[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 66 (Thursday, May 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E774-E775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING FALLEN STAFF SGT. THOMAS KENT FOGARTY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2012

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise, along with my colleague Rep. Barbara 
Lee of California, to honor the service and sacrifice of Staff Sgt. 
Thomas Kent Fogarty, age 30, of Alameda, California. He was killed in 
action on May 6th, 2012 in Pakita Province, Afghanistan. The married 
father of two sons, ages 2 and 5, was felled by an improvised explosive 
device that detonated near the vehicle he was commanding.
  My heart goes out to SSG Fogarty's wife Vanessa, their young sons, 
his parents and his friends for the loss of this noble man and soldier. 
SSG Fogarty made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. His 
fellow countrymen and women, and I, will be forever grateful.

[[Page E775]]

  A graduate of Alameda High School, SSG Fogarty entered the military 
in 2003 and his first deployment was in January of 2005. His tragic and 
untimely death occurred after eight years and three months of service 
to his country, and only a month after his arrival in Afghanistan. He 
had served two previous tours in Iraq. Before being deployed, SSG 
Fogarty was a military recruiter. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion 
(Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team 
(Airborne), 25th Infantry Division at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson 
in Alaska.
  SSG Fogarty was an accomplished soldier. His military awards include: 
3 Army Commendation Medals, 2 Army Good Conduct Medals, National 
Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service 
Star, Iraq Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Global War on 
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 2 
Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service 
Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat and 
Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship Qual Badge--Bar, Weapon: Rifle 
(Inscription: Rifle), Expert, Parachutist Badge, Basic, U.S. Army 
Recruiter Identification Badge, Gold, and Overseas Service Bar.
  It is because of the commitment of truly brave individuals like SSG 
Fogarty that our Nation can enjoy the freedoms that we are all 
afforded. It takes an exceptional man to give his life for the 
betterment of his country, and SSG Fogarty was a truly exceptional man.

                          ____________________