[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 139 (Tuesday, August 21, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S5755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL ``TONY'' DUNNE AND BRANDON ``RAY'' SEABOLT

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, it is my honor to pay tribute today to two 
exceptional Oklahomans and patriots, retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 
Michael ``Tony'' Dunne of Webber Falls, OK, and retired Army Chief 
Warrant Officer Brandon ``Ray'' Seabolt of Skiatook, OK. On August 14, 
2018, both were awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal 
for Valor, the highest civilian award presented by the Department of 
Defense.
  On August 7, 2015, Tony was working at Camp Integrity, just north of 
Kabul, Afghanistan, executing duties as contractors for the Department 
of Defense when a potent vehicle-borne improvised explosive device 
impaled the main gate and knocked down a guard tower. Without 
hesitation, Tony rushed to the fight and evacuated a wounded 
servicemember from the scene, undoubtedly saving their life. From his 
actions that day and others, Tony has been honored for exceptional 
gallantry in repeatedly putting himself in harm's way to assist in 
countering multiple insurgent threats, helping to save lives at the 
risk of his own.
  On December 17, 2015, Ray was serving as a counter-IED expert in 
congruence with U.S. Special Forces and Afghan partners when they were 
ambushed by enemy fire. Without regard for his own life, Ray jumped to 
action and single-handedly fended off the insurgent onslaught, allowing 
the recovery force to approach the scene with little resistance. Ray 
has deservedly been recognized for his bravery and confidence in 
supporting multiple engagements with the enemy with devastating effects 
and for providing tactical advice and assistance in the successful 
recovery of servicemembers.
  Oklahoma is truly honored and proud to claim Tony and Ray, two 
patriots that exemplify the ultimate in bravery and courage in support 
of our country's most critical national security missions both at home 
and overseas.
  Created in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the Medal for 
Valor recognizes government employees and private citizens who perform 
an act of heroism or sacrifice, with voluntary risk to their personal 
safety in the face of danger. Tony and Ray's well-deserved medals, 
along with one other awarded on August 14, bring the total number of 
Medals for Valor to 17 awarded since September 11, 2001. This 
exemplifies the recognition of immense sacrifice that this small group 
has made for our Nation. Now, Tony and Ray's names will permanently 
reside in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes, distinguished among our 
Nation's best.

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