[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14079]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                 Lance Corporal Andrew Francis Whitacre

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the 
life of the brave lance corporal from Bryant, Indiana. Andrew Whitacre, 
21 years old, died on June 19, 2008, in Farah Province, Afghanistan, 
from injuries sustained while his unit was conducting combat 
operations. He was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, G Company, 2nd 
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division from Twentynine Palms, CA.
  Andrew graduated from Jay County High School in 2005. Andrew loved 
sports and was an avid snowboarder. Those who knew him best recall a 
brave young man with an extraordinary sense of generosity. He enlisted 
in the Marines at the age of 17, telling his family that if he served, 
another would be spared that decision. Anderw left for boot camp in 
July of 2005, shortly after graduating from high school. Proud of his 
service and patriotic in spirit, Andrew never wavered in his decision 
to enlist. His family said it was the surest decision he ever made.
  In March of this year, Andrew proposed to his fiancee, Casey McGuire 
of Parker, AZ. He was due to return in November. Casey described Andrew 
as her ``hero,'' and said that he asked her to encourage everyone to 
send letters to American servicemembers abroad, thanking them for their 
service and showing their support. Andrew truly had the needs of others 
always at heart.
  Today, I join Andrew's family and friends in mourning his death. 
Andrew will forever be remembered as a son, brother and friend to many. 
He is survived by his his father and stepmother, Ernie and Norma 
Whitacre; his mother and her fiancee, Susan Nunly and Michael Perry; 
his fiancee, Casey McGuire; his brothers, Ryan Murphy and Justin 
Miller; his sister, Ashley Williams; and his grandmothers, Mildred 
Whitacre, Caroline Huffman, Beulah Murphy, and Mary Scott.
  While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take 
pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer 
place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will 
remember when they think of Andrew. Today and always, Andrew will be 
remembered by family members, friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true 
American hero, and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully 
serving his country.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Andrew's sacrifice, I 
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families 
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot 
consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and 
dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power 
to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we 
say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement 
is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain 
that the impact of Andrew's actions will live on far longer that any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Andrew Francis Whitacre in the 
Record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country and for his 
profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I think about 
this just cause in which we are engaged, and the pain that comes with 
the loss of our heroes, I hope that Layton's family can find comfort in 
the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in 
victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Andrew.

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