[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 57 (Thursday, April 19, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H1980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SERGEANT WILLIAM WILSON III

  (Ms. HOCHUL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. HOCHUL. I rise today to honor and recognize a true American 
patriot, Sergeant William Wilson of Amherst, New York, my district, for 
giving the ultimate sacrifice and service to his country. On March 26 
of this year, Sergeant Wilson lost his life defending us in Afghanistan 
while serving with NATO forces.
  Billy, as he was fondly called by his mom and dad and his brothers, 
served our country for 7 years, and was on his third tour of duty. His 
commander said:

       Without question, he was my best, most skilled and talented 
     squad leader. That's who Billy was--selfless, dedicated and 
     always putting his heart and soul into his soldiers.

  If you ask his family or friends and look into the eyes of his mom 
and dad, they are overwhelmed with pride of his service. Billy was 
proud to put on the uniform and to serve our country. His smile would 
light up a room. Just ask any of the thousands of people who came and 
paid tribute to him just this past week--a devoted family friend, 
respected and loved by many. To his brother, he was known as Superman. 
For his brave efforts, Sergeant Wilson was posthumously awarded the 
Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
  But my message today is for Billy's parents, Bill and Kim, for his 
brothers Jeremy and Wesley, for his fiancee, for his entire family, for 
his grandma. I want them to know from a grateful Nation: your boy did 
not die in vain. He honored our country with his service, and for that 
we are forever grateful.

                          ____________________