[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11571]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING STAFF SERGEANT JEFFREY KEAS

  Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, as we confront the many challenges facing 
this institution, it can be easy to lose sight of what is so unique and 
special about America. From time to time, though, we are reminded of 
the America we all know and love--a Nation filled with men and women of 
character and a remarkable ability to put the interest of others ahead 
of self.
  I was recently reminded of the true American character in reading the 
story of an Oklahoman and true American patriot, SSG Jeffrey Keas, who 
recently succumbed to cancer at the age of 44.
  As the Tulsa World recently reported, Jeff's journey to military 
career began at an age when others are usually leaving the service. At 
the age of 38, Jeff attended a local baseball game that paid tribute to 
active duty military and veterans. He later told family members that he 
felt ashamed that he could not stand with his son that day, a recent 
enlistee, as service men and women were asked to rise for recognition. 
So Jeff signed up for a long-term commitment with the Army and went on 
to serve our Nation in Iraq and Korea and most recently at Fort Hood, 
TX.
  At the time of his enlistment, Jeff's dad asked him, ``Why in the 
world, at your age, would you do this, Jeff, when the military is 
designed for a 19-year-old?''
  Jeff's answer says a lot about him and the country he loved so 
dearly. He said, ``If I can go to Iraq or Afghanistan, and that can 
allow some 19-year-old to come home to his mom and dad or girlfriend, 
then that's what I want to do.''
  Tragically, SSG Jeffrey Keas passed from this world earlier this 
month, but not before he inspired countless Americans with his 
selflessness, his courage, and his service.
  With men and women like SSG Jeffrey Keas, we should never count 
America out. We face many challenges, but this land of freedom and 
opportunity was built and is defended by men and women like Staff 
Sergeant Keas. I am in awe of the example he set for his own family, 
his neighbors and all those who came in contact with him.
  This is the America I know.
  On behalf of my fellow Oklahomans, I want to thank Staff Sergeant 
Keas for this remarkable example and to share our great sadness with 
the Keas family. Thank you for your sacrifices, and for sharing Jeff, 
as he served so honorably.

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