[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 176 (Thursday, November 17, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING LANCE CORPORAL SCOTT HARPER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2011

  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I have come to the floor this morning 
with great sadness to honor the service of one of Georgia's own, Lance 
Corporal Scott Harper. On October 13 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, 
he gave the ultimate sacrifice in support of Operation Enduring 
Freedom, and he will be greatly missed.
  Lance Corporal Harper was known by his close friends not as Scott, 
but by his nickname, ``Boots.'' While a student at Alexander High 
School, he once forgot his tennis shoes for gym class and kept his 
boots on instead. On that day, he earned a lasting nickname and showed 
how he was prepared to adapt to all scenarios. When a Marine recruiter 
showed up at his school senior year, Boots answered the call and chose 
a life of service in the United States Marine Corps with a courage and 
motivation that most young men his age have not yet found.
  After graduating, Boots served one tour in Afghanistan before 
returning home. He left on July 13 to begin his second tour of duty 
with the First Battalion, Sixth Marine Regiment, Second Marine 
Division. On October 13, his division was struck by small arms fire 
while conducting combat operations. A fellow Marine was shot first, and 
Boots ran into opposing gunfire to save his friend. Though Boots lost 
his life, he saved the life of his wounded friend in the process. Boots 
was as loyal a friend as there is, and there is no more honor than 
that.
  Boots was devoted to his family and his community. Even when he only 
had a few days off, he would make the most of his time to come home and 
visit. Though communication was difficult, Boots wrote his family 
several times and called home as much as possible. The Saturday before 
he was killed, Boots called his father to say that he had decided to 
enroll at the University of Georgia when he returned home.
  From Charlie Brown Airfield, crowds lined the streets to escort Boots 
home one last time, as a testament to the community's support of him 
and his family. Boots was accompanied by a Marine Corps Honor Guard, 
the Patriot Guard, the Douglasville Police Department, and the Douglas 
County Sheriff's Department, among others. Norfolk-Southern even 
stopped its railroad cars in honor of the procession. As they passed, 
everyone stood at salute to honor the fallen Marine.
  Boots embodied the ideals that the Marines strive to achieve. I am 
both honored and proud that this soldier from the Third District fought 
so hard for our country and our freedom. Boots was a model citizen, 
soldier, and son. He was an extraordinary young man with incredible 
potential before him, and he will be forever missed. I am proud to 
stand here and thank him for sacrificing his life for strangers like me 
and my family.
  Joan and I extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Scott 
``Boots'' Harper, and we will never forget the service and sacrifice 
that he made for our great country.

                          ____________________