[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 144 (Thursday, September 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1180-E1181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY SPECIALIST (SPC) 
                           PATRICIA LEE HORNE

                                 ______
                                 

                            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) Patricia Lee Horne who died while defending our great 
nation on August 24, 2012,

[[Page E1181]]

during Operation Enduring Freedom. SPC Horne died in Bagram, 
Afghanistan. SPC Horne was assigned to the 96th Aviation Support 
Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air 
Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
  According to the Associated Press, SPC Horne always made good grades 
in school. She ranked third in the Greenville High School graduating 
class of 2010. Percy Powell, one of SPC Horne's teachers, said she was 
an impeccable student throughout high school. ``Everything she wanted 
to do, she wanted to do it perfect.''
  SPC Horne enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2009. She was stationed at 
Fort Campbell, Kentucky prior to her deploying. SPC Horne served as a 
human resource specialist. It was her job to make sure soldiers' 
records were accurately maintained and updated. SPC Horne planned to 
attend college after completing her second tour of duty with hopes of 
becoming a physician.
  Betty Horne, SPC Horne's mother, said her daughter was intelligent 
and driven. ``She was a very smart, knowledgeable lady,'' Mrs. Horne 
said. ``I am so proud of her.'' Sydney Horne, one of her brothers, said 
SPC Horne was the big sister every brother should have. ``She was an 
outgoing person,'' Sydney Horne said. ``She loved children. She loved 
me a lot.'' Carolyn McAdams, mayor of Greenwood, expressed remorse over 
the loss of the 20-year-old soldier. ``You know the war is going on, 
but until something like this happens, it hits home dramatically,'' 
Mayor McAdams said.
  When SPC Horne's body arrived at the Greenwood-Leflore Airport, more 
than 200 people came to pay their respects. SPC Horne's flag-draped 
casket was met by an Army Honor Guard. Terry Fields, a U.S. Army 
veteran from Greenwood, came to support a fallen comrade. ``It's an 
honor to honor somebody that gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can 
enjoy the freedoms that we have today,'' Mr Fields said. Members of the 
Patriot Guard led the procession from the airport to the Century 
Funeral Home.
  The funeral service for SPC Horne was held at the Providence 
Missionary Baptist Church in Greenwood. Reverend Robert Williams Jr, 
pastor of the Community Baptist Church, said SPC Horne had a higher 
calling than serving our country. ``Patricia has fulfilled her purpose. 
Now, she's gone home,'' Rev. Williams said. ``Her purpose was to be a 
good soldier in the Lord's army.'' Brigadier General (BG) William B. 
Hickman, the division's deputy commander, praised SPC Horne's 
commitment to the Army. He said SPC Horne was an exemplary soldier who 
embraced the Army's values of duty, respect, selfless service, honor, 
integrity, and courage. SPC Horne received the Army Commendation medal, 
the Army Good Conduct medal, and the NATO International Security 
Assistance Force medal.
  SPC Horne was buried with full military honors at Hudson Park 
Cemetery in Greenwood. SPC Horne is survived by her mother, Betty L. 
Horne, her three sisters, Aleisha Horne, Chaileta B. Horne, and 
Angelique Willis; and her two brothers, Ronald A. Horne and Sydney J. 
Horne.
  SPC Horne's commitment to protect our nation will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________