[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 136 (Friday, October 4, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING A HOMETOWN HERO: SERGEANT JAMES CASEY JOYCE, COMMEMORATING THE 
                  20TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLACK HAWK DOWN

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                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 4, 2013

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call my fellow 
Americans to remember, remember a day of exceptional valor, bravery, 
and comradery in our nation's history. Today we commemorate the 20th 
anniversary of Black Hawk Down, also known as the Day of the Rangers.
   On October 3, 1993, approximately 120 U.S. Army Rangers and Delta 
Force Operators launched a raid to capture Mohamed Farrah Aidid, a 
warlord wreaking havoc on the city of Mogadishu and starving innocent 
civilians in Somalia. What began as an attempt to seize an oppressor 
and bring peace and aid to this developing country turned into an 
extensive rescue mission after two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters were 
shot down. Tragically, many American lives were lost, including one of 
our very own, Sergeant James Casey Joyce, a graduate of Plano Senior 
High School.
   After attending the University of Texas and the University of North 
Texas at Denton, Sergeant Joyce enlisted in the Army in November 1990 
where he completed Airborne Training and earned the esteemed title, 
U.S. Army Ranger. Twenty years ago, Sergeant Joyce was one of the brave 
Rangers who put their lives on the line to bring these American pilots 
safely home. In the midst of the vicious battle, a fellow Ranger who 
fell from one of the helicopters was in critical condition--without 
immediate medical attention he would clearly die. Fulfilling the Ranger 
Creed, Sergeant Joyce took it upon himself to ``never leave a fallen 
comrade'' behind. He proceeded into the danger of enemy fire in search 
of a medevac vehicle and was tragically killed in action.
   Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Joyce's actions that day, along with the other 
brave men and women who fought alongside him must always be remembered. 
His commitment to his comrades, unwavering courage, and extraordinary 
sacrifice embodies the highest form of the American spirit, to place 
service over self.
   Words cannot sufficiently express the debt of gratitude we owe 
Sergeant Joyce and others like him who have bravely fought and lost 
their lives in service to our great country. I'd also like to thank his 
family--his wife, DeAnna, his mother, Gail, and his brother and sister, 
Steven and Sancy. When one member of a family serves, the entire family 
serves, and you all deserve our utmost appreciation and respect. 
Because of their sacrifices, America remains the land of the free and 
the world is a better place for it.
   God Bless all who serve, past, present, and future. I salute each 
and every one of you.

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