[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 109 (Thursday, July 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1286-E1287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING PRIVATE FIRST CLASS BRANDON D. GOODINE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2012

  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I come before you today with great 
sadness to honor one of Georgia's own, Private First Class Brandon D. 
Goodine. On June 7th, Brandon gave the ultimate sacrifice when his unit 
was attacked with an improvised explosive device by enemy forces in the 
Maiwand District of Kandahar province in Afghanistan while supporting 
Operation Enduring Freedom.
  Brandon was a beloved father, husband, brother, and son. He was taken 
from us much too soon, but not without accomplishing great things. He 
believed his greatest was his 3 year old daughter, Kathryn. Brandon 
became a father at a young age, but devoted his life to making sure 
Kathryn had everything she needed. In fact, his reason for joining the 
Army was so that he could be sure she was taken care of. Her birth gave 
him direction and purpose in life, helping him believe he could 
accomplish anything. Everything that Brandon did was for Kathryn.
  Giving everything 110% was what Brandon did. He was just an all 
around great guy striving to make something of himself. Brandon 
attended Henry County High School, and later joined the Navy ROTC at 
Greenville High School. On May 2, 2011, he joined the Army and served 
as a scout with Bravo Troop, 4th Battalion, 73rd Cavalry Regiment of 
the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, NC. In his unit, he was a 
brother to his fellow paratroopers. They remember not only laughing and 
having fun with him, but his kindness and generosity. Going out of his 
way to volunteer or help someone was not unusual for Brandon. On June 
7th, he was assigned to a mission to prevent the enemy from freely 
attacking peaceful communities. He bravely gave his life doing what he 
did best, helping others and giving them a chance for a better life.
  His commitment to his daughter, family, and our country inspired his 
older brother, Christopher, to enlist in the Army 3 months later. 
Brandon's mother, Mandy, said she was not only proud to be his mother, 
but his friend. He was a hero to his family, a role model for his three 
sisters and brother, and, a loving father, a dedicated husband to his 
wife, Nicole. One of the biggest tributes to Brandon's life has been 
the support from the community. When Brandon was being transported 
home, flags were placed along the road to honor him and his sacrifice. 
He was laid to rest on June 18 by his close friends and family in 
McDonough, GA.
  I am proud to stand before you to honor the life of PFC Brandon 
Goodine and to thank him for his service to our country. Brandon has 
left a lasting impression on all those he has touched, and his bravery 
will never be forgotten.
  Joan and I extend our deepest sympathy to the friends and family of 
Brandon, and we will never forget his great sacrifice for our nation so 
that we may all live free.

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