[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 STAFF SERGEANT BRANDON CULLEN-TOWLE

 Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, it is my sad duty to rise in 
tribute today to the brave service of Staff Sergeant Brandon Cullen-
Towle. Staff Sergeant Cullen-Towle, who was known as ``CT'' to his 
friends, died on August 25 in a motorcycle accident. He was as 
dedicated to his country as he was to his family and friends.
  Brandon was born on April 29, 1987 in Dover, NH. He graduated from 
Dover High School where he was a three-sport athlete, playing football, 
basketball and baseball. Brandon briefly attended the University of New 
Hampshire before realizing his true calling to serve our nation in the 
United States Air Force.
  Brandon successfully completed his basic training at Lackland Air 
Force Base in Texas and was assigned as a Tactical Air Control Party 
Member in the 14th Air Support Operations Squadron in Pope Field, NC. 
In this role, Brandon was responsible for calling in air strikes to 
support ground forces. He performed exceptionally well during his three 
tours of duty in Afghanistan; he took his responsibility seriously and 
it showed. In fact, Brandon's skill earned him a spot with the Special 
Operations Forces Tactical Air Control Party in the 21st Special 
Tactics Squadron.
  Brandon received many awards for his service, including the Order of 
the Purple Heart, three Army Commendation Medals, the Air Force 
Commendation Medal and an Army Achievement Medal. Most impressively of 
all, President Obama and Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Norton 
Schwartz personally recognized Brandon for his courageous service 
during a mortar attack in Afghanistan. After being injured himself in 
the fight, Brandon saved an interpreter's life and called in an 
airstrike that successfully secured the base and neutralized the 
threat. He demonstrated great courage and tremendous poise under 
incredible pressure.
  Brandon is remembered by family and friends as a giving person with 
an infectious laugh and a contagious smile. Always willing to lend a 
hand to those in need, Brandon consistently put others before himself. 
He valued his relationships and had an impact on everyone with whom he 
came in contact; people simply gravitated toward him.
  Our Nation can never adequately thank. this young New Hampshire son 
for his willingness to serve his country and to protect our freedom, 
and also never fully thank his family enough for their sacrifice. I 
hope that Brandon's family knows that all Americans share a deep 
appreciation and abiding respect for his brave service.
  Brandon is survived by his mother Laura Towle and her husband Dennis; 
his father Brad Cullen; his stepfather, Mike Towle; two sisters, 
Stephanie and Kaylee Towle; brother Kameron Towle; his significant 
other Marlena Cullen-Towle; grandparents Norma and James Hughes, Fern 
Cullen, Rick and Kay Towle; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and 
friends. This young hero will be missed by all.
  I ask my colleagues and all Americans to please join me in honoring 
Staff Sergeant Brandon Cullen-Towle.

                          ____________________