[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6814]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING LCPL RONALD DOUGLAS FREEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2011

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, 
sacrifice, and heroism of Marine Lance Corporal Ronald Douglas Freeman 
of Plant City, Florida.
  LCpl Freeman, a minesweeper, was killed while conducting combat 
operations for Operation Enduring Freedom on April 28th, in Helmand 
Province, Afghanistan.
  U.S. Marine Corps minesweepers are greatly admired for their 
fearlessness and diligence in leading patrols into enemy territory 
while providing safety and security for their peers by searching for 
buried explosives. LCpl Freeman personified this bravery and dedication 
while searching his patrol's area for explosives on the day of this 
death.
  Outside of the Marines, Dougie--as he is known to his family and 
friends--was an outstanding father, worker, son, and brother. He was 
admired by many in the community, especially by his younger brother and 
older sister. He was extremely dedicated to his family and wanted 
nothing more than to be the best father he could be to his two young 
children.
  Mr. Speaker, though proud to have such a fine example from the Tampa 
Bay community, it is with great remorse that I rise to commemorate the 
life of LCpl Freeman. I am in awe of the young men and women like 
Ronald Freeman who choose to serve their countrymen in the armed 
forces. As professionals in all that they do, they exhibit honor, 
courage, and commitment in every pursuit. Their sacrifices, like that 
of LCpl Freeman, will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________