[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 96 (Monday, July 8, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S5516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                      Specialist Robert A. Pierce

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, my colleagues and I are often at odds 
when trying to solve some of our Nation's most pressing and difficult 
problems. However, one thing we can all agree on is that the men and 
women who wear our Nation's uniforms are selfless heroes who embody the 
American spirit of courage and patriotism. We must continue to honor 
the sacrifice and service of our troops who have fought to protect and 
defend our freedoms. Today, I am here to pay my respects to Army SPC 
Robert A. Pierce, an Arkansas soldier who gave his life while in 
support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
  Specialist Pierce graduated from Mansfield High School and spent his 
free time perfecting his steak cooking abilities at the Bulldog Diner 
in Greenwood, AK. A former coworker described these as ``the best 
steaks ever.''

  Specialist Pierce's friends say the money he earned at his part-time 
job went to fixing his truck. His love of auto mechanics led him to do 
most of the work himself. Specialist Pierce's family said he joined the 
military in 2011 to make a difference.
  He served in South Korea before his assignment at Fort Campbell. He 
was a member of A Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 
101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY. SPC Robert Pierce was only 
20 when he gave his life for his country last month while on patrol in 
Afghanistan. Specialist Pierce is a true American hero who made the 
ultimate sacrifice.
  I ask my colleagues to keep his wife Christian and the rest of his 
family and friends in their thoughts and prayers.
  On behalf of a grateful Nation, I humbly offer my sincerest gratitude 
for his patriotism and selfless sacrifice.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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