[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 4]
[House]
[Pages 5041-5042]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF PFC BRANDON SMITH

  (Mr. BOOZMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of America's 
bravest, Private First Class Brandon Smith, who grew up in 
Fayetteville, Arkansas. Brandon was killed in action in Al Qaim, Iraq, 
late last week. His Humvee ran over a land mine as he rushed to assist 
his fellow soldiers who were under enemy fire.

[[Page 5042]]

  When Brandon joined the Marines, he told his friends that he had 
found his life's calling. However, for Brandon to fulfill his lifelong 
dream, it was no simple task. Every morning he had to run laps around 
Asbell Park, lift weights and literally lose 80 pounds to be in shape 
for Marine boot camp.
  Brandon selflessly put himself in harm's way, serving his country so 
that future generations can live in a world free of terror. His father, 
Gordon Smith, put it best when he said Brandon ``was taking a stand and 
making a difference.''
  Mr. Speaker, Private First Class Brandon Smith made the ultimate 
sacrifice for his country. He is a true American hero. I ask my 
colleagues to keep Brandon's family and friends in their thoughts and 
prayers during this very difficult time.

                          ____________________