[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 109 (Thursday, July 19, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H5017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS BRANDON D. GOODINE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I come before you today with a great 
sadness, but with a sense of pride to honor one of Georgia's own 
heroes, Private First Class Brandon D. Goodine. On June 7, Brandon gave 
the ultimate sacrifice when his unit was attacked with an improvised 
explosive device by enemy forces in Maiwand district of Kandahar 
province in Afghanistan while he was supporting Operation Enduring 
Freedom.
  Brandon was a beloved father. He was a husband, a brother, and a son. 
He was taken from us much too soon, but not without accomplishing some 
great things. He believed that his greatest accomplishment 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 that she was going to be 
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 percent is 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 proudly served as a scout with 
Bravo Troop, Fourth Battalion, 73rd Calvary Regiment of the 82nd 
Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 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 that he showed 
them.
  Going out of his way to volunteer or help someone was not unusual for 
Brandon. On June 7, he was assigned to a mission to prevent the enemy 
from freely attacking peaceful communities in Afghanistan. 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, his 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 a friend. He was a hero to his family, a role model for his three 
sisters, a beloved son, a brother, a loving father, and 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 for the 
last time, flags were placed along the road to honor him in his 
sacrifice. He was laid to rest on June 18 by his close friends and 
family in McDonough, Georgia.
  I'm proud to stand here before you to honor the life of Brandon C. 
Goodine and to thank him for his service to our country. Brandon has 
left a lasting impression on those he has touched, and his bravery will 
never be forgotten.
  Joan and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Mandy, Dwayne, 
Kathryn, Nicole, and all of Brandon's family and friends. We will never 
forget his great sacrifice for his Nation so that we may all live free.

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