[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 15240]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   PRIVATE FIRST CLASS DAVID A. DRAKE

  (Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a soldier 
who made the ultimate sacrifice and laid down his life for our freedom: 
United States Army Private First Class David A. Drake.
  Private First Class Drake enlisted in the United States Army in 
January 2011. In the Army, he served as a combat engineer, leading from 
the front with his unit, the 515th Engineer Company, 5th Engineer 
Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and deployed in support of 
Operation Enduring Freedom. On September 28, 2011, he gave his life in 
Ghazni province, Afghanistan, conducting operations against the enemy.
  David is remembered not only for his heroics on the battlefield, but 
for the tremendous impact he had on his family, friends, and his 
community. His brother recalls David's absolute devotion to others in 
describing why he joined the Army. ``For him, it was pride in serving 
our country, serving the people, keeping our freedom.'' His character 
and patriotism are an example for us all.
  Private First Class David Andrew Drake personifies the honor and 
selflessness of service in the United States Army. His bravery and 
dedication to duty will not be forgotten. As a Marine Corps combat 
veteran, my deepest sympathies go out to his family, his fellow 
soldiers, and to all who knew him.

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