[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 8, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H4878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING PRIVATE WILLIAM LONG AND PRIVATE QUINTON EZEAGWULA
(Mr. HILL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two courageous
young men, Army Private William ``Andy'' Long and Private Quinton
``EZ'' Ezeagwula.
On June 1, 2009, these soldiers were the target of a terrorist attack
at a military recruiting station in my hometown of Little Rock,
Arkansas, which, tragically, Andy Long did not survive.
Last Wednesday, in an emotional ceremony at the Arkansas State
Capitol and after a wait of 6 years, these two soldiers were finally
awarded the Purple Heart Medals they deserved.
I was privileged to be present as EZ and the family of Andy Long
received the recognition they deserve for their sacrifice to our
Nation.
Andy's father, Daris Long, put it best at the ceremony when he stated
that this was never just about Purple Hearts. ``It was about accurately
identifying what really happened in Little Rock and at Fort Hood. These
acts were not simply a drive-by shooting or workplace violence. They
were terrorist attacks on our servicemembers in our own land.''
I am truly appreciative of the work of our entire congressional
delegation, both past and present, whose tireless efforts over the past
6 years ensured the sacrifice of these young men has been fully
recognized and honored.
____________________