his 
heroism, he was awarded the Silver Star.
  Throughout his difficult recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 
Corporal Bixler has been an inspiration to those around him and to his 
unit that continues its service overseas.
  CPL David Bixler has not only met the criteria for the Soldier of the 
Year Award, but eclipsed it. Words cannot express how proud I am of 
Corporal Bixler and his valor and bravery now how grateful I am for his 
service. We thank him, and all our servicemen and women, for their 
sacrifice and efforts on our behalf.

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