[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Pages 18050-18051]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                       Specialist Dale J. Kridlo

  Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
to honor the life and heroic service of Specialist Dale J. Kridlo. 
Specialist Kridlo, assigned to the 27th Engineer Battalion, based in 
Fort Bragg, NC, died on November 7, 2010, of injuries sustained when 
his dismounted patrol encountered small arms fire. Specialist Kridlo 
was serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Kunar Province, 
Afghanistan. He was 33 years old.
  A native of Pittston, PA, Specialist Kridlo graduated from Pittston 
Area High School. After managing his own painting business for several 
years, Specialist Kridlo enlisted in the Army and served a tour of duty 
in Afghanistan with decoration. He followed in the footsteps of his 
father and grandfather, both of whom served in the Armed Forces.
  During almost 2 years of service, Specialist Kridlo distinguished 
himself through his courage, dedication to duty, and the high standards 
to which he held his fellow soldiers. Family members recall his 
overwhelming pride when he used to describe the accomplishments of his 
combat unit in Afghanistan. Commanders recognized Specialist Kridlo's 
extraordinary bravery and talent, promoting him one week before his 
passing.
  Specialist Kridlo worked on the front lines of battle, serving in the 
most dangerous areas of Afghanistan. He is remembered by those who knew 
him as a consummate professional with an unending commitment to 
excellence. His family remembers him as a dedicated son, husband, and 
loving father to two young daughters. In his free time, Specialist 
Kridlo enjoyed fishing. He was also an avid Philadelphia sports fan.
  Mark Twain once said, ``The fear of death follows from the fear of 
life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.'' 
Specialist Kridlo's service was in keeping with this sentiment--by 
selflessly putting country first, he lived life to the fullest. He 
lived with a sense of the highest honorable purpose.
  At substantial personal risk, he braved the chaos of combat zones 
throughout Afghanistan. And though his fate on the battlefield was 
uncertain, he pushed forward, protecting America's citizens, her 
safety, and the freedoms we hold dear. For his service and the lives he 
touched, Specialist Kridlo will forever be remembered as one of our 
country's bravest.
  To Specialist Kridlo's entire family--I cannot imagine the sorrow you 
must be feeling. I hope that, in time, the pain of your loss will be 
eased by your pride in Dale's service and by your knowledge that his 
country will never forget him. We are humbled by his service and his 
sacrifice.


                   Second Lieutenant Robert M. Kelly

  Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, today I recognize Second Lieutenant Robert 
M. Kelly of Tallahassee, FL, who was killed November 9, 2010, from an 
improvised explosive device while on a foot patrol in Helmand Province, 
Afghanistan. Lieutenant Kelly is survived by his wife Heather, his 
sister Kathleen, and his brother John Kelly, who is also a marine. LT 
Robert Kelly was the son of Lieutenant General Kelly and Mrs. John 
Kelly. Lieutenant General Kelly is the commander of the Marine Forces 
Reserve in New Orleans.
  Lieutenant Kelly was engaged in his third combat deployment and was 
assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine

[[Page 18051]]

Regiment, 1st Marine Division out of Camp Pendleton, CA. Following in 
his father's footsteps, Lieutenant Robert Kelly rose through the ranks 
during his service. He was commissioned as an officer in the Marine 
Corps on December 12, 2008, where he continued to honorably serve with 
distinction.
  A decorated marine, LT Robert Kelly's bravery is a testament to true 
American heroism. Having received multiple awards that include the 
Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement 
Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Lt. Kelly 
deserves to be recognized. He also received the Marine Corps Good 
Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism 
Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian 
Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
  There is no doubt that this tragic loss will not only be felt within 
the Kelly family but also the Marine Corps and this Nation. Our 
thoughts and prayers will continue to be with his family and friends. 
Today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and remembering 2LT 
Robert M. Kelly, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.

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