[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 48 (Thursday, March 22, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S1998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO LTC DAREN S. SORENSON

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, it is my privilege to recognize LTC 
Daren S. Sorenson, an extraordinary American, whose heroic acts to 
defend his country and fellow servicemembers has earned him a second 
Distinguished Flying Cross, DFC. The State of Nevada and the U.S. Air 
Force are proud to commend Lieutenent Colonel Sorenson for all of his 
accomplishments.
  I am grateful and humbled to honor Lieutenant Colonel Sorenson for 
his dedication and sacrifice to this Nation. He has been deployed seven 
times and served as the deputy mission commander during the first 
preemptive strike on the inaugural night of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 
2003. During this combat operation, Lieutenant Colonel Sorenson earned 
his first DFC for targeting and assisting the destruction of an armored 
unit of the Iraqi Republican Guard. Not only has Lieutenant Colonel 
Sorenson been recognized for this prestigious award once, but he 
received his second DFC during his deployment to Afghanistan for air 
support in Operation Enduring Freedom.
  On May 25, 2011, during an operation in Eastern Afghanistan, 
Lieutenant Colonel Sorenson implemented techniques and strategies 
learned at Nevada's Nellis Air Force Base to defend and save the lives 
of nearly 50 coalition members. Lieutenant Colonel Sorenson's valiant 
aeronautic techniques drew away opposing fire and enabled air 
controllers and ground forces to locate combatants and defeat the 
enemy. His devotion to duty in the face of perilous flying conditions 
is admirable and maintains the highest standards and traditions of the 
U.S. Air Force.
  As America's oldest military aviation award, the DFC was created by 
Congress more than 85 years ago to award individuals for acts of 
heroism or achievement in aeronautics. I applaud Lieutenant Colonel 
Sorenson for earning this prestigious award twice during his service. 
His continuous acts of bravery are a testament to his commitment to the 
United States.
  Today, we commend Lieutenant Colonel Sorenson's acts of valor and the 
continuous sacrifices made by all of our servicemembers to ensure the 
safety and security of our Nation. We owe them and their families a 
great deal of gratitude for their personal sacrifices. I am proud to 
join the citizens of Nevada in recognizing Lieutenant Colonel 
Sorenson's accomplishments. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 
and congratulating him for his incredible bravery on behalf of his 
comrades and this great nation.

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