[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 176 (Thursday, November 17, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF ARMY SPECIALIST SARINA BUTCHER

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2011

  Mr. ROSS of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an 
exceptional soldier and a true American hero who died in service to 
this great country. On November 1, 2011, U.S. Army Specialist Sarina N. 
Butcher was killed at the age of 19 years old in Paktia Province, 
Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to 
initial reports, Specialist Butcher died of injuries sustained when an 
improvised explosive device detonated near her military vehicle.
  Specialist Butcher was born in Crossett, Arkansas, and spent many of 
her childhood years in southern Arkansas, where much of her family 
still lives today. Specialist Butcher eventually moved to Oklahoma, 
where she graduated high school and eventually joined the Oklahoma 
National Guard. At the time of her death, she was assigned to F 
Company, 700th Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat 
Team, Army National Guard, based in Tulsa, Okla.
  We now know that Specialist Butcher was the first female and youngest 
Oklahoma National Guard soldier killed since the wars in Iraq & 
Afghanistan began, but she will be remembered for much more than that. 
She will be remembered as an outstanding soldier. In fact, soon after 
her death, Private First Class Butcher was posthumously promoted to 
Specialist Butcher. She also earned a National Defense Service Medal, 
Army Service Ribbon, Oklahoma Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star and 
Purple Heart all at the age of 19.
  Specialist Butcher will also be remembered as a loving daughter, a 
loving mother to her beautiful 2-year-old daughter, Zoey, and a good 
friend to all who knew her. She leaves behind an incredible void that 
will be impossible to fill. My thoughts and prayers are with her 
daughter; her mother, Dana; her father, James; and, with all of her 
friends and family during this very difficult time.
  Last Sunday would have been Specialist Butcher's 20th birthday. It's 
hard when we lose any soldier in war, but it's especially hard when we 
lose such a young soldier. However, Specialist Butcher's too short of a 
life leaves behind a legacy longer than she could have ever lived. Her 
legacy of valor, distinction, patriotism and bravery will be remembered 
for years to come and will be told to her daughter as she grows up.
  Specialist Butcher was honored and laid to rest on Veterans Day and I 
had the privilege to speak at her funeral service. Her story and her 
sacrifice are startling reminders of what our men and women in uniform 
risk when they serve this country.
  Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life 
and legacy of Army Specialist Sarina Butcher, as well as each man and 
woman in our Armed Forces, and all of those in harm's way supporting 
their efforts, who give the ultimate sacrifice in service to this great 
country. We owe them our eternal gratitude.

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