[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 95 (Tuesday, June 4, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      APPRECIATING THOMAS CAUGHMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2024

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, June 9, 2024, marks the 
20th anniversary of the tragic death of Army Specialist Thomas Day 
Caughman of Lexington, South Carolina. Assigned to the 391st Engineer 
Battalion, Army Reserve, Spartanburg, SC, Thomas was killed while 
bravely serving America during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  As a 20-year-old graduate of Lexington High School, Thomas had a deep 
appreciation for America as he included in each of his letters home 
with the words, ``Freedom isn't free.''
  In a touching tribute to the duty he felt in securing freedom for 
America, and expressed love for his family, he wrote the following 
letter in case of his death to parents, Jane and Hamp Caughman, and 
sister Lisa:

       ``Dad, Mom, Sis
       I think sometimes why I did this and if it was worth it. 
     Then I realize how important people like me are, we all know 
     Freedom isn't never free and somebody must protect that, for 
     my family and everyone who enjoys freedom. Sometimes I get 
     angry because I realize that people take advantage of that. 
     But many respect that also, so its worth it, doing my job as 
     an American soldier I've done many things and seen many 
     things most will never experience. I know the sacrifice to 
     protect the U.S and more important my family and friends.
       If ya'll are reading this. I guess it means that I have 
     lost my life on this world but started a new one in Heaven. 
     Don't cry or worry about me, because I have died for my 
     country and yall. We knew what may happen while I was here, 
     but I think it was meant to be. . .
       . . . I really don't know how to end this but, carry on 
     with your lives and remember you live in a great place, where 
     men and women sacrifice so much for all of us. I love yall 
     so, so much.
       Sincerely your son and brother, Thomas (PFC Caughman)''

  As the grateful father of four sons who have served in Iraq, Egypt, 
or Afghanistan I especially appreciate the courage and extraordinary 
maturity of Thomas Caughman. He will always be cherished for his 
service which has for 20 years achieved protecting Americans from 
terrorist attacks in the continuing Global War on Terrorism.

                          ____________________