[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 168 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2019]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF U.S. MARINE LANCE CORPORAL JASON NICHOLAS BARFIELD

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                            HON. MARTHA ROBY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 4, 2011

  Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a fallen American 
hero. U.S. Marine Lance Corporal (LCpl.) Jason Nicholas Barfield was 
killed on October 24, 2011, while conducting combat operations in 
support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Reports indicate that LCpl. 
Barfield died as the result of traumatic injuries received when his 
patrol was struck by an Improvised Explosive Devise in Helmand 
province, Afghanistan. He was only 22 years old.
  LCpl. Barfield, from Ashford, Alabama, was assigned to the 3d Combat 
Engineer Battalion, 3d Marine Division, Twenty Nine Palms, California. 
He is survived by his parents, Raymond and Kelli Barfield, and seven 
siblings.
  LCpl. Barfield delivered the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. 
Undoubtedly, his loss will be most felt by his loved ones and friends. 
Today, and each day following, my family and I extend our most 
heartfelt condolences to those close to him.
  I recently had an opportunity to speak to LCpl. Barfield's father, 
Raymond. It was a moving conversation that I will forever remember. Mr. 
Barfield was gracious in spite of his grief, immensely proud despite 
his pain. During our conversation, I learned that, LCpl. Barfield 
recently proposed to his girlfriend, Joyanna Champlin. So, today, I 
stand here not only to pay tribute to Jason's sacrifice, but also to 
recognize the memorable people who held prominent positions in this 
patriot's life. The family and friends of our heroes are indeed heroes 
themselves.
  We are blessed that our nation is protected--day after day, year 
after year--by courageous American service men and women. Those in 
uniform standing on the front lines risk everything in order to defend 
and serve. Their commitment to our country is demonstrated through 
their selfless sacrifices and unwavering courage. We owe them, and 
their families, our most eternal gratitude.
  We will forever honor LCpl. Barfield for his selfless actions. His 
legacy will be memorialized in American history so every generation 
will know of his selfless acts.
  America remains a free nation because of the men and women in our 
Armed Forces who serve and protect us each and every day--just as LCpl. 
Jason Nicholas Barfield so bravely did. Our thoughts and prayers will 
continue to go out to his parents and loved ones during this difficult 
time.

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