[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 49 (Monday, March 26, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                      Staff Sergeant Jerry Reed II

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, we are reading in the news about the 
violence in countries all around the world and are reminded about the 
tremendous sacrifice of American troops as they protect and preserve 
the interests of our Nation. These men and women serve with courage and 
honor and it is our duty to honor and stand for those who have stood 
for us.
  Today, I am here to pay my respects to SSG Jerry Reed II, an Arkansas 
soldier who sacrificed his life for the love of his country while in 
support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
  Staff Sergeant Reed graduated from Russellville High School in 2000 
and enlisted in the Army. He served 4 years and then reenlisted in 2008 
and served in Iraq, Germany, Korea, and Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant 
Reed served as a tank driver and gunner with the Army's 28th Infantry 
Brigade, 2nd Battalion, A Company at Grafenwoehr, Germany.
  His sister Katherine, in an interview with the Russellville Courier, 
spoke of how he loved the military and planned to make it a career. 
Staff Sergeant Reed's family and friends describe him as a man who 
would have had no trouble fitting into the military, for he was one who 
faced danger head on. He was a protector and looked out for his 
friends. He loved being outdoors and fishing and spending time with his 
family.
  On February 16, 2012, Staff Sergeant Reed passed away while serving 
in Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Reed made the ultimate sacrifice for his 
country. He is a true American hero.
  I ask my colleagues to keep his family and his friends in their 
thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time, and I humbly 
offer thanks to SSG Jerry Reed for his selfless service to the security 
and well-being of all Americans.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

                          ____________________