[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 163 (Tuesday, September 21, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H4560-H4561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       SERGEANT GEE COMMEMORATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Murphy) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today with great 
remorse. Two weeks ago, U.S. Sergeant Nicole Gee, a marine from 
Roseville, California, was tragically killed in action during the 
August 26 bombing at the Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan.
  As a physician of 30 years, I have written hundreds of letters to 
families whose loved ones have passed away. The letters that I wrote to 
Sergeant Gee's family were amongst the hardest I have ever written. She 
gave her life in service and sacrifice to our Nation alongside 12 other 
marines and beloved U.S. servicemembers, all of whom we remember fondly 
with admiration, appreciation, and a deep and humble respect.
  Just a few days prior, Sergeant Gee commented upon her life as a 
marine, and she said: ``I love my job.''
  Prior to her mission in Afghanistan, Sergeant Gee had been a 
maintenance technician assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 24 of the 
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Her unit was based out of the Marine 
Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in my district.
  I know I can speak for everyone in eastern North Carolina and the 
Camp Lejeune community in offering our most sincere condolences to 
Sergeant Gee's husband, fellow marine Jarod Gee, as well as her family 
and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.
  Sergeant Gee's bravery, empathy, patriotism, and unwavering 
commitment to others will never be forgotten. Her willingness to put 
herself in harm's way to protect her country and the cause of freedom 
is the most selfless act one can commit, and words are not enough to 
convey our district's sadness and our gratitude.
  As a female marine, Sergeant Gee represented one of the fewer, one of 
the prouder. Women make up less than 10 percent of the Marine Corps, 
but these women carry the same flag, fight the same fight, and bleed 
the same red blood as their brothers on the battlefield.
  Sergeant Nicole Gee's selflessness reminds us of the many sacrifices 
our women in uniform make for our country every day. We will never 
forget her

[[Page H4561]]

sacrifice or the sacrifices of her brothers and sisters in arms.
  Importantly, she will always be remembered for her compassion and 
grace. Most Americans have seen this iconic photo of Sergeant Gee 
cradling and comforting an Afghan child at the Kabul Airport. This 
image is just a snapshot of her outstanding commitment to others as her 
loved ones and fellow marines remember Nicole as an outstanding person 
who always had a positive attitude and never failed to put a smile on 
everyone's face.

                              {time}  0915

  Her dear friend, Marine Sergeant Mallory Harrison, recently took to 
social media to say: ``I find peace knowing that she left this world 
doing what she loved. She was a marine's marine. She cared about 
people. She loved fiercely, and she was a light in this very dark 
world.''
  One infantry marine who served in Afghanistan with her, Rowdy Woods, 
wrote: ``Nicole loved what she was doing out here and she knew the 
risks. She did it anyway because she is and forever will be one badass 
marine.''
  For 2 weeks, residents and visitors in Onslow County have been paying 
their respects to Sergeant Gee and her 12 fallen comrades outside of 
Camp Lejeune.
  Thank you to all the military families and other community members 
for adorning the gates of Camp Lejeune with flowers, meaningful signs, 
and combat boots.
  The outpouring of love and support that I have seen in the Third 
District is a true testament to the epic legacy that Sergeant Gee and 
all of our other lost U.S. servicemen now leave behind.
  It is an honor to represent the marines in my district. They 
represent the very best amongst our steadfast patriots, risking 
everything to preserve life and liberty for our great Nation. Their 
commitment is unmatched.
  I, again, extend my sincere condolences to Sergeant Gee's family, her 
friends, her fellow marines, and others who were touched by her 
wonderful life and valiant service. There is a true void in her 
absence. Sergeant Gee will be missed, but her sacrifice will never be 
forgotten.

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