[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 159 (Wednesday, September 15, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6528-S6529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING CORPORAL DAEGAN WILLIAM-TYELER PAGE

  Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, words can't describe the emotions I felt 
watching the ruthless Taliban once again seize control of Afghanistan, 
the very same country from where terrorists plotted the attacks on 
America two decades earlier.
  The world watched hopelessly as tens of thousands of people, 
including American citizens and our Afghan allies,

[[Page S6529]]

desperately attempted to escape the terror and bleak future certain to 
return under the rule of the Taliban.
  Through the chaos and the panic, the brave men and women of the U.S. 
Armed Forces, who once freed the Nation from the terrorist regime, 
stood as protectors at the Kabul airport for those who were desperately 
seeking a way out.
  Then, on August 26, a terrorist attack at the airport claimed the 
lives of 13 of these brave servicemembers who were assisting with the 
evacuation, marking one of the deadliest days for U.S. forces during 
the 20-year conflict.
  Marine Corporal Daegan William-Tyeler Page was one of those killed in 
action on that day. Daegan was a young man from Red Oak, IA, who truly 
represents the greatness of our State, our country, and the U.S. Marine 
Corps in which he proudly served. Daegan may have been just 23 years 
old, but he died a hero who lived a life of service to his community 
and to his Nation.
  Our hearts go out to those to whom he meant the most: his girlfriend, 
Jessica; his parents, Wendy and Craig Adelson and Greg and Jenni Page; 
his grandparents; and his four siblings, Corey, Garrett, Mason, and 
Emerson, to whom Daegan has always been a hero, even before he became a 
U.S. marine.
  The wounds of war obviously aren't just borne by the warrior. It is 
the family of the fallen who will carry the scars for a lifetime. The 
hole left in their lives by the loss of Daegan can never, ever be 
filled. So let's also keep Daegan's family in our prayers.

  Being from Red Oak, IA, I know Daegan's family. I have grown up with 
Daegan's family. It was my best friend in Red Oak that texted me after 
that explosion at the Kabul airport. She is the one who told me that 
Wendy Tye's son Daegan had been killed in this explosion.
  So I gave the family time to come together, and that next morning I 
called Wendy's mother, Peggy. I love Peggy very much. I love their 
entire family very much, and I told her I was so sorry about the loss 
of Daegan. And she told me: Joni, just please let everybody know what 
an amazing young man that Daegan was.
  And he was an extraordinary young man. Before we ended our 
conversation, she said: Joni, give that precious Libby of yours a hug 
for me, like I used to so many years ago when she was a little girl.
  And she said: You never know when you will get that last hug from 
someone you love.
  And, Peggy, I did. I gave my daughter Libby a hug.
  So while Daegan was a tough marine--he really was--again, an amazing 
young man. He was fun, loving, and he had a giant heart and a soft spot 
for animals. He had three dogs--Shyia, Gracie, and Finn.
  Growing up in Red Oak, and then in Omaha, Daegan's commitment to 
service began at a young age as a longtime member of the Boy Scouts.
  While he was just a child when the terrorists attacked America on 
September 11, 2001, after graduating from Millard South High School, he 
answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Marine 
Corps.
  Daegan's family says that he loved the brotherhood of the Marines and 
was proud to serve as a member of the 2d Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment 
at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA.
  Daegan was always a dedicated team member. It didn't matter what it 
was, but he was dedicated, according to his former hockey teammates 
who, together, won the Nebraska State championship tournament. Omaha's 
hockey community has fittingly paid tribute to Daegan by placing hockey 
sticks on their porches in his memory.
  A memorial service to celebrate Daegan's life is being held this 
Friday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Omaha.
  Like his family, teammates, and fellow servicemembers, we mourn the 
loss of Daegan, but also honor his heroism and his valor. He has been 
awarded the Purple Heart for making that ultimate sacrifice in the line 
of duty.
  His life in Red Oak, IA, and Omaha, NE, and his death, remind us that 
this world is a very dangerous place with many wishing to do the United 
States harm. Our protection here at home depends upon the sacrifice and 
the service of many heroes, those like Daegan.
  Let it not be forgotten that thousands of other lives were rescued 
from pending doom because of the bravery of Daegan and the 12 other 
servicemembers who lost their lives that day while standing guard to 
ensure the safe passage of others out of Afghanistan.
  While it is heartbreaking that he was taken from this world too soon, 
Daegan will forever have the gratitude of our Nation.
  So Wendy and Greg, and to your families, please accept my heartfelt 
condolences on the loss of your beautiful son, Daegan. The American 
people will never forget him, nor will they ever forget his life of 
service.
  Semper Fidelis, Daegan, and godspeed.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas.

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