[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 197 (Tuesday, December 20, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H9999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1620
                       MAJOR SAMUEL MARK GRIFFITH

  (Mr. RIGELL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RIGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay respectful tribute to a 
fallen hero, Major Samuel Mark Griffith, United States Marine Corps. 
Major Griffith, known as ``Sam'' to his family and friends, was killed 
in action in Afghanistan last week.
  Mr. Speaker, I attended Sam's memorial service yesterday; and in the 
service, a very moving letter was read that had been written by a 
marine in Sam's unit. It described how Sam had insisted on taking the 
other marine's place on the next nightly patrol, because the patrols 
were receiving enemy fire each time they went out.
  Sam knew full well the inherent danger and the risk involved in the 
next patrol. It was Sam's nature to run to danger in defense of freedom 
and in defense of his fellow marines.
  Sam leaves behind a wonderful family, including his wife, Casey, and 
two fine young boys, Chad and Noah.
  Mr. Speaker, the burden of defending freedom has fallen heavy on the 
Griffith family. So we pause today in this House, and rightfully so, to 
honor Sam and to extend our heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences 
to the Griffith family, asking that God would grant them a special 
measure of peace and grace in the days ahead.

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