[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6004]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING PVT. JODY MISSILDINE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2006

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of a true American hero, Pvt. Jody Missildine. Tragically, on April 8, 
2006, Jody was killed while serving in Tal Afar, Iraq. He was 19 years 
old.
  Jody's dream was to see the world and one day go to college. However, 
he selflessly did not want to burden his grandparents, Shirley and 
Melvin, with the financial responsibility that comes with world travel 
and a four-year degree. He saw the Armed Forces as the best way to 
achieve his goals, and most importantly, on his own terms. So while 
still attending high school, Jody signed up for the Army and 
immediately following his graduation, he left his home in Plant City, 
Florida, to begin his service to our nation.
  Soon Jody's division was deployed to Iraq and despite being several 
thousand miles away from each other, Jody did his best to stay close to 
the family he loved so dearly, calling home nearly every week. Always 
concerned for the well-being of others, Jody rarely spoke about the 
daily events in Iraq, but rather, he focused his attention on the 
safety of his family. On Friday, April 7, Jody expressed concerns about 
Iraq to his grandmother, or Nanna as he called her, during their 
telephone conversation. Sadly, the next day while on patrol in the 
northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar, an explosive device detonated near his 
convoy and killed Jody.
  Jody embodied everything that this great country stands for: 
integrity, hard work, determination, and compassion. He always put 
others ahead of himself and I am honored to know that this fine young 
man helped ensure America's continuing independence and security.
  Mr. Speaker, as we have seen throughout the history of this nation, 
freedom is not free; it comes with a heavy price. The sacrifices of 
brave men and women like Jody have guaranteed this country's continuing 
liberty. And just as Jody did all he could to protect his family while 
he was alive, I know he is watching over them from heaven.
  I know words can not help fill the emptiness that the Missildine 
family feels from the loss of Jody. However, I hope they take solace in 
knowing that our nation is truly stronger and greater for having a man 
of Jody's character serve it.
  May God bless the Missildine family and may He continue to watch over 
the United States of America.

                          ____________________