[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Pages 12809-12810]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                         Sergeant Omar A. Jones

  Mr. JOHANNS. Mr. President, I rise today to remember a fallen hero, 
Nebraska Army National Guard Sergeant Omar A. Jones of Maywood, NE.
  Sergeant Jones served as an electrician in the 623rd Engineer 
Company, Nebraska Army National Guard, out of Wahoo, Nebraska. Sergeant 
Jones died at Forward Operating Base Deh Dadi in Balkh Province, 
Afghanistan, on July 18, 2011.
  Omar grew up in Mississippi and lived in Bogota, Colombia for many 
years. He graduated from high school in Colorado and chose to enter the 
Army instead of pursuing a college athletic scholarship. He served two 
tours in Iraq. One as an infantryman in the active duty Army, and one 
with the Nebraska Army National Guard. His love of country compelled 
him to seek an assignment in Afghanistan. He volunteered and even 
changed units and developed new skills for this opportunity.
  In October 2010, he deployed to Afghanistan with the 623rd 
Engineering Company. It was a tough decision to deploy again because 
his wife Ava and two children had become the center of his life. But, 
it was for their freedom he chose to serve again overseas.
  His commanders and fellow Soldiers recall Sergeant Jones as kind, 
friendly, and helpful. They say they counted on Sergeant Jones for a 
big smile and a willingness to listen. He loved being a soldier. A 
former commander put it this way:

       He had the biggest heart of any soldier I knew.

  His decorations and badges earned during a distinguished career over 
three combat tours speak to his dedication and bravery. He received the 
Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Marksmanship Qualification 
Badge (Expert), Driver and Mechanic Badge, Overseas Service Bar (2), 
Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Good

[[Page 12810]]

Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with 
Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service 
Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on 
Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ``M'' device 
(2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.
  I cannot put into words how the death of Sergeant Jones will impact 
the lives of those closest to him. Nebraska is honored to call him one 
of our own, and I know Nebraskans in Maywood and Wellfleet will provide 
his family with care and love during this difficult time.
  Today I join the family and friends of Sergeant Jones in mourning the 
death of their husband, son, father, and friend. I ask that God be with 
all those serving in uniform, especially the brave men and women on the 
front lines of battle. May God bless them and their families and bring 
them home to us safely.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Webb). The Senator from Utah.

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