[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 2279]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                       Specialist Ethan C. Hardin

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise to honor the life of one of 
America's bravest killed in action in Afghanistan--SPC Ethan C. 
Hardin--a fallen hero who served our Nation in support of Operation 
Enduring Freedom.
  Specialist Hardin, 22, grew up in Fayetteville, AR, where he 
graduated Fayetteville Christian Schools. His former principal, Kenny 
Francis, remembered Specialist Hardin's ``pleasant, likeable, gentle 
personality.''
  His pastor remembers Specialist Hardin as an excellent young man who 
was very dedicated to Christ. He called Specialist Hardin ``gentle'' as 
well, saying he harbored no particular hostilities toward the enemy, 
but a strong desire to protect our country.
  Specialist Hardin was a member of the 10th Mountain Division. He was 
killed when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive 
device and small arms fire. PFC Ira Laningham of Zapata, TX, also of 
the 10th Mountain Division, was also killed in the attack.
  Mr. President, Specialist Hardin made the ultimate sacrifice for our 
freedoms. I ask my colleagues in the Senate to join me in honoring his 
life and legacy. He is a true American hero.


                      Sergeant Zainah Caye Creamer

  Mr. President, I also rise to honor the life of one of America's 
bravest killed in action in Afghanistan--SGT Zainah Caye Creamer--a 
fallen hero who served our nation in support of Operation Enduring 
Freedom.
  Sergeant Creamer, 28, was born in Texarkana, TX, and graduated from 
Arkansas High School in Texarkana, AR, where she was known for her 
generosity and kindness. Her friends and family say they will remember 
her lovely singing voice and her love of country, friends, family and 
fellow soldiers--including her K-9 partner, Jofa.
  A soldier for more than 6 years, Sergeant Creamer was assigned to the 
212th Military Police Detachment as an Army dog handler. She and her 
dog, Jofa, were assigned to check vehicles and facilities for 
explosives and were carrying out a route and clearance mission when the 
blast occurred.
  She died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device 
detonated near her unit in Kandahar.
  Mr. President, Sergeant Creamer made the ultimate sacrifice for our 
freedoms. I ask my colleagues in the Senate to join me in honoring her 
life and legacy. She is a true American hero.

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