[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18209]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                        Specialist Dylan T. Reid

  Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
to honor the life and heroic service of SPC Dylan T. Reid. Specialist 
Reid, who was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th 
Infantry Division, in Fort Carson, CO, died on October 16, 2010. 
Specialist Reid was serving in support of Operation New Dawn in Amarah, 
Iraq. He was 24 years old.
  A native of Missouri, Specialist Reid graduated from Desert 
Technology High School in Lake Havasu City, AZ, in 2005 and entered the 
Army in September 2008. He joined his current unit in April of last 
year and deployed to Iraq this past March. He was serving his first 
tour of duty, and quickly showed his commitment and skill.
  During more than 2 years of service, Specialist Reid distinguished 
himself through his courage, dedication to duty, and willingness to 
take on any job. He was given numerous awards and medals, including the 
Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National 
Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the 
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the 
Overseas Service Ribbon.
  Specialist Reid worked on the front lines of battle, serving in the 
most dangerous areas of Iraq. He is remembered by those who knew him as 
a consummate professional with an unending commitment to excellence. 
Friends and loved ones remember how proud Specialist Reid was of his 
new daughter, Avery. They also remember his love for fixing things and 
working on cars.
  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 Reid'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 Iraq. 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 Reid will forever be remembered as one of our country's 
bravest.
  To Specialist Reid's parents, his wife, his daughter, and his 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 Dylan's 
service and by your knowledge that his country will never forget him. 
We are humbled by his service and his sacrifice.

                          ____________________