[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 144 (Thursday, September 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1177-E1178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN SOLDIER ARMY SPECIALIST (SPC) BRIAN 
                              KEITH DERKS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2017

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army 
Specialist (SPC) Brian Keith Derks who paid the ultimate sacrifice 
while defending our great nation on August 13, 2005, during Operation 
Iraqi Freedom. SPC Derks was killed when an improvised explosive device 
detonated while he was on mounted patrol in Baghdad. SPC Derks was 
assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort 
Irwin, California, which was attached to the 155th Armored Brigade 
Combat Team from Mississippi.
  SPC Derks, a White Cloud, Michigan native, graduated from White Cloud 
High School in 2003. According to the Associated Press, SPC Derks was 
the captain of the Quiz Bowl Team and was credited for bringing the 
team to a national competition. Tony McHattie, one of SPC Derks' high 
school teachers, said he had an astute mind. ``Consistently, Brian 
would buzz in before a question was even half done,'' McHattie said. 
``He just had vast knowledge in all sorts of areas.''
  According to the memorial website FindAGrave.com, SPC Derks played 
football and baseball in high school. SPC Derks was an active member of 
the White Cloud Boy Scouts Troop #1137. He became an Eagle Scout and 
briefly served as an assistant scoutmaster. SPC Derks enjoyed hunting, 
fishing, computers, and spending time with his family. SPC Derks' sense 
of humor always kept people laughing.

[[Page E1178]]

  SPC Derks was determined to join the Army, so in order to meet the 
weight requirements, he worked to lose 100 pounds. Captain (CPT) Jarrod 
P. Wickline, an Army recruiter, said SPC Derks accomplished his goal. 
``He took that as a personal challenge,'' CPT Wickline said. ``He lost 
the weight in three months. There is no doubt to me that by sheer 
willpower alone, he would be anything he wanted to be.''
  The memorial service was held at First Christian Reformed Church in 
Fremont, Michigan. SPC Derks was laid to rest at White Cloud Cemetery.
  SPC Derks was awarded the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct medal, the 
National Defense Service medal, the Global War on Terrorism 
Expeditionary medal, the Global War on Terrorism medal, the Army 
Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.
  SPC Derks is survived by his parents, Keith and Peggy Derks; sister, 
Sally Derks; maternal grandparents, Emery and Ester Wilson; paternal 
grandparents, Vernon and Evelyn Derks; and fiancee, Nikki Crans.
  SPC Derks' sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all enjoy will not be 
forgotten.

                          ____________________