[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 24 (Thursday, February 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING U.S. ARMY SPC. TRAVIS RYAN VAUGHN FOR HIS SERVICE AND 
                               SACRIFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE L. BRALEY

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2013

  Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, today, I am here to honor and 
celebrate the life of a brave American patriot, United States Army 
Specialist Travis Ryan Vaughn. Travis left us on February 18, 2007, 
when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was in, lost power and crashed 
while conducting operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 
southeastern Afghanistan.
  Travis, a proud Iowan, was born on September 1, 1980 in Waterloo, and 
grew up in Cedar Falls, graduating from Cedar Falls High School in 
1999. He joined the Army in 2003 and went on to earn various medals and 
decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct 
Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
  Travis' memory lives on through his family, who every year collects 
food and household items from residents of Northeastern Iowa which are 
donated to Iowa veterans. Travis has also been honored with a memorial 
marker at Cedar Falls High School which was donated by Flags for 
Freedom Outreach.
  As we come upon the 6th year of Travis' passing, we are reminded of 
the sacrifice our young American men and women make in service to their 
country. His family's efforts and the generosity of Northeastern Iowans 
ensure that Travis is `never forgotten.'

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