[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 109 (Thursday, July 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1055-E1056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF EDDY RAE'LAURIN GATES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RENEE L. ELLMERS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 7, 2016

  Mrs. ELLMERS of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I rise seeking to 
honor the life of Eddy Rae'Laurin Gates, who passed away on June 2, 
2016 in Fort Hood, Texas at the age of 20.
   Ms. Gates was a passionate defender of our nation, and died serving 
our citizens in the tragic flood at Fort Hood, Texas. A recent graduate 
of Triton High School in Dunn, North Carolina, Ms. Gates eagerly joined 
the Army in December 2015 and was excited for her assignment to Fort 
Hood in May. Her dedication to serving her community was apparent in 
her roles as Homecoming Queen, youth leader at Kingdom Impact Global 
Ministries, and as a frequent volunteer with the Junior ROTC drill team 
at Triton High. Members of the community including her family, Triton 
High School principal, and ROTC Major Steve Jones, serve as witnesses 
to the impact she made in the lives of others.
   Rae'Laurin, a beloved neighbor and family friend, is survived by her 
parents, Marlene J. Strongs (Benjamin) and Deacon Eddie R. Gates; 
siblings Darryl L. Snipe, Anstrice Epps, Quinn Williams, Dominique 
Robinson, Traci Strongs, and Deja R. Shaw; grandparents, Eddie and 
Willie Faye Gates, Ernest and Jean Carter, and Joyce Strongs. A 
celebration of Ms. Gate's life was held in Dunn, North Carolina, at the 
Veterans Park on June 7, 2016, to commemorate our hometown hero.
   Rae'Laurin, like so many of our military members, made the ultimate 
sacrifice for her country: giving her life for the safety of others. 
This tragic event at Fort Hood not only impacted the Gates family, but 
also many others across the nation, and serves as a reminder of the 
sacrifices made by members of the military, both abroad and at home. 
Ms. Gates'

[[Page E1056]]

bright smile and devotion to this nation will surely never be 
forgotten.

                          ____________________