[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 197 (Tuesday, December 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE MEN AND WOMEN IN OUR ARMED SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ANN MARIE BUERKLE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 20, 2011

  Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and pay tribute to 
our men and women in uniform during this holiday season.
  While we must always remember those who make the ultimate sacrifice 
for our country, it is especially important to remember them as we 
celebrate this holiday season. What should be a time of joy, will be a 
difficult time for many families who are dealing with the loss of a 
loved one who has died in service to our Nation.
  Two families in my own district are coping with the tragic loss of 
their loved ones this year. Marine Corporal Kyle Schneider of Phoenix, 
New York was killed by an improvised explosive device while serving in 
Helmand province, Afghanistan. He is survived by his parents, Richard 
and Lorie Schneider, his brother Kevin, and his fiancee Theresa Lynn 
Dodge.
  Chief Warrant Officer Brad Gaudet, a native of my colleague Mr. 
Gohmert's district, was killed in Afghanistan after his helicopter 
crashed near Kabul. He is survived by his wife Ginny, of Liverpool, New 
York, and two young daughters.
  In this season of giving we must remember not only those who have 
fallen, but also the families they have left behind.
  In addition to remembering those we have lost, we must continue to 
honor those who currently serve. We must remember that there are 
soldiers who will spend their Christmas in a war zone fighting for our 
freedom; soldiers who have not seen their families for months.
  We must also remember veterans at this holiday time. While their 
service is over, the debt of gratitude we owe to them for their 
sacrifice should never be forgotten.
  Christmas is an important time to stop and pay tribute to our men and 
women in our armed services. We are privileged to live in the greatest 
nation in the history of the world because of their service and 
sacrifice.

                          ____________________