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




RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY MASTER SERGEANT 
                      (MSG) COATER BERNARD DeBOSE

                                 ______
                                 

                            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 
fallen Mississippi soldier Army Master Sergeant (MSG) Coater Bernard 
DeBose. MSG DeBose gave his life while in service to our great nation 
on August 19, 2008, during Operation Enduring Freedom. MSG DeBose died 
in Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, of wounds he received from small arms fire 
while conducting security force assistance operations. MSG DeBose was 
assigned to 2nd Battalion, 351st Infantry Regiment, 158th Infantry 
Brigade, First Army Division East, Camp Shelby, Mississippi. MSG DeBose 
was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart medals.
  According to the Associated Press, MSG DeBose, a State Line, 
Mississippi native, joined the Alabama National Guard in May 1983. He 
transferred to the Army Reserves in 2008. He was deployed in April 2004 
to Afghanistan, where he served as a communications specialist. It was 
his job to train Afghan police in the Kandahar region.
  There have been many memorials posted in MSG DeBose's honor on 
Legacy.com, including one that appeared on September 1, 2012 from 
Master Sergeant (MSG) Maranda McCorvey. ``As I sign this guest book, no 
words can explain the loss of a true soldier,'' MSG McCorvey said. ``He 
was a leader, mentor, motivator, and trainer to many lives in and out 
of the uniform.''
  Rebecca Lewis of Moss Point wrote, ``May God continue to watch over 
you and your family at this time,'' Mrs. Lewis said. ``Deacon DeBose 
will certainly be missed by all of us including his Greater First 
Baptist Church in Escatawpa, Mississippi, under the leadership of 
Richard Young. Deacon DeBose was a great man and touched many hearts.''
  Christopher DeBose, MSG DeBose's son, wrote about the pain of losing 
his father in an August 30, 2012. ``I pray that there is a military up 
in heaven,'' Christopher said. ``I know Master Sergeant DeBose would be 
in charge of something. No matter what it is, I'm sure God will trust 
you with any task because he knows you will get it done.''
  Caronica DeBose-Jackson, MSG DeBose's daughter, paid tribute to her 
father in a September 6, 2012 post. ``I hear your voice telling me to 
keep moving and live life to the fullest,'' Caronica said. ``I will go 
on because that's what you would want. I will honor your life and 
legacy forever.''
  MSG DeBose is survived by his wife, Juanita, his three sons, Latravis 
DeBose, Christopher DeBose, and Broderick DeBose; and two daughters, 
Caronica DeBose-Jackson, and Nekeshia Raybon.
  MSG DeBose demonstrated the qualities of an American hero. His 27 
years of military service will always be remembered.

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