[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Pages 25527-25530]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                   Lance Corporal Lamont Noel Wilson

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I stand today to honor a brave young 
American who gave his life defending our Nation. He felt a call to 
serve his country, to be part of something bigger than himself, and, 
ultimately, paid the highest price.
  LCpl Lamont Wilson, of Lawton, OK, was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st 
Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, 
from Camp Pendleton, CA. His parents, Lanny and Florence Wilson, still 
live in Lawton, where he graduated from Eisenhower High School in 2003. 
By June, he was already serving as a marine, fulfilling a military 
dream Lamont kept alive since childhood. When asked why he joined the 
Marines, Lamont explained it was to make his father proud.
  On September 6, in Fallujah, Lamont was killed in combat. He gave his 
life for the freedom of millions of Americans and also for the peace 
and prosperity of the Iraqi people crippled by a totalitarian regime. 
His funeral, held at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church in Lawton, 
was a joyous celebration of Lamont's life and service to God and 
country. Although the loss of this young man is a loss we all feel, our 
thoughts and prayers are especially with his family and friends.
  Lamont's dedicated service showed the spirit that drives us to fight 
oppression around the world. He knew that he and his fellow marines 
were fighting to protect America, to keep their Nation safe. The way 
Lamont signed letters he wrote home--``Sleep Well, America''--embodied 
the noble spirit of sacrifice in the hearts of the men and women in our 
Armed Forces. It is for men like Lance Corporal Wilson that I am proud 
to be a part of this great country. He was a special marine but, more 
importantly, a special man.
  Several of us who have spent time over in Afghanistan and Iraq have 
talked to these young people there, the young troops. They sometimes 
ask the question: Why is it that people don't appreciate us? It is 
because they get kind of a perverted media over there that doesn't 
really understand what the war is all about. I gave them my assurance 
that we understand the sacrifices they make, that we are at the most 
threatened position today this country has ever been in, and it is 
people like you who are keeping and preserving our freedom.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.

[[Page 25528]]


  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Enzi). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.


                Brigadier General Charles ``Ben'' Allen

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, it is not very often that one has the 
opportunity to talk about someone they knew personally. We have so many 
fallen heroes in Iraq and in this war on terror. Those who have spent 
any time on the Armed Services Committee know that right now we are in 
the most threatened position our country has ever been in.
  Today, I honor the memory of a really remarkable man whom I had the 
honor of meeting. In fact, I had the honor of meeting this man over in 
Iraq. It was around the time the U.N. building was bombed and I 
happened to be there at the time. He was over there with General 
Griffin, and I am speaking of BG Charles ``Ben'' Allen. He was a 
classic Oklahoman, a hard worker and leader who was dedicated to his 
family, his faith, and his country.
  General Allen was an assistant commander in the 4th Infantry Division 
and was killed along with six other soldiers in the Blackhawk 
helicopter crash in central Texas.
  Although he was born in Alaska, Ben Allen grew up in the Lawton/Fort 
Sill, OK, area, an Army town where the artillery is king of battle and 
familiar to all.
  The son of an Army colonel, he graduated from Eisenhower High School 
in Lawton and went on to study at Lawton's Cameron University where he 
graduated from the ROTC program and was commissioned into the 
artillery.
  General Allen's career was a long and distinguished one and included 
assignments with the 9th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, WA, the 70th 
Field Artillery Detachment in Greece, the 7th Infantry Division at Fort 
Ord, CA, and the 9th Field Artillery in Heilbronn, Germany, the 101st 
Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY, where he was the operations 
officer for division artillery during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, 
and the 24th and 3rd Infantry Divisions at Fort Stewart, GA.
  Allen then served as the J5 Balkans Branch Chief for the Joint staff 
at the Pentagon, after which he commanded the 4th Infantry Division's 
artillery and served in several positions under the Army deputy chief 
of staff for programming before returning to the 4th ID.
  It is often said that when a soldier chooses a branch of service, he 
also is choosing the hometown of his future wife. Ben changed the order 
of that expectation. He and Cindy were college sweethearts at Cameron. 
In college, Cindy was a serious student who shared Ben's competitive 
spirit. For fun, the couple would compete for the highest GPA.
  When Ben graduated from Cameron's ROTC program, he asked Cindy to 
marry him. She has been a partner, a friend, and a source of strength 
and truth, a cherished wife and beloved mother.
  Cindy is a teacher by trade. For her, life in the military was a 
positive challenge which she took on with the same focused energy Ben 
showed whenever the Allens arrived at the new assignment. Cindy 
educated herself about each new duty assignment. She managed each move 
in an organized and disciplined way.
  A lot of people do not understand what this is like for a family to 
be moved around this way, but Cindy handled it very well. Her 
leadership, responsibility, duty, love, and calm made her the perfect 
partner in life and love for this soldier. Even in this dark hour, 
Cindy is strong, dignified, and helping others cope with their losses 
as well.
  Although General Allen was a man who faced the foes of the world with 
steely resolve, he stood no chance when it came to his only daughter, 
Laura, who is a 20-year-old student at George Mason University. Ben and 
Laura had a special father-daughter relationship fortified by great 
humor, warmth, understanding, and natural affection, a bond that will 
endure in her heart forever. She will always be his little girl.
  I remember talking to him about this because my youngest daughter 
Katie and I also have that. To this day, I still call her my little 
girl. That is the relationship Ben had with Laura.
  As the saying goes, like father like son, we likewise send our 
heartfelt condolences to General Allen's son Brian who is attending the 
University of Virginia on an ROTC scholarship. So we are talking now 
about the third generation. Brian and Ben shared many great times 
together watching their favorite teams, the Boston Red Sox and the 
Dallas Cowboys, and of course the University of Oklahoma, the No. 1 
team in the Nation.
  Whatever career path Brian chooses, he will have the life and 
accomplishments of a great and courageous man to serve as a bright and 
shining example for selfless service.
  I will also share several thoughts about GEN Ben Allen that I have 
heard from some of my constituents who knew him. Many of these folks 
attended the memorial service held yesterday at Fort Sill. I was unable 
to be there because of votes here but I believe their comments say even 
more about the man, Ben Allen, than the long record of honorable 
service I just read.
  Here are their words:

       Ben Allen was known to be a soldier's soldier. He cared 
     about his troops and he enthusiastically led his troops to 
     achieve victory both on and off the battlefield. He was also 
     a soldier's son. Ben was the beloved son of a career Army 
     officer.

  His father was a colonel.

       Ben had a special talent for maintaining friendships. When 
     he arrived at new duty stations, he made a special effort to 
     seek out and reconnect with friends and colleagues from 
     previous assignments. Whether on the golf course or standing 
     on the bank of one of his favorite fishing holes, Ben could 
     make you feel as though only days had passed since he last 
     saw you.
       Ben was a man of faith, with a great sense of humor. He 
     worked hard and expected the best from himself and from his 
     troops. He loved his family, the Army, his life, and his 
     country.

  One friend suggested that this quotation from John Ruskin would be 
fitting in describing the way Ben Allen lived his life:

       Tis a good and safe rule to sojourn in many places, as if 
     you meant to spend your life there, never omitting an 
     opportunity of doing a kindness or speaking a true word or 
     making a friend.

  In this time of trouble and tragedy, we remember and pay tribute to 
General Allen and also to the many other Americans who do dangerous 
work not only overseas in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan, but 
within our own borders. Soldiering is a risky job. I am a veteran of 
the U.S. Army. I know there is no time you are not risking your life if 
you take this career. We should be grateful there are people like 
General Allen, people committed to defending freedom and truth, who are 
willing to take those risks on our behalf.
  We remember Cindy, Brian, and Laura Allen, as well as General Allen's 
mother, Christine Allen Harper. We grieve for them, for their fallen 
husband and father and son. In his life and his death he set a high 
standard for all of us to follow. As we travel onward together, we will 
never forget BG Charles ``Ben'' Allen.
  I know it is unusual to say something like this, but I have had 
occasion, just in the last few minutes, to talk to his wife Cindy. I 
recall something that he said to me when we were together over in Iraq. 
I said to him, ``Do you know Jesus?''
  He was very straightforward, and he said, ``Yes.''
  I talked to his wife about that. There was no doubt in his mind. For 
some who do not understand this, if you are a man of faith like Ben, we 
can assure you it is not: Goodbye, Ben. He is with Jesus now. It is: So 
long, we will see you soon.


                         Corporal Bryan Wilson

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep 
sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from 
Otterbein, IN. Corporal Bryan Wilson, twenty-two years old, died on 
December 1 as a result of injuries sustained in a Humvee crash in the 
Al Anbar Province. With his entire life before him, Bryan risked 
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, 
in a land halfway around the world.

[[Page 25529]]

  After graduating from Seeger Memorial High School in 2001, Bryan 
joined the Marines. His mother-in-law, Linda, told the Lafayette 
Journal & Courier that Bryan ``knew when he graduated that he was going 
to be a Marine . . . He was very brave, and we're so proud of him. He 
made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.''
  Bryan was the fortieth Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving his 
country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the 2nd 
Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine 
Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. This brave young 
soldier leaves behind his wife Samantha; his parents Charles and Brenda 
Wilson; his brothers Lonnie and Adam; and his 20-month-old daughter 
Breanne. May Bryan's daughter grow up knowing that her father fought 
bravely, giving his own life so that young Iraqis can some day know the 
freedom she enjoys.
  Today, I join Bryan's family, his friends and the entire Hoosier 
community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow 
over this loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely 
fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and 
strength of character that people will remember when they think of 
Bryan, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of 
conflict and grief.
  Bryan was known for his dedication to serving others and his love of 
family and country. When looking back on Bryan's life, his wife 
Samantha told the Associated Press that he had been determined to serve 
his country and that ``he would never have changed his mind about 
going.'' Today and always, Bryan will be remembered by family members, 
friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero and we honor the 
sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Bryan's sacrifice, I 
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families 
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot 
consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and 
dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power 
to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we 
say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement 
is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain 
that the impact of Bryan's actions will live on far longer than any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Bryan Wilson in the official 
record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country and for his 
profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I think about 
this just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain that 
comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like Bryan's 
can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will 
swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from 
off all faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Bryan.


                  Lance Corporal Adam R. Brooks, Usmc

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today to remember and honor LCpl 
Adam R. Brooks of Manchester, NH for his service and supreme sacrifice 
for his country.
  Lance Corporal Brooks demonstrated a willingness and dedication to 
serve and defend his country by joining the United States Marine Corps. 
His enthusiasm and devotion to service were indicated early on by his 
decision to enlist in the Delayed Entry Program which obligated him to 
the Marines well before he graduated from Central High School in 2003. 
Just as many of America's heroes have taken up arms in the face of dire 
threats, Adam, too, dedicated himself to the defense of our ideals, 
values, freedoms, and way of life. His valor and service cost him his 
life, but earned him a place on the roll call of honor within the 
pantheon of heroes this country has produced.
  Adam reported to recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot 
Parris Island in August 2003. Following his basic training, he 
volunteered for and received further training as a rifleman in the 
infantry. Upon completion of this training, he became a member of 1st 
Battalion, 2d Marines, 2d Marine Division. From this unit's home base 
in Camp Lejeune, NC, he would deploy to Iraq in pursuit of those who 
would threaten our way of life.
  Tragically, on November 28, 2004, Lance Corporal Brooks gave his last 
full measure for our Nation during combat with the enemy in the Babil 
Province of Iraq. Throughout his short career, Adam earned a series of 
accolades which testify to the dedication and devotion he held for the 
Marine Corps, his fellow Marines, and his country. Adam's hard work and 
dedication contributed greatly to his unit's successes and cemented his 
place as a participant in the great endeavor known as America. Adam was 
recognized for his service by the Purple Heart Medal, the National 
Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, 
and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
  My condolences and prayers go out to Adam's family, and I offer them 
my deepest sympathies and most heartfelt thanks for the service, 
sacrifice, and example of their Marine, Lance Corporal Adam R. Brooks. 
Adam exemplified the words of Daniel Webster who said, ``God grants 
liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and 
defend it.'' Because of his efforts, the liberty of this country is 
made more secure.


                       Specialist Alan J. Burgess

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, the United States of America was founded on 
a passion for freedom, personal liberties, and equality for all its 
citizens. In a fierce battle for freedom and independence, the citizens 
of this new world cast off the shackles of tyranny and built for 
themselves a land of hope and promise. So fervently held were the 
beliefs and ideals of this country, that a son of New Hampshire, 
General John Stark, reminded us of the price of our liberties with his 
admonishment to ``live free or die.'' The heroes and Founding Fathers 
of that long ago time have been joined by another noble son of New 
Hampshire, SPC Alan J. Burgess of Landaff. It is in his memory that I 
rise today to honor Alan for his service and supreme sacrifice in the 
continuing defense of this country and for his relentless defense of 
freedom.
  Specialist Burgess demonstrated a willingness and dedication to serve 
and defend his country by joining the National Guard after this country 
was attacked in September 2001 and we had begun the task of destroying 
the enemies of our country. Just as many of America's heroes have taken 
up arms in the face of dire threats, Alan too dedicated himself to the 
defense of our ideals, values, freedoms, and way of life. His valor and 
service cost him his life but earned him a place on the roll call of 
honor within the pantheon of heroes this country has produced.
  Following basic training, Alan joined his comrades in 2nd Battalion, 
197th Field Artillery Brigade, Army National Guard as a military 
policeman and began training for his deployment to Iraq in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. From this unit's home base in Woodsville, NH, 
he would deploy in March 2004 to Iraq in pursuit of those who would 
threaten our way of life.
  During his all too brief career, Alan accumulated a significant list 
of accolades and experiences which testify to the dedication and 
devotion he held for the Army, his fellow soldiers, and his country. 
Alan's expertise contributed greatly to his unit's successes and 
cemented his place as a participant in the great endeavor known as 
America. Alan was recognized for his service by the Bronze Star Medal, 
the Purple Heart Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense 
Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the 
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the 
Army Reserve Overseas Service Ribbon.
  I offer Alan's family my deepest sympathies and most heartfelt thanks 
for the service, sacrifice, and example of their soldier, Specialist 
Alan Burgess. Alan exemplified the words of Daniel Webster who said, 
``God grants liberty

[[Page 25530]]

only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend 
it.'' Because of his efforts, the liberty of this country is made more 
secure.


                         Specialist Daryl Davis

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a heroic 
American, SPC Daryl Davis, a fellow Iowan originally from Spencer, IA. 
A member of the 144th Transportation Company of the Florida Army 
National Guard, Specialist Davis was killed November 29, 2004 when his 
Humvee was involved in an accident traveling between military camps in 
Iraq. Specialist Davis was serving as a gunner when the accident 
occurred. Daryl Davis graduated from Spencer High school and enlisted 
in the Iowa National Guard at age 17 before transferring to Florida 
earlier this year. Specialist Davis is survived by his mother and 
father, Dana Davis and Richard Rosado, as well as two brothers. I know 
that he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. My thoughts 
and prayers are with them.
  I ask my colleagues in the Senate and my fellow Americans to join me 
in remembering Specialist Davis and the enormous sacrifice he made for 
his country. Many people thought very highly of Specialist Davis and he 
will always be remembered for his willingness to serve others. The 
United States owes its continued prosperity to Specialist Davis and 
others like him who are willing to advance our ideals at great personal 
cost. Daryl Davis will be remembered as a great patriot and it is 
fitting that we honor him today.


                       Marine Sergeant Nick Nolte

  Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I rise to express my sympathy over the loss 
of Nick Nolte of Falls City, NE, a sergeant in the United States Marine 
Corps. Sergeant Nolte died November 24, 2004 at the Walter Reed Army 
Medical Center from wounds he received on November 9 when his Humvee 
drove over a bomb near Baghdad, Iraq. He was 25 years old.
  Sergeant Nolte graduated from Falls City Sacred Heart High School in 
1998. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and became 
a member of the Presidential Helicopter Squadron HMX-1, guarding 
Presidents Clinton and Bush. In June 2004, Nolte joined Operation Iraqi 
Freedom as a rifleman, Marine and personal security expert. Sergeant 
Nolte will be remembered as a loyal Marine who believed in his mission 
and who had a strong sense of duty, honor and love of country. 
Thousands of brave Americans like Sergeant Nolte are currently serving 
in Iraq.
  Sergeant Nolte is survived by his mother, Anita Nolte; his wife, 
Melina and 3-year-old daughter, Alanna of Cherry Point, NC and sister, 
Jessica Nolte of Omaha. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this 
difficult time. The United States of America is proud of Nick Nolte's 
service and mourns his loss.
  For his service, bravery and sacrifice, I ask my colleagues to join 
me and all Americans in honoring Sergeant Nick Nolte.


                    Staff Sergeant Robert S. Doughty

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
Kentucky hero, SSG Robert S. Doughty. Sergeant Doughty, an 11-year-
veteran of the U.S. Army and from Paducah, KY, went to Iraq last spring 
as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group. On July 8, 
2004, Sergeant Doughty was riding in the passenger seat of a Humvee 
deep in the Sunni Triangle. His team's mission was to deliver laptop 
computers and a new vehicle to another Special Forces team. They didn't 
make it.
  A 155mm-mortar struck Sergeant Doughty's vehicle. Shrapnel tore 
through both of his legs. Two medics began treating him immediately, 
and Sergeant Doughty believes they saved his life by preventing him 
from bleeding to death. He was rushed by helicopter to a surgical 
hospital in Balad, Iraq, then to Germany, and finally to Walter Reed 
Army Medical Center here in the Nation's Capital. Doctors were able to 
save his life, but not his legs.
  Sergeant Doughty's incredible courage has not diminished one iota 
since that July day. Two months to the day of that vicious attack, he 
stood for the first time on two prosthetic legs. Since then, he has 
graduated from using a walker to crutches to canes, and intends to walk 
without difficulty by Christmas. I have no doubt he will succeed.
  I had the pleasure of meeting Sergeant Doughty and his family in my 
office on September 9. I told him how grateful America is for his 
service to our country. This amazing man has not let his injury hamper 
his love for his country, her military, or the cause of freedom and 
justice we fight for in Iraq. If he could, he would go back. He serves 
as a model of heroism to us all.
  Today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring SSG Robert S. 
Doughty for his supreme valor. My prayers, and those of millions of 
grateful Americans, are with him as he recovers from his injuries. With 
other fine men and women like him in our Armed Forces, we are sure to 
succeed as we continue ridding the newly liberated Iraq of the 
terrorists trying to drive that country back into the hands of tyranny.


                           lcpl joseph welke

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to LCpl 
Joseph T. Welke, a resident of Rapid City, SD who died on November 20, 
2004, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Lance Corporal Welke was a member of the 3rd Battalion of the 1st 
Marine Regiment based out of Camp Pendleton, CA. He was killed while 
fighting insurgents in Fallujah, Iraq.
  Answering America's call to the military, Lance Corporal Welke joined 
the Marines after graduating from Rapid City Stevens High School in 
2003. As a fullback for the varsity football team, Joe earned Greater 
Dakota All Conference team honors. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and 
spending time with his family. Friends and family remember him as 
having a love for life and as an inspiration to all those who knew him 
best.
  Lance Corporal Welke served our country and, as a hero, died fighting 
for it. He served as model of the loyalty and dedication that comes 
with preservation of freedom. The thoughts and prayers of my family, as 
well as the rest of the country, are with his family during this time 
of mourning. Our thoughts continue to be with all of those families 
with loved ones serving overseas.
  Lance Corporal Welke led a full life, committed to his family, his 
Nation, and his community. It was his incredible dedication to helping 
others that will serve as his greatest legacy. Our Nation is a far 
better place because of Lance Corporal Welke's contributions, and, 
while his family, friends, and Nation will miss him very much, the best 
way to honor his life is to remember his commitment to service and 
family.
  Mr. President, I join with all South Dakotans in expressing my 
sympathies to the friends and family of LCpl Joseph Welke. I know that 
he will always be missed, but his service to our Nation will never be 
forgotten.

                          ____________________