[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10829]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          IN TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT JOHN ``J.D.'' DAVID MEADOR II

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 29, 2012

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, June 20, 
2012, Sgt. John ``J.D.'' David Meador II, of Columbia, South Carolina, 
was killed in action while serving in the South Carolina Army National 
Guard in Afghanistan. Sergeant Meador began his career in service to 
our country when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1994. He is a 
graduate of Lexington High School and a member of the Lexington County 
Sherriff's Department. As a former high school wrestler, Sergeant 
Meador enjoyed coaching wrestling at his alma mater, White Knoll High 
School, and Irmo High School. He also enjoyed hunting, the outdoors and 
carpentry.
  Every member of our Armed Forces sacrifices their lives to keep 
America and her freedoms safe. Without these sacrifices, America would 
not remain the most free and prosperous country in the world. 
Specialist Meador paid the ultimate sacrifice and died honorably 
protecting these freedoms that we all enjoy.
  My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Christy, and their two 
daughters, Brianna and Elana, as well as his parents, John and Sharon 
Meador. His service to our nation will never be forgotten and we will 
always be eternally grateful. As a Guard veteran myself with four sons 
currently serving in the military, I particularly appreciate your 
extraordinary military family. Freedom is not free.

                          ____________________