[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16853]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                       Specialist Sarina Butcher

  Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, we are considering some veterans 
legislation this week. I rise to recognize the men and women who have 
selflessly served our Nation as part of the Armed Forces.
  Veterans Day is approaching. It is one way to remind ourselves of the 
sacrifices so many have made and continue to make for our country.
  We pay tribute to individuals such as SPC Sarina Butcher. For the 
past 18 months, she served with valor and distinction in Afghanistan as 
an automated logistical specialist with the Army National Guard. She 
earned awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, Army 
Service Ribbon, and the Oklahoma Good Conduct Medal. She dreamed of 
becoming a nurse, joining the Guard to help her along that path to 
support her 2-year-old daughter.
  Last week, at 19 years old, Specialist Butcher paid the ultimate 
sacrifice. Specialist Butcher was the first female Oklahoma National 
Guard soldier to be killed during wartime and the youngest Guard member 
to die in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. I spoke to her mother, a 
resident of El Dorado, AR, and she stressed how her daughter loved 
serving our Nation. All our prayers are with this family.


                         Corporal David Bixler

  I also wish to recognize CPL David Bixler of Harrison, AR. I recently 
had the chance to meet David, one of five servicemembers chosen by the 
USO for bravery and sacrifice. While on foot patrol in Afghanistan, 
Corporal Bixler stepped on an explosive device while saving the lives 
of his team members. The explosion resulted in the loss of both his 
legs. He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions. I was moved by 
his unwavering strength and courage. I spoke with his young daughter, 
and it was easy to see the pride she has for her father.
  These two heroes, Sarina and David, are part of a long list of 
Arkansans throughout our State's history who answered the call to 
serve. Their resolve--that same dedication and love of country that 
brought down Osama bin Laden--was passed down through generations 
before them. They join the ranks of 2LT John Alexander of Helena, the 
second African-American graduate from West Point; BG William Darby of 
Fort Smith, the first commander of the U.S. Army Rangers; and Captain 
Maurice Britt of Carlisle, the first to receive the military's three 
highest medals for bravery for a single conflict.
  Arkansans serving in the military have never wavered when their 
country called. Whether Active, Guard or Reserves, they have 
participated in our current efforts abroad and countless previous ones. 
These efforts continue to this day. For example, the Arkansas National 
Guard's Agriculture Development Team works with the farmers and 
herdsmen of southern Afghanistan. The 77th Theater Aviation Brigade 
worked in Iraq with command and control assets in the south. Little 
Rock Air Force Base continues to support tactical mobility operations 
around the globe while training our future airlifters.
  Today, our country is facing many challenges, from rising 
unemployment among veterans to ever-tightening budgets. We should not 
let our current financial difficulties take away the support we owe 
those who serve. When looking for DOD savings, we must keep in mind 
that when these individuals joined the service, both sides made a 
commitment. We must honor these commitments.
  When looking for ways to save, we should put our focus on improving 
processes and capitalize on efficiencies where we can. For example, I 
recently introduced the Veterans Relief Act, designed to reduce the 
backlog at the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. I will continue to 
look for similar ways to streamline processes, improve efficiencies, 
and honor the obligations of those who have served.
  Today, I look at veterans and say: Thank you. Thank you for your 
service, thank you for your sacrifice, and thank you for your 
dedication to our country. It is impossible for me to articulate the 
scale of my gratitude, and I will continue to support measures that 
honor the veterans of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
  With that, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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