[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13] [Senate] [Pages 17724-17726] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES Sergeant Lonnie Calvin Allen, Jr. Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I rise today to honor SGT Lonnie Calvin Allen, Jr. of Bellevue, NE. Sergeant Allen, 26, graduated from Bellevue East High School, where he was a four-sport athlete, participating in football, track, basketball, and wrestling. After attending Northeastern Junior College in Colorado, Sergeant Allen joined the Army, where he met his wife Birgit while stationed in Germany. ``I was just glad every minute I spent with him because it was the most wonderful time I've had,'' said Mrs. Allen. Sergeant Allen was dedicated to the Army, choosing to reenlist after his first tour of duty. According to his family, he was expected to wrap up his Iraq tour in July and wanted to enter law enforcement as a career. While serving with the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division in Baghdad, Iraq, Sergeant Allen was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle on May 18, 2006. Sergeant Allen is survived by his wife, Birgit, who lives in Bellevue, NE; his parents, Lonnie and Sallie Allen, also of Bellevue; and his brother, Nuru Allen, of St. Louis, MO. My prayers go out to the family and friends of Sergeant Allen as they face this difficult tragedy. Nebraskans should be proud of the commitment Sergeant Allen showed toward the Army and his country. He is an example for us all. First Lieutenant Garrison Avery Mr. President, today I honor 1LT Garrison Avery of Lincoln, NE. First Lieutenant Avery, 23, graduated from Lincoln High School before earning his degree from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY. Following his graduation from West Point, he underwent Army Ranger and sapper training, receiving various honors. But according to his father, ``He wasn't interested in the decorations. He was interested in the job.'' Following his service, Lieutenant Avery dreamed of helping war orphans. While serving with the 101st Airborne Division stationed south of Baghdad, Lieutenant Avery and two fellow soldiers were killed when a roadside bomb exploded on February 1, 2006. Lieutenant Avery is survived by his wife, Kayla, who lives in Clarksville, TN. He is also survived by his parents, Gary and Susan; siblings, Clinton, Johnathan, and Elizabeth; and numerous other family members, friends, and fellow soldiers. I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Lieutenant Avery. His noble service to the United States of America is to be respected and remembered by all. Every American and all Nebraskans should be proud of the service of brave military personnel such as 1LT Garrison Avery. Lance Corporal Kyle Codner Mr. President, today I honor LCpl Kyle Codner, 19, of Shelton, NE. Lance Corporal Codner joined the military after his graduation from Shelton High School on June 16, 2003, and was deployed to Iraq in mid- February. His deployment was to last 7 months, and the family hoped to see him home safe around mid-September. At the time of his death, Lance Corporal Codner was one among a group of marines traveling in an armored personnel carrier conducting security and stability operations in Anbar province, Iraq. Lance Corporal Codner was liked by all who knew him; he was involved in his church and in his community, and he was a selfless part of the military who knew the worth of life. Codner's family remembers him saying, ``Freedom isn't free.'' The loss of this outstanding marine is felt by all Nebraskans, but his example will remain as an inspiration for his survivors, a devoted friend, fiance, son, and grandson, and we extend our thoughts and prayers to them in condolence. Army National Guard Sergeant Germaine L. Debro Mr. President, today I honor Nebraska Army National Guard SGT Germaine L. Debro of Omaha, NE. Sergeant Debro was a loyal son, brother, friend, and soldier. Selflessly placing his friends and their families before his own life, he volunteered for his last assignment to Iraq so others could stay home with their loved ones. ``He put his friends and loyalty first. He couldn't have lived with himself if one of his friends with kids went over there and died. My brother is a better man than me,'' said Sergeant Debro's brother, Alvin Debro, Jr. Sergeant Debro was born into the military, as his father, Alvin Debro Sr., [[Page 17725]] served in the Air Force. He first attended Omaha Benson High School; then in 1991, he graduated from high school in Arkansas, where he played football. His military career began on October 14, 1994, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army as an M-1 Abrams tank crewman. Sergeant Debro joined the Nebraska Army National Guard on October 12, 1997, as a tank crewman with Detachment 1, Troop B, 1-167th Cavalry Squadron based in Wahoo, NE. He was reassigned to the Fremont-based Troop B, 1-167th Cavalry Squadron in January 2001. While serving with the National Guard, Sergeant Debro was mobilized overseas various times, including service in Kuwait in 2001 and in Bosnia-Herzegovina from 2002-2003. He was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2005, serving as a scout with Troop B, 1-167th Cavalry Motor Reconnaissance Troop. On Monday, September 4, 2006, Sergeant Debro passed away when an improvised explosive device struck the humvee he was driving while on patrol near Balad, Iraq. Then-SPC Germaine L. Debro was posthumously promoted to Sergeant. Sacrificing his own life so that others could live, Sergeant Debro was the embodiment of bravery and the finest example of generosity. In addition to his brother Alvin, he is survived by his parents Alvin, Sr. and Priscilla Debro of Omaha; and his brother Maurice Debro. I extend my deepest condolences to Sergeant Debro's family and friends, who played such a tremendous role in his life. His unfaltering dedication to his country and family will remain a source of hope and inspiration for all Americans. Sergeant Debro was a man of exceptional honor, and we will not forget what he gave for our Nation. Army Specialist Jeremy Jones Mr. President, today I honor Army SPC Jeremy Jones of Omaha, NE. Specialist Jones was committed to the Army. Wanting to make a career out of it, he chose to reenlist last April for 6 more years. ``He'd finally found something he really liked to do and that suited him. He was proud of what he was doing,'' said his wife, Jenny. Last February, Specialist Jones flew back from his tour of duty in Iraq to see his newborn daughter, Mackenzie. Baby Mackenzie, together with her brother, Anthony, will grow up knowing their father is a hero. Specialist Jones graduated from Millard West High School in 1999, where he participated in football and wrestling. While serving with the Army's 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment of Fort Hood, TX, Specialist Jones, 25, was hit by a roadside bomb on June 27, 2006, in Iskandariyah, Iraq. Specialist Jones is survived by his wife Jenny, daughter Mackenzie, and son Anthony, 3, all of Omaha; mother, Diane Jones, of Omaha; father, Scott Jones, of Council Bluffs, IA; and sister, Abbi Jones, of Omaha. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Jones family. Specialist Jones was a dedicated soldier, and all Americans admire the dedication he gave to his country. Navy Airman Jason J. Doyle Mr. President, I rise today to honor Airman Jason J. Doyle of Omaha, NE. Airman Doyle, 19, graduated from Papillion-La Vista South High School after moving to the area from Sunset, UT with his brother, Brandon, and father, Dale, both of Bellevue, NE. At Papillion-La Vista South, he was a member of the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program. After graduating, he joined the Navy in an effort to fulfill his dream of traveling to Japan, a dream which began in elementary school after writing a report on Japan. He was also fascinated with flying. ``You combine a love for the country of Japan, a love of other cultures and a love of airplanes, and the Navy was a perfect fit for him,'' said his father. Airman Doyle had been serving with the Electronic Attack Squadron 136 off the east coast of Japan since October when he fell from the flight deck of the USS Kitty Hawk on July 8, 2006. It was his first assignment. In addition to his father and brother, Airman Doyle is survived by his mother, Martha Bower, who lives near Sunset, UT; his stepmother, Susie Doyle, of Bellevue; and his three sisters, Shauna, of Utah, and Whitney and Ashley, both of Bellevue. I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Airman Doyle. His noble service to the United States of America is to be respected and appreciated by all. And while the loss of this remarkable airman is felt by all Nebraskans, his courage to follow his dreams will remain as an inspiration for his survivors. Army National Guard Specialist Joshua Ford Mr. President, today I honor SPC Joshua Ford of Pender, NE. Specialist Ford, 20, graduated from Pender High School in 2004, where he was active in the FFA and theater. He was also interested in art and utilized his talent by creating a few paintings while serving in Iraq. Teachers knew him as an easygoing, well-liked student with a great sense of humor. Ford joined the Nebraska Army National Guard as a heavy vehicle driver in February 2003, while still attending high school. Friends say he was dedicated to the Guard, even convincing three friends to join with him. Since October 2005, Specialist Ford had been serving with the Wayne- based Detachment 1, 189th Transportation Company in Iraq. On July 31, 2006, the military truck he was driving in a convoy from Forward Operating Base Delta to Tallil Air Base was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device near Al Numaniyah. Specialist Ford passed away shortly thereafter. Specialist Ford is survived by his fiancee, Michelle Frohlich; father, Lonnie W. Ford; grandmother, Elle Petersen; sisters, Erin, Jessica, and Shawn; and nephew, William Dyer. I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Specialist Ford. The loss of this dedicated National Guardsman is felt by all Nebraskans, but his example will remain as an inspiration for all of us. Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Hansen Mr. President, today I honor SSG Jeffrey Hansen of Cairo, NE. Staff Sergeant Hansen, 31, was a 1993 graduate of Bertrand Community High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 1997. Jeffrey joined the Nebraska Army National Guard in January 2000 as a member of Troop A, 1-167th Cavalry in Hastings, NE. During his years as a member of the Nebraska National Guard, Staff Sergeant Hansen exhibited outstanding leadership and rose through the ranks, serving as an assistant squad leader, fire team leader, and squad leader before his current assignment as a fire support sergeant. Prior to his service in Iraq, Hansen served as a peacekeeper in Bosnia with the 1-167th Cavalry from late 2002 until mid-2003. CPT Jeffrey Searcey, who led Troop A of the 1-167th Cavalry in Ramadi, Iraq, described Staff Sergeant Hansen as a ``guy you respected as a soldier and a man.'' As a civilian, Staff Sergeant Hansen was recognized as an outstanding police officer during his time in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, Police Service. ``Jeff was the strong, silent type. He didn't talk a lot, but when he did, people listened to him,'' said James Arends, a sergeant in the VA Police Service. Staff Sergeant Hansen passed away on August 27, 2006, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, from injuries he received when the humvee he was riding in went off a wet and eroded roadside berm and became submerged in an irrigation canal near Camp Anaconda, Iraq. Staff Sergeant Hansen is survived by his wife Jennifer L. Hansen of Cairo; father Robert Hansen of Bertrand; and brother Jeremy Hansen. I offer my sincere condolences to Staff Sergeant Hansen's family and friends. He gave his life to save and honor the liberties of America, and his selfless passion to achieve this end will not be forgotten. Staff Sergeant Hansen will be forever remembered as a hero who sacrificed everything for his fellow country men and women. Marine Corporal Matthew C. Henderson Mr. President, today I honor Marine Cpl Matthew C. Henderson of Lincoln, NE. [[Page 17726]] Corporal Henderson inspired everyone who knew him through his leadership. He enjoyed football, hunting, fishing, and fixing cars with his father, who was his best man at his wedding in May of 2003. Henderson joined the Marines in September 2000. He had received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Corporal Henderson was a combat engineer assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Pendleton, CA. Henderson was one among a group of marines traveling in an armored personnel carrier conducting security and stability operations in Anbar province, Iraq, at the time of his death. I know I join all Nebraskans in grieving the loss of Corporal Henderson. He will be remembered as the selfless leader that he was; for being a compassionate and loyal husband, son, and brother. Sergeant Allen D. Kokesh, Jr. Mr. President, today I honor SGT Allen D. Kokesh, Jr. of Yankton, SD. Sergeant Kokesh, 21, willingly signed up for the National Guard as a junior at Yankton High School and completed his basic training before his graduation in 2003. He believed he and his fellow soldiers were playing an important role in bringing peace and freedom to the people of Iraq. While serving with the Yankton-based Charlie Battery of the 1st Battallion, 147th Field Artillery Brigade, stationed in Baghdad, Sergeant Kokesh was injured in an explosion from a roadside bomb on December 4, 2005. Sergeant Kokesh passed away February 7, 2006, at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, as a result of his injuries. He was posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant. Sergeant Kokesh is survived by his father and stepmother, Allen Sr. and Kristi Kokesh; mother and stepfather, Becky and Jason Beebee; siblings, Chasity, Katrianna, Tom, and Jaylon; and numerous other family members, friends, and fellow soldiers. I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Sergeant Kokesh. His noble service to the United States of America is to be respected and remembered by all. Every American and all Nebraskans should be proud of the service of brave military personnel such as SGT Allen D. Kokesh, Jr. Private Tim J. Madison Mr. President, today I honor Pvt Tim J. Madison of Bellevue, NE. Private Madison's children will grow up knowing their father is a hero. A 1997 graduate of Bellevue East High School, Private Madison, 28, joined the Army last October. Private Madison enjoyed the outdoors and shared that experience with his children on numerous occasions. While serving with E Company, Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade at Fort Carson, CO, Private Madison was struck by .50-caliber machine gun fire during a live-fire operation at a shooting range. ``He was very proud of his country, and he wanted to defend and make it a better homeland for his own immediate family, his wife, and kids,'' said his mother, Nancy Madison. Private Madison is survived by his wife Melissa and three children, Hailee, 3, Jonathan, 2, and Michael, 4 months, of Fort Carson, CO; parents, Ken and Nancy Madison of Bellevue, NE; brothers, Ken Jr., Tony, and Rick Madison, all of Bellevue; and sister, Christina Coy of Bellevue. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Pvt Tim J. Madison. You are all in America's thoughts and prayers. Army Specialist Benjamin Slaven Mr. President, today I honor Army SPC Benjamin Slaven of Plymouth, NE. Following in his family's footsteps, Specialist Slaven, 22, chose to enlist in the Army Reserve because he wanted to serve his country. ``He was enthusiastic about working on the front line of the war on terror,'' said his father, Bruce Slaven. Before enlisting, Specialist Slaven earned his high school equivalency diploma and was employed in Beatrice, NE, most recently at the Beatrice State Development Center, where he became known for his compassion. Because of his love for scuba diving, Specialist Slaven was considering a career in underwater welding after the military. While serving with the Army Reserve's 308th Transportation Company of Lincoln, NE, then Private First Class Slaven was killed when a roadside bomb struck his vehicle on June 9, 2006, in Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq. He was promoted to army specialist posthumously. Specialist Slaven is survived by his mother, Judy Huenink, of Plymouth; his father, Bruce Slaven, of Beatrice; and his sister, PFC Misti Slaven, currently serving with the Army Reserve. All Americans admire the dedication Specialist Slaven exhibited as he defined what a true soldier should be. The family and friends of Army SPC Benjamin Slaven are in our thoughts and prayers. Army Sergeant 1st Class Terry Wallace Mr. President, today I honor Army SFC Terry Wallace of Winnsboro, LA. Sergeant First Class Wallace graduated from Winnsboro High School, where he met his wife, Shunda Wallace. Wallace joined the Army shortly after graduating from high school. ``It was something he'd always wanted to do. He always wanted to serve his country,'' said Mrs. Wallace. While serving with the 42nd Field Artillery based at Fort Hood, TX, Sergeant First Class Wallace was killed when a roadside bomb hit his humvee in Taji, Iraq, on June 27, 2006. He had served several assignments abroad, including locations in the Middle East, but this was his first tour of duty in Iraq. In addition to his wife, Sergeant First Class Wallace is survived by his 2-year-old daughter, Raven; his parents, James Jr. and Marry Wallace, of Winnsboro, LA; his twin brother, Jerry Wallace, and several other brothers and sisters, also of Winnsboro. I know I join all Nebraskans in grieving the loss of Sergeant First Class Wallace. He will be remembered for the selfless hero he was and for being a devoted and compassionate husband, son, and brother. Sergeant First Class Wallace's family and friends remain in our thoughts and prayers. Lance Corporal Brent Zoucha Mr. President, today I honor LCpl Brent Zoucha of Clarks, NE. Being a dedicated athlete at High Plains Community School, Zoucha had already attained much of what he needed to be a good marine: commitment. Knowing he wanted to serve, Zoucha, 19, enlisted in the Marines while still in high school. Serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, in Twentynine Palms, CA, Corporal Zoucha passed away on June 9, 2006, due to injuries sustained in an explosion while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar, Iraq. ``He died doing what he wanted to do: fighting for his country,'' said friend David Beck. Corporal Zoucha is survived by his mother, Rita Zoucha, of Clarks, NE; his sister, Sherri Krueger, of Duncan, NE; and two brothers, Dominic Zoucha of Clarks, NE, and Corporal Dyrek Zoucha, currently serving in Iraq. All Americans admire the dedication LCpl Brent Zoucha exhibited as he defined what a true soldier should be. The family and friends of Corporal Zoucha are in our thoughts and prayers. ____________________