[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 77 (Friday, May 25, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E887-E888]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ARMY STAFF SERGEANT ANDREW TREVOR 
                             BRITTON-MIHALO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness and 
deepest sympathy that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen American hero. 
Army Staff Sergeant Andrew Trevor Britton-Mihalo died on April 25, 
2012, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, while training Afghan Special 
Operations Forces. SSG Britton-Mihalo, a Green Beret, was assigned to 
Company B, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group; and, prior to his 
deployment, he was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
  SSG Britton-Mihalo first entered the Army in 2005 after graduating 
from Royal High School in Simi Valley, California. Just three years 
later, in 2008, his trademark drive, determination and toughness helped 
SSG Britton-Mihalo win the right to join the elite ranks of the U.S. 
Army Special Forces. This impressive accomplishment did not surprise 
anyone who knew him. Prior to joining the Army, SSG Britton-Mihalo had 
already distinguished himself as an Eagle Scout and as a champion high 
school wrestler who won the match that secured his school their first-
ever state wrestling title. He was described by those who knew him as 
one who was always fighting for the underdog and was quick to protect 
those who could not protect themselves. It was only fitting that such a 
man would join the Special Forces whose motto, De oppresso liber, is 
translated, ``to liberate the oppressed''; and, true to his character, 
that is exactly what SSG

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Britton-Mihalo was doing for the people of Afghanistan when he was 
killed just two months before his 26th birthday.
  SSG Britton-Mihalo gave his life attempting to secure for the Afghan 
people the blessings of freedom. We will never forget his ultimate 
sacrifice toward that honorable end. To SSG Britton-Mihalo's loving 
wife Jesse, his family, and friends, my wife Vicki joins me in offering 
our most sincere condolences and prayers.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful United States Congress, I stand 
here today to honor SSG Andrew Trevor Britton-Mihalo and all of the 
heroes we have lost. May God continue to bless them and the United 
States Armed Forces.

                          ____________________