[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 128 (Thursday, September 20, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING TECHNICAL SERGEANT BRIAN BELL

 Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I 
rise today to pay tribute to the life of Technical SGT Brian A. Bell, 
who died at the age of 54 at his home in Brookfield, NH on August 5. 
Brian served his country bravely for 29 years in both the 157th Air 
Refueling Wing of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, and in the 
United States Navy, deploying to Kuwait in 2005 and 2011.
  Besides his love of country, Brian was best known for his deep 
devotion to his family and friends. He appreciated the small things in 
life such as going to concerts with his wife, heading out on fishing or 
hiking trips and going kayaking. He took so much joy in being a 
grandfather to his two grandchildren, James and Jocelyne.
  Brian dedicated more than half of his life to defending our Nation, a 
devotion matched by his loyalty to his community. People who knew Brian 
say he was always willing to lend a helping hand when it was needed. 
His friends and loved ones knew him as a man driven by a fierce 
determination to defend the freedom we hold dear as Americans. Our 
country is better off today because of his efforts.
  Today and every day, Americans like Brian heed the call to defend 
this great nation. They offer their service so we may live freely and 
securely. I hope that, even at this challenging time, Brian's family 
can find comfort in knowing that we share a deep appreciation for his 
life in the service of others.
  Brian is survived by his loving wife Christine, daughter Natasha 
Nemetz, mother Helen Sue Bickford, brother James D. Bell, III, sister 
Rosanne Combs, and his beloved grandchildren. He will be loved and 
missed by all.
  I ask my colleagues and all Americans to please join me in honoring 
the life and service of Technical SGT Brian A. Bell.

                          ____________________