[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 197 (Tuesday, December 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING SPECIALIST RONALD WILDRICK, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 20, 2011

  Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a recently fallen 
warrior, Specialist Ronald Wildrick, Jr. Specialist Wildrick served 
with the Army's 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade 
Combat Team, out of Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.
  Ron was raised in Byram, New Jersey and graduated from Lenape Valley 
High School. Specialist Wildrick joined the Army in 2008 with the hope 
of making a better life for his wife and two daughters, Kaylee and 
Leah, through service to his nation. In September, he was deployed to 
Afghanistan's Kunar Province as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. 
On December 11, 2011, his unit was attacked in the Kunar Province with 
an improvised explosive device. Sadly, Specialist Wildrick was killed 
in the line of duty while serving his nation.
  As a result of his sacrifice, Specialist Wildrick was posthumously 
awarded a Bronze Star Medal. His dedication to country and loyalty to 
his fellow soldiers was evident throughout his Army career. Prior to 
his deployment to Afghanistan he had the solemn duty of serving with 
the U.S. Army Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery, where he 
regularly recognized the sacrifices made by his fallen comrades. Ronald 
Wildrick is a true American hero, and he will never be forgotten by his 
friends, his family, or the country he fought for. My thoughts and 
prayers, as well as the thoughts and prayers of a grateful nation, are 
with his family and friends during this difficult time.

                          ____________________