[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 2528-2529]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                  lance corporal richard chad clifton

  Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I set aside a few moments today to reflect 
on the life of Marine LCpl Richard Chad Clifton. Chad epitomized the 
best of our country' s brave men and women who fought to free Iraq and 
to secure a new democracy in the Middle East. He exhibited unwavering 
courage, dutiful service to his country, and above all else, honor. In 
the way he lived his life, and how we remember him, Chad reminds each 
of us how good we can be.
  A resident of Milton, Chad's passing has deeply affected the 
community. A 2003 graduate of Cape Henlopen High School. Chad was the 
son of Richard C.

[[Page 2529]]

and Terri Clifton. Friends, family, and school officials recalled Chad 
Clifton as smart, funny, laid back, and carefree; an all-around good 
person. He viewed the Marine Corps as an opportunity to gain life 
experience. An aspiring writer, Chad said being overseas was providing 
a reservoir of experiences to write about.
  Chad always had a strong interest in the military. He spent more than 
3 years as a member of the Cape Henlopen High School Junior ROTC 
program. His participation in that program enabled me to meet him last 
year and talk about his interest in serving the United States of 
America. His interest also came from his grandfather, a Korean war 
veteran, who earned the Purple Heart. That medal will be buried with 
Richard Chad Clifton.
  After graduating from high school, Chad underwent basic training at 
Parris Island, SC before being stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. Chad 
became a member of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. He died in 
combat in the Al Anbar province in western Iraq.
  Chad was a remarkable and well-respected young soldier. His friends 
and family remember him as an officer and gentleman with an acid wit 
and an appreciation for music and art. He enjoyed writing, listening to 
heavy metal, and watching television sitcom reruns. As his mother 
remembers, ``He was pure potential with a good heart.''
  Today, commemorate Chad, celebrate his life, and offer his family our 
support and our deepest sympathy on their tragic loss.

                          ____________________