[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15374]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                       Sergeant Daniel David Gurr

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today I rise to pay tribute to Sgt Daniel 
David Gurr of the U.S. Marine Corps.
  Sergeant Gurr was assigned to the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd 
Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force. He was killed by small 
arms fire while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Sergeant 
Gurr was only 21 years of age, but as a testament to his character and 
reputation, hundreds attended his memorial service and hundreds more 
lined the procession route to where he was laid to rest.
  Sergeant Gurr always wanted to be a marine. In fact, his friends and 
family from Vernal, UT, remember a young man who could hardly wait 
until his senior year at Uintah High School before enlisting in the 
Marine Corps. But even during his school years, his personality and 
character exemplified what it means to be a marine. Sergeant Gurr was 
the captain of his high school soccer team and was always there for his 
teammates. By all accounts, whether in high school or as a 
noncommissioned officer, he was a leader and loved by many.
  Sergeant Gurr had a profound sense of duty and deep commitment to 
freedom and liberty. All he asked for was the opportunity to dedicate 
his life to the service and safety of others. His dedication and 
leadership were clearly apparent to the marines who advanced him to the 
rank of sergeant, a truly impressive accomplishment for a 21-year-old.
  As we grieve the loss of one of this country's finest, let us 
celebrate Sergeant Gurr's life. His selfless and noble actions will 
never be forgotten.
  I know I am joined by the entire Senate in extending heartfelt 
condolences to Sergeant Gurr's family. Elaine and I will certainly keep 
them in our prayers.


                       Corporal Raphael R. Arruda

  Mr. President, today I also wish to honor CPL Raphael R. Arruda of 
Ogden, UT.
  Corporal Arruda was an Army reservist assigned to the 744th Engineer 
Company, 416th Theater Engineer Command. As a combat engineer tasked 
with finding improvised explosive devices, Corporal Arruda never shied 
away from driving the lead vehicle on operations. Out in front 
protecting his fellow soldiers was where he was when an explosion took 
his life. Adding to this tragedy, Corporal Arruda's mother had died 10 
days before, and the corporal was but days away from his 22nd birthday.
  Corporal Arruda was raised in Brazil until the age of 12. His family 
immigrated to the United States and settled in South Ogden, UT, where 
Corporal Arruda graduated from Bonneville High School in 2008. While in 
high school, he joined the Army Reserves and left for basic training 
only days after graduating from high school. After basic training, he 
attended Weber State University for a semester and planned to continue 
his education upon his return.
  Upon learning about Corporal Arruda's life, I was struck by what his 
family and friends had to say about him. Andrey, his brother and also 
an Army reservist, said Corporal Arruda was the ``life of the party.'' 
His fellow soldiers said the corporal was ``the guy who pushed everyone 
and made everyone laugh.'' It is a special leader who has the unique 
ability to motivate others while simultaneously making them feel at 
ease.
  Corporal Arruda was a brave and selfless soldier. His family now 
bears a heavy burden. However, I hope they will take comfort in knowing 
that I am joined by the entire Senate in extending our condolences over 
the loss of Corporal Arruda and his mother. My wife Elaine and I will 
have them in our prayers.

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