[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 23309-23310]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




PAYING TRIBUTE TO U.S. ARMY SPECIALIST FOURTH CLASS CHARLES E. BILBREY, 
                                  JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2007

  MR. HINCHEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember a young but 
distinguished constituent, Charles E. Bilbrey, Jr. On July 27, 2007, 
Charles Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country while 
deployed in Diyala Province, Iraq.
  Charles Jr. was raised by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bilbrey, 
Sr., in Owego, New York and enlisted in the Army 1 year before 
graduating from Owego Free Academy in 2005. He was known by his family 
and friends

[[Page 23310]]

for his playful sense of humor and resolve to join the Army. Full of 
potential and determination, he quickly rose 2 ranks during his 2 years 
with the military. Those he served with knew him for his bravery in the 
face of grave danger and referred to him as ``a soldier's soldier.'' It 
came as little surprise that he had volunteered for the risky mission 
that ultimately became his last.
  While no words can express the immeasurable debt we owe Charles Jr. 
and his family, they have our deepest gratitude and respect. Without 
the dedicated members and families of our Nation's military, we would 
not have the benefit of the freedoms that are evident throughout our 
country and the world. While we mourn the loss of Charles Jr., we 
salute him for his selfless commitment, valor, and unwavering military 
service to this great nation. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to humbly 
thank U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class Charles E. Bilbrey, Jr. for his 
dedication and service to his country. May his family and all those who 
knew him seek comfort in his memory. He has left an indelible mark on 
his friends, family and community that will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________