[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Pages 5973-5974]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                   Specialist Dennis ``Danny'' Poulin

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to SPC Dennis 
``Danny'' Poulin, a Rhode Islander who served in the Massachusetts 
National Guard.
  On March 28, Specialist Poulin was a gunner in an MRAP when it rolled 
over in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. He was medically evacuated to 
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where, tragically, he 
died 2 days later but surrounded by his loving family. He was laid to 
rest today in Rhode Island.
  Specialist Poulin grew up in Pawtucket, RI, and graduated in 2004 
from Tolman High School. He joined the National Guard in 2008 and was 
promoted to specialist in May of 2010. As a member of the Massachusetts 
National Guard Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry 
Regiment, he deployed to Afghanistan in July 2010.
  Each generation of Americans is called upon to protect and sustain 
our democracy. And there are no greater heroes than the men and women 
who

[[Page 5974]]

have worn the uniform of this Nation and who have sacrificed for this 
country to keep it safe and to keep it free.
  It is our duty to protect the freedom they sacrificed their lives for 
through our service, our citizenship. We must continue to keep their 
memories alive and honor their heroism.
  Today, our thoughts are with Specialist Poulin's mother Doris, his 
father Richard, his sisters, Jennifer and Angelique, his longtime 
girlfriend Ashley and their son Nikolous, and all of his family, 
friends, and his comrades-in-arms. We join them in commemorating his 
sacrifice and honoring his example of selfless service, of love, and of 
courage that he has demonstrated to all of us.
  Specialist Poulin is one among many Rhode Islanders who have proven 
their loyalty, their integrity, and their personal courage by giving 
the last full measure of their lives in service to their country in 
Afghanistan, in Iraq, and throughout the centuries. Today, we honor his 
memory and honor the memory of those who have served and those who have 
sacrificed.
  Mr. President, with that, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Rhode Island.
  Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I am honored to join my senior Senator 
from Rhode Island, Jack Reed, today on the floor of the U.S. Senate to 
honor the brave service of SPC Dennis C. Poulin, who died of injuries 
sustained while serving his country in Afghanistan.
  Specialist Poulin, or ``Danny,'' as he was known, had been assigned 
to the Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. I have 
visited on several occasions the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction 
Team, and I am well aware of the demands that are put on the security 
teams who allow the provincial reconstruction offices to do their vital 
work.
  Danny's vehicle overturned while he was conducting a mounted combat 
patrol, causing severe injuries. Sadly, as a result of those injuries, 
he passed away on March 31, 2011, at Landstuhl Medical Center 
surrounded by his family.
  Danny was born in Pawtucket, RI, where he lived for most of his life. 
After graduating from Tolman High School, he joined the Army National 
Guard and served with the Massachusetts National Guard's Alpha Company, 
1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment.
  Specialist Poulin served with honor and distinction, receiving 
numerous awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal, 
the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Meritorious 
Unit Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the 
Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, 
the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, 
and the Combat Infantry Badge. We hope that upon review of this 
incident, he will be awarded his Nation's Purple Heart.
  Danny will be remembered for his commitment to his family and unit. 
He was a devoted father, son, and brother, who loved his family very 
deeply. His fellow soldiers describe him as a hero and the kind of guy 
who always put others before himself.
  As family and friends gather today in Rhode Island for his memorial 
service, I would like to join Senator Reed in expressing my most 
sincere condolences for this terrible loss to his family and to our 
State. And on behalf of all Rhode Islanders, I want to thank Danny for 
his selfless service and his ultimate sacrifice.
  Our hearts go out to his mother Doris, to his father Richard, to his 
sisters, Jennifer and Angelique, to his girlfriend Ashley, and 
especially to his 5-year-old son Nikolous, who will carry on his legacy 
and spirit.
  We will never forget the sacrifice Danny and his family and friends 
have endured for our country, and my thoughts and prayers are with them 
during this difficult time.
  Mr. President, I thank the Senate for its attention to these remarks, 
and I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader is recognized.

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