[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 155 (Wednesday, September 27, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1274-E1275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY PRIVATE FIRST 
                   CLASS (PFC) WILLIAM BRANDON DAWSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2017

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I am humbled to rise today in 
memory of Army Private First Class (PFC) William Brandon Dawson who 
died while in service to our nation on September 24, 2010, during 
Operation Enduring Freedom. PFC Dawson was killed when an explosive 
device detonated close to his military vehicle near Combat Outpost 
Carwile, Afghanistan. Private First Class (PFC) Jaysine P.S. Petree of 
Yigo, Guam was also killed.
  PFC Dawson was assigned to the 17th Combat Sustainment Support 
Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Richardson, Alaska. 
According to the Associated Press, PFC Dawson served as a motor 
transport operator. He was assigned to Fort Richardson in February 
2010.
  PFC Dawson, a Tunica, Mississippi native, joined the U.S. Army in 
2009 shortly after he graduated from Rosa Fort High School Reverend 
Willie Dawson, Jr., PFC Dawson's father, said his son was ambitious and 
talked about pursuing a career in politics. ``He told me he wanted to 
be a senator. He could do so many different things,'' Rev. Dawson said.

[[Page E1275]]

``He made a career choice and he had all the support of his family. He 
wanted to drive trucks and he wanted to serve his country.''
  A number of friends and family members posted a tribute to PFC Dawson 
on a memorial website. Pennie Smith, PFC Dawson's cousin, praised the 
soldier for his service. ``Thank you, Brandon and all the brave and 
courageous soldiers that fight and die for our freedom,'' Smith wrote. 
``I hadn't seen Brandon since he joined the military, but he was family 
and I loved him. I pray everyone continues to remember, respect, and 
honor this fallen hero!''
  In 2014, the Tunica County Education Foundation created the Private 
First Class (PFC) William Brandon Dawson Memorial Scholarship program 
in his honor. The foundation creators wrote a tribute to PFC Dawson 
that details the reasons for establishing the scholarship, ``Private 
First Class William Brandon Dawson served in the United States Army in 
Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He made the ultimate 
sacrifice for his country and his community on September 24, 2010, and 
this scholarship has been established to honor his memory, bravery, 
character, and commitment.''
  PFC Dawson is survived by his parents, Reverend Willie Dawson, Jr. 
and Quita Weeden-Dawson, his stepfather, Elton Tresvant; his 
grandparents, Marilyn Williams, Willie Dawson, Sr. and Shirley Dawson, 
Joe Dan Weeden and Julia Weeden; his four brothers, Joseph Dawson, 
David Dawson, Daniel Dawson, and Elijah Dawson; his three sisters, 
Gabrielle Dawson, Whitney Robinson, and Kelli Campbell; his uncle, 
Larry Williams; his aunt, Phillis Williams; his four cousins, Kashia 
Williams, Erving Nelson Williams, Pennie Smith, and Adam Williams.
  PFC Dawson proudly served our nation to protect the freedoms we all 
enjoy. His service will always be remembered.

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