[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Pages 4694-4695]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING MASTER SERGEANT DAVID POIRIER

 Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, it is with profound sadness that 
I rise to honor the life and service of U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant 
David Poirier, who passed away February 28, 2014, while stationed at Al 
Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Master Sergeant Poirier was serving his sixth 
tour overseas as a member of the New Hampshire Air National Guard's 
157th Operational Support Squadron. He had also previously completed 
tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Guam, Qatar, and El Salvador, in addition 
to other Guard missions in New Hampshire.
  Dave, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Woonsocket, 
RI, and grew up in Blackstone, MA, where he graduated from Blackstone-
Millville Regional High School. A resident of Salem, NH, Dave was an 
active and respected member of the New Hampshire community in his role 
as an airman as well as his position as postmaster for the town of 
Atkinson. At the time of his passing at age 52, Dave had served over 22 
years in the U.S. Air Force and had earned the Air Force Commendation 
Medal twice, campaign medals for Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation 
Iraqi Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism, as well as other 
awards.
  Like many New Englanders, Dave enjoyed the outdoors by taking camping 
and fishing trips throughout the region. He also took particular 
pleasure in riding his Harley-Davidson on the back roads of New 
Hampshire. Most of all, Dave loved spending time with his

[[Page 4695]]

family, entertaining them with magic tricks and card games.
  I had the honor of meeting Master Sergeant Poirier's family during 
his dignified transfer ceremony at Pease Air National Guard Base. He 
was a devoted family man and I know his absence will be felt by many. 
However, it is my hope that during this extremely difficult time Dave's 
family and friends will find comfort in knowing that Americans 
everywhere appreciate deeply his vow to defend our country so that the 
rest of us may continue to live in peace and freedom.
  Along with his wife, Kim, Master Sergeant Poirier is survived by his 
sons Andrew and Bradley Poirier; his daughter Nicole Poirier; his step 
sons Kevin and Dillon Forzese; his grandchildren Eliana, Kai, and 
Olivia; his brothers Kenny, Charlie, John, and Bob Poirier; as well as 
his step father Charlie Caine.
  I ask my colleagues and all Americans to join me in honoring the life 
and service of this brave American, David Poirier.

                          ____________________