[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13694]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SGT. LEIGH ANN HESTER

  Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, today I want to take this time to commend 
one of the many American heroes defending freedom around the world for 
her service and courage. Her act of bravery is worthy of the 
remembrance and recognition of a grateful nation.
  On March 20 of this year, SGT Leigh Ann Hester was escorting a convoy 
near Salman Pak in Iraq, when over 50 insurgents ambushed her troops, 
raining fire from AK-47's and RPGs. On this fateful day, Sergeant 
Hester faced that fire with no fear of her own fate, risking her life 
to save others--and save lives she did. She led a successful 
counterattack, brought the convoy to safety, and earned the everlasting 
gratitude of her fellow soldiers and the undying respect of the 
American people.
  And so a grateful nation has bestowed Sergeant Hester of the 617th 
Military Police Company with the Silver Star. She is the first woman to 
earn this rare honor since Mary Roberts Wilson received the medal for 
gallantry during the Battle of Anzio in World War II. Sergeant Hester's 
heroism is more than worthy of this recognition. Her unwavering 
commitment to her fellow soldiers is a shining example of the 
exceptional courage that defines our brave soldiers across the world.
  In winning the Silver Star, Sergeant Hester contributes to many 
legacies. She honors the legacy of generations of women who have served 
our Nation and the over 15,000 selfless women who have served so 
valiantly in Iraq and her bravery in the face of overwhelming adversity 
underscores the growing role of women in our Armed Services. She also 
continues the legacy of military service in her family. Her Uncle, Carl 
Sollinger, served honorably in Vietnam, and her grandfather, Oran 
Sollinger, was awarded a Bronze Star for his valor in World War II. 
Now, Sergeant Hester, a 23-year-old retail manager from Bowling Green, 
KY, seeks to expand on her own legacy of service with a career in law 
enforcement.
  SGT Leigh Ann Hester has shown bravery in keeping with the finest 
traditions of service, courage, and heroism in our military. She is a 
special citizen, a role model, and a patriot. I call on my colleagues 
to join me in honoring her and in so doing honor every brave American, 
at home and abroad, who toils for freedom.

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