[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 19] [House] [Pages 26051-26054] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]CORPORAL STEPHEN R. BIXLER POST OFFICE Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3325) to designate the facility of [[Page 26052]] the United States Postal Service located at 235 Mountain Road in Suffield, Connecticut, as the ``Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post Office''. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 3325 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. CORPORAL STEPHEN R. BIXLER POST OFFICE. (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 235 Mountain Road in Suffield, Connecticut, shall be known and designated as the ``Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post Office''. (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post Office''. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri. General Leave Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Missouri? There was no objection. Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the consideration of H.R. 3325 which names a postal facility in Suffield, Connecticut, after CPL Stephen R. Bixler. H.R. 3325, which was introduced by Representative Joe Courtney on August 2, 2007, was reported from the Oversight Committee on September 20, 2007, by voice vote. This measure has the support of the entire Connecticut congressional delegation. Madam Speaker, Marine CPL Stephen R. Bixler was killed on May 4, 2006, while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. LTC James M. Bright, the battalion's commander, said, ``Corporal Bixler was a vibrant, active man. He died fearlessly leading and willingly sacrificing his own safety for those around him.'' Corporal Bixler was a devoted soldier with strength of character and self-assurance. He served his country with honor and distinction. Madam Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) for introducing this legislation and urge swift passage of the bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, CPL Stephen Bixler was a proud and loyal American who served his country while fighting the war on terror. He made the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom when he lost his life on May 4, 2006. Corporal Bixler was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on August 17, 1985. As a student at Suffield High School, he was known as a ``shy, soft-spoken, very dedicated young man and very patriotic, in a quiet, determined way.'' During high school, he was involved in athletics and was a member of the indoor/outdoor track team as well as the cross country team. His love for the outdoors and helping others was exemplified during the time he was a Boy Scout and his hard work and dedication was shown when he became an Eagle Scout. {time} 1530 In July 2003, Corporal Bixler's sense of dedication to his community and country led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He was an ambitious man who was able to accomplish much in his short, but meaningful, life. As a result of his exceptional military skills, drive, courage and strength, Corporal Bixler applied for and was selected as a member of the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. He volunteered willingly for his second tour in Iraq because he knew his fellow marines needed his help. Tragically, during his second tour, on May 4, 2006, he was killed by enemy fire in Fallujah. His decorations include the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Purple Heart Medal. We can never show adequate appreciation in honoring the brave men and women who give their lives in service to our country. However, Corporal Bixler's name is etched on the Wall of Honor in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC. In addition to the memorial wall, naming this post office in his honor is a fitting and meaningful tribute to a proud marine who served selflessly on behalf of his hometown and his Nation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to my friend from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney). Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Clay. I also want to thank Congressman Westmoreland for his kind words in support of H.R. 3325, which I'm the sponsor of, to name the post office at 235 Mountain Road in Suffield, Connecticut, after Corporal Stephen R. Bixler, who at the age of 20, on a second deployment in Iraq, lost his life serving our Nation. As the prior speakers have indicated, this young man was not with us long, but made an extraordinary mark on all who knew him and served with him, particularly in his home of Suffield, Connecticut, which is a small Connecticut town of 14,000 people. It was founded in 1749 before our Nation even was born, and his family on his mother's side goes back three generations. As you can imagine, in a tight-knit, small community, he was well-known despite being a quiet young man because of his work in the community as an Eagle Scout. He was a varsity track athlete and an outstanding student. He had a twin sister, Sandra, who graduated with honors from the University of Connecticut; and, clearly, Stephen could have followed that same path. But he followed a road less traveled, and he enlisted for the Marines before he even graduated from Suffield High School and, as I indicated, was on his second tour of duty when he lost his life on May 4, 2006. His funeral at Sacred Heart Church in Suffield, which was attended by Archbishop Mansell from the Hartford Archdiocese, was an extraordinary outpouring of support from his community. And all I can say is that event was not the end as far as the town was concerned. They have held many ceremonies in memory of Stephen. They named a stretch of road in Suffield in his memory. And it is fitting that the post office, which is the only Federal building in Suffield, should be named in his honor. His father has been a letter carrier for 35 years in the United States Post Office; but to be sure, our office solicited requests from the community to make sure that there was actual support in town. We had an outpouring of support: 170 letters came in, again, people who knew him as a young child all the way up through his time in the Marines, and I will submit letters from the Governor on down in support of this measure at this point. State of Connecticut, Executive Chambers, July 20, 2007. Congressman Joe Courtney, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Courtney: I am writing to encourage you to pursue legislation in the United States Congress that will change the name of the U.S. post office on Mountain Road in West Suffield, Connecticut to honor Marine Corporal Stephen R. Bixler. As you know, Corporal Bixler was killed in Fallujah, Iraq on May 3, 2006 while on foot patrol. Corporal Bixler was proud of his service to the nation, and believed that he was able to make a difference in the lives of the Iraqi citizens he encountered. In addition to being a valiant member of our armed forces, Corporal Boxler was a Suffield native and an Eagle Scout. Renaming the post office in his honor would be an especially fitting tribute to Corporal Bixler because it will be a lasting reminder of his selfless service to our nation. I join with State Representative Ruth Fahrbach, Suffield's Board of Selectmen and numerous residents of Suffield, in urging you [[Page 26053]] to pursue this legislation to preserve the memory of one of our fallen heroes. Very truly yours, M. Jodi Rell, Governor. ____ State of Connecticut Senate, State Capitol, Hartford, CT, July 26, 2007. Congressman Joe Courtney, Enfield, CT. Dear Congressman Courtney: Thank you for contacting me in regards to naming the Suffield Post Office in honor of Corporal Stephen Bixler. Although such a gesture can never make up for the loss of such a brave young man, I believe that honoring his life in this way will be a source of comfort to his family and friends. Corporal Bixler, who selflessly gave his life for his country, fellow servicemembers, and all of us, deserves to be commemorated for his bravery and sacrifice. It is my hope that you will introduce this legislation to Congress and that the Suffield Post Office will be dedicated to the life of Corporal Bixler. Thank you again for asking my thoughts on this issue. It was my pleasure to write in support of this wonderful young man, his family, and his friends. Sincerely, John A. Kissel, State Senator--7th District. ____ State of Connecticut, House of Representatives, July 11, 2007. Re: Suffield Post Office Comment Period Hon. Joe Courtney, Member of Congress, Enfield, CT. Dear Congressman Courtney: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the request to name the Suffield Post Office for Corporal Stephen R. Bixler. When Kevin Goff first contacted me about his suggestion to name the post office for Stephen, I thought it was an excellent idea. I suggested that he start by first contacting the Suffield Postmaster. The death of Corporal Bixler brought together a community very divided on the war in Iraq. Residents lined the streets when his remains were transported from Bradley International Airport to the funeral home. Hundreds of friends, relatives and strangers attended his wake to show their love and support and to give thanks for his service and sacrifice to his country as well as to show support for grieving family members. As the funeral procession drove past the Suffield Post Office to the church, Suffield postal employees lined the street outside. (Stephen's father is a postal employee.) McAlister Elementary School students and teachers just across the street lined the route as well. Sacred Heart Church was overflowing with mourners. I had the pleasure of presenting Stephen with a citation when he received his Eagle Scout award. He was an inspiration and set a positive example to the younger boys in his troop. To Stephen, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout was not just about accumulating badges. It was about guiding younger scouts to achieve their goals assisting them in any way that he could and setting a positive example for those who were to follow. Not because he had to but because that was who he was. Stephen accomplished much in his short life. Since I am not a resident of Suffield, I would defer to those who have decided to honor Corporal Bixler in this manner. I will say that in my opinion, naming the Suffield Post Office in honor of Corporal Stephen R. Bixler is appropriate, and well deserved and I am hopeful that Suffield residents agree. Sincerely, Ruth Fahrbach, House Republican Whip. ____ Town of Suffield, Selectmen's Office, July 19, 2007. Congressman Joe Courtney, Enfield, CT. Dear Congressman Courtney: The Suffield Board of Selectmen strongly supports any and all efforts to name the Suffield Post Office in honor of Corporal Stephen R. Bixler. The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously at their July 18, 2007 meeting to support this proposal. The naming of the Suffield Post Office in honor of Corporal Bixler is an appropriate tribute to a man who sacrificed his life for our Country. The loss of Corporal Bixler had a profound impact on the Town of Suffield and the residents of Suffield have made great efforts to recognize this hero. The Board of Selectmen, on behalf of the residents of Suffield, would like to thank you for your continued efforts to name the Suffield Post Office in honor of Corporal Bixler and will provide any further support you may need in this endeavor. Very truly yours, Scott R. Lingenfelter, First Selectman. ____ July 9, 2007. Hon. Joe Courtney, Congress of the United States, Enfield, CT. Dear Representative Courtney: I would like to lend my support to the suggestion that the Suffield Post Office located at 235 Mountain Road be named in honor of Corporal Stephen R. Bixler, United States Marine Corps. I believe that this would be a fitting tribute to a man who gave his life for his country. I am a member of the Suffield Board of Selectman, and I will ask our First Selectman to add an agenda item to our next meeting supporting this proposal. Thank you very much. Very truly yours, Timothy J. Reynolds, Selectman, Town of Suffield. The excerpts of the letters, which Mr. Westmoreland was kind enough to share with the House, I think again describe an extraordinary person who every day as people drive by that post office and young children come in and ask their parents who that name is, it would be a fitting tribute and an inspiration of human excellence and courage, which all of us should try to aspire to. And, again, I urge strong support for this measure which is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary young man. Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I would like to encourage all my colleagues to vote affirmative on H.R. 3325 honoring this brave young marine who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and country. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, from June 29 to August 1, 2007 I asked members of the Suffield, CT, community to share their opinion on changing the name of the local post office to honor Cpl Stephen R. Bixler. During that period, my office received over 170 letters, calls and e-mails in overwhelming support of the idea. The comments I received described a thoughtful and compassionate man who wanted nothing more than to serve his Nation and make a difference for his community, and I wanted to take a moment and share some excerpts with my colleagues. ``Being the very proud and saddened grandmother of Cpl Stephen R. Bixler, renaming the Suffield Post Office in his honor would be a special tribute, keeping his memory alive for all who knew, loved, and respected him. He gave his life to secure our freedom.''--Cpl Bixler's grandmother. ``Stephen Bixler was a close friend of mine, in which I served with during Operation Iraqi Freedom with 3rd Battalion 8th Marines. During this period, Stephen showed what it meant to be a Marine through his hard work and dedication to the Marine Corps and in making the quality of living for the Iraqi people better. From when he was a Boy Scout, Stephen went out of his way to provide service to others. Being part of the Boy Scouts, Stephen was able to excel in all that he did leading him to earn Eagle Scout. Stephen decided to serve his country and protect others by joining the United States Marine Corps. In the Marine Corps, Stephen utilized his outstanding qualities of selflessness, determination, and dedication to the job at hand. Stephen strived to be the best at everything that he did. When 3rd Battalion 8th Marines returned state-side, Stephen volunteered to return with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion for a second tour of duty in Iraq. He successfully completed his first of many schools when 2nd Recon Battalion asked for volunteers to leave to go back to Iraq. Stephen jumped at the opportunity and did it courageously. Before Stephen left, he told me that he did not think that he would make it back this time. Stephen went to many schools in Suffield, CT, when he was home and loved to talk to the students about his experiences. Stephen went on the deployment and lost his life in Fallujah, Iraq doing what he loved. During the time I knew Stephen, I saw that he was a courageous and selfless individual by his actions. He changed the life of everyone whom he came in contact with. His service in the Marine Corps and in Boy Scouts made a lasting impression on Suffield, Connecticut residents, and on to all those who knew him. Stephen's loss has deeply impacted his family and those who had the pleasure of voting for him.''--A fellow marine who served with Cpl Bixler. Stephen gave his life selflessly while serving his second tour of duty in Fallujah, Iraq on May 4, 2006. Stephen served our country proudly knowing that the risk to himself was of the highest level and yet he went straight for the front lines. It is important to note that Stephen was given the Medal of Valor for his final act which saved the lives of his fellow marines traveling through a desperate area of the Al Anbar providence. It was Stephen who noticed the danger along the route and who stopped his caravan to investigate and mitigate the danger. Stephen was a valuable member of our community as a young person who was always willing to give of himself as a Boy Scout (Eagle Scout rank), a member of the St. Joseph's Church, and as a friend who was filling to volunteer to help whenever the opportunity arose. Stephen's willingness to help his community was not limited to Suffield, CT. His devotion to the Marines was Stephen's way to serve our country on behalf of us all. [[Page 26054]] Just before he returned to Iraq for his second tour of duty, I asked Stephen why he felt he needed to return. His response was simple. He said that the Iraqi people needed his help. He told me that after a few days of the Marine presence in the small towns of the Anbar Province that children returned to play and that people were back at work in the shadow of security provided by Steve and his fellow marines. Steve was humble in his view of his profound work.''--Friend of Cpl Bixler. Stephen Bixler was a close friend to both my husband and I, whom my husband served with during Operation Iraqi III 04-06. I had the privilege of knowing Stephen outside the United States Marine Corps. Stephen was a hardworking, dedicated and thoughtful individual. He always thought of others before throwing himself into the mix. His family and friends always came first. He exemplified what it meant to be a great friend, a great Marine, and a great leader. I only know the stories from Iraq either from my husband or his brother. They talked nothing of greatness and leadership. Stephen knew what he was doing, loved what he was doing and was passionate about being a Marine. Stephen became like a brother to me. Staying at our house and helping my husband out when something needed to be fixed. He was never afraid to get his hands dirty. He always came with a smile and left with one. His attitude was always positive even on those tough days at work. Knowing Stephen made me a better person today. There is not a day that goes by that I do not walk past the pictures we have hanging in his memory or a night that I fall asleep that I am not thinking of him. He was a loved individual with so much to offer. His loss will always leave a lasting impression not only in Suffield but everyone that he reached out to.''--Friend of Cpl Bixler. Stephen Bixler was a close friend of both my brother and I, whom my brother served with during Operation Iraqi Freedom III 04-06. I also had the privilege of serving with Stephen Bixler in Camp Fallujah during this deployment. During this period, Stephen exemplified what it meant to be a Marine and a citizen soldier through his hard work and dedication to helping to improve the standard of living for numerous Iraqi families.'' ``During the short time that I knew Stephen, I learned that he was a caring and selfless individual by his actions. His life impacted those he came in contact with, extending beyond his friends and family. His service to others made a lasting impression not only on Suffield, Connecticut residents, but it extended to the citizens of Iraq and fellow service members within the armed forces. Stephen's loss has deeply impacted those that knew him and his family.''--Friend of Cpl. Bixler. ``We knew him as a wonderful friend, student, track teammate, and overall outstanding citizen. Please help facilitate this honor to his memory.''--Friends of the Bixler Family. ``A unique way of remembering our own and the tremendous price families pay for something others may take so lightly.'' ``Steve was an exceptional young man that my wife and I knew well. He attended our church and was an altar boy. His dream was always to be a Marine and he gave his life in the service of his country doing what he wanted to do. We have shared many moments with his mom and dad, Linda and Richard, grieving over the loss of someone so young.''--Friend of Cpl. Bixler. ``In my opinion, there would be no better way to honor both Stephen and his family than by renaming the Post Office. Stephen is a hero, and I believe this is the very least he deserves for the sacrifice that he has made for his country. It is now our turn to repay our respect and honor by renaming the Suffield Post Office in Cpl. Bixler's name.''--Friend of Cpl. Bixler. ``My senior year I attained a car for the first time and I would drive Steve to practice and home at the end of the day. We got along great, we could always make each other laugh at the littlest things and others on the tram would laugh with us. We used to hang out so much the athletic director didn't realize I was two years older than Steve. I had a great time with him and I will truly miss him. Steve was a great student and enjoyed by everyone, he was a talented young man.''-- Friend of Cpl. Bixler. ``Stephen Bixler was one of my older brother's closest friends. They ran cross-country and track together in high school and I remember always going to the meets and watching them compete. Steve was quite possibly one of the nicest guys on the team, if not the entire high school. Stephen entering the Marines and defending his country was something he felt passionately about. I support your idea to rename the Post Office in memory and honor of Stephen Bixler. What he did for our country may not be known to many people throughout the country, but it is widely known throughout our town and I believe that this renaming would be an honor in his family's eyes.''--Friend of Cpl. Bixler. ``Stephen graduated from Suffield High School in 2003, 2 years after our son and one year before our daughter. He and our son Jon were good friends, having competed together in Cross Country and Track & Field at Suffield High. During the years that Jon had his license, and Steve was still too young, Steve was the one exclusive passenger who was picked up each morning on the way to school and returned home each evening after a meet or practice. The two of them, and the old truck they rode in back and forth to school, were men on a mission who could only be deterred by the chance to do `donuts' in an empty high school parking lot with a fresh covering of snow! ``During the summer, they were part of a small group on the Cross Country team who attended running camp in Vermont. They always enjoyed entertaining us with the stories they brought home about the camp antics and the occasional practical jokes.'' ``Steve was a model student, with a warm personality and a great sense of humor. He was also quiet and serious with a great respect for his family and country. All during high school, Steve's friends knew his first dream was to be a U.S. Marine. When many of his friends left for the `footloose' life of being new college students, Steve left for the most difficult job--Marine training. As a marine, Steve's assignments throughout the world had one cause and that was to assist people in need. Steve was a young man that any parent would be honored to have as a son.''--Parents of one of Bixler's close friends. ``The Iraq war is not a subject that comes and goes--it is always on the air. Its everlasting presence reminds me of Stephen Bixler--in my studies, watching the news, even conducting research at work. ``Naming the post office after Steve would not just be an honor to Steve but also a gift to the people of Suffield. Though we can never bring Steve back, and no building can compensate for his death, feeling like we have paid tribute to Steve is a necessary part of the community's healing.'' ``I graduated High School with Stephen Bixler and considered him a friend. I remember going to Stephen's house to play when I was very young and I remember riding the bus with him for as long as I can remember. For all of my years as a student in Suffield, I can remember Stephen's house was always extensively decorated by his mother. When these decorations went from hoping for his return, to mourning his loss, the effect was well felt throughout the community in the deepest, most heartfelt way. Stephen was well liked and greatly respected, and will forever be appreciated. As long as Stephen's family supports the honor then I believe nothing should stand in the way of this.''--Classmate and friend of Cpl. Bixler. ``Stephen was my cousin. He lost his life fighting for us in Iraq. Stephen loved what he did, being a Marine. He lost his life doing what he loved. Growing up, Stephen emulated the ``All American Kid''. An athlete, a scholar and Eagle Scout. He defined what all Marines should strive to be. Aside from all these things, Stephen was a son, a brother, and a friend to many. He has made our family proud, and anyone who knew him. Anyone who didn't know him missed out on a wonderful person.''--Cousin of Cpl. Bixler. ``As a former classmate and teammate of Corporal Stephen R. Bixler, I can attest to his deserving the honor of the Suffield Post Office name. Steve was a valued member of every team, class, and organization that he participated in. He was always there to encourage creativity, determination, and strength in the people around him. Steve lived his dream by joining the Marines. He seemed to have found a home in his service. As a Marine, he was able to stand out from the crowd, just as he did as an athlete and intellectual. Steve deserves this honor because he gave his life for his country. Steve deserves this honor because he was one of America's finest soldiers. However, Steve mostly deserves this honor because of who he was as a person. He was kind and sought out the best in those around him. He was an inspiration to everyone and that is why the Suffield Post Office should be named the Corporal Stephen R. Bixler Post Office.''-- Classmate of Cpl. Bixler. Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, like my colleague from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland), I urge my colleagues to vote favorably for H.R. 3325, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3325. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. ____________________