[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 102 (Tuesday, July 10, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H4708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1220
       HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ARMY MAJOR PAUL C. VOELKE

  (Ms. HAYWORTH asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. HAYWORTH. Madam Speaker, I rise this morning to honor the life 
and service of Army Major Paul C. Voelke. Major Voelke died on June 22, 
2012, in Balkh province, Afghanistan, supporting Operation Enduring 
Freedom. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan, and had also 
served two tours in Iraq.
  Major Voelke was in the Army for 14 years and during that time he was 
awarded a Bronze Star, which is given for bravery or meritorious acts 
or service, and a Purple Heart, given for injuries received in combat.
  I was privileged last Friday to join the major's family, friends, 
colleagues, and neighbors at the funeral service. It was held on the 
grounds of his alma mater, the United States Military Academy at West 
Point. Major Voelke was a native of the Hudson Valley, and he spent his 
career in service to our Nation, and he died defending its freedoms.
  His wife, Traci, movingly described his perseverance and dedication, 
and I know that Major Voelke's life will continue to inspire all of 
those who knew him and served with him.

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