[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 119 (Tuesday, August 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1447-E1448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS BARETT W. McNABB

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JAIME HERRERA BEUTLER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 7, 2012

  Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a fallen 
soldier who died in military service to this country. This true 
American hero, Sergeant First Class Barett W. McNabb, was stationed in 
Washington state and he and his family lived in my home district in 
Southwest Washington prior to his final deployment. Sergeant First 
Class McNabb died on June 12, 2012, from wounds he suffered from an 
improvised explosive device while serving in support of Operation 
Enduring Freedom in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan.
   Sergeant First Class McNabb was on his fourth overseas deployment, 
previously serving in Kuwait and twice in Iraq. He entered the Army in 
1999, and since that time earned several awards and commendations 
including four Army Commendations including an Army Commendation with 
Valor, three Army Achievement Medals, four Army Good Conduct Medals, a 
National Defense Service Medal, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, an 
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with a Bronze Service Star, an Iraq Campaign 
Medal with a Bronze Service Star, four Global War on Terrorism 
Expeditionary Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a 
Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, three Army 
Service Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbons, and a NATO Medal.
   SFC McNabb was also posthumously awarded a Bronze Star Medal, a 
Meritorious Service Medal, a Combat Action Badge, and a Purple Heart.
   SFC McNabb wore his uniform with great honor in defense of his 
country, but he was also a son, a husband, and a father. He was 
remembered as an inspirational leader; a trait he no doubt began to 
learn while playing varsity football at Chino Valley High School while 
growing up in Arizona, and further developed during thirteen years of 
loyal service to his country.
   The thousands of men and women who serve in our military must each 
day make the difficult choice to put themselves in harm's way. But SFC 
McNabb and those other brave soldiers stationed around the world do so 
to protect our great country, this place that has been an enduring 
symbol of hope and democracy for more than 200 years.
   Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life 
and legacy of Sergeant First Class Barett W. McNabb, and the other 
Americans in our Armed Forces who are willing to make the ultimate 
sacrifice for their country. Our words are not enough to express the 
gratitude they have earned.

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