[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Pages 11309-11311]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                     Army Specialist Ryan J. Grady

  Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, I wish to remember the life and 
sacrifice of a remarkable young man, Army SPC Ryan J. Grady. Ryan died 
July 1, 2010

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in Bagram, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom due to 
injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near 
his vehicle.
  Ryan was born May 30, 1985 in Marion, KS and later moved to Bristow, 
OK. After graduating from Thunderbird Military Academy in 2003, he 
joined the Army as a combat engineer. He was awarded a Purple Heart 
from shrapnel wounds he received when his vehicle struck an improvised 
explosive device during his first deployment to Iraq in 2005-2006 in 
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  After returning home in 2006, he joined the Vermont National Guard. 
In 2008 he transferred to the Oklahoma National Guard and then returned 
to the Vermont National Guard in 2009 because he heard the unit was 
deploying to Afghanistan.
  Ryan grew up in a military family, with his father and brothers 
serving in the Army as well. On the day of the incident, Ryan shared a 
meal with his brother, Kevin Grady, who was also deployed to 
Afghanistan with the Vermont National Guard.
  Jim Grady, Jr. said Ryan's size 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds sometimes 
intimidated people, but said anyone who met him quickly could tell he 
had a warm heart. As a soldier, he would sign off on notes with the 
words ``saving the world one mission at a time,'' his brother said.
  At the grand opening of the Grady Dining Facility on Bagram 
Airfield's Camp Warrior, acting director of the Army National Guard, MG 
Raymond Carpenter, said ``Specialist Ryan Grady represents to us what 
the modern National Guard is. He joined the guard because he wanted to 
serve his country.''
  Ryan was posthumously promoted from private first class to specialist 
and was laid to rest in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in St. Johnsbury, VT.
  Ryan is survived by his wife Heaven, of Bristow, OK, his daughter 
Alexis, his father SFC James A. Grady of West Burke, VT, his mother 
Debbie Hudacek of Bristow, OK, stepfather Tom Hudacek of Bristow, OK, 
and his brothers: Kevin Grady of St. Johnsbury, VT and James Grady of 
Muskogee, OK.
  Today we remember Army SPC Ryan J. Grady, a young man who loved his 
family and country, and gave his life as a sacrifice for freedom.


                       Sergeant Charles S. Jirtle

  Madam President, today I also wish to remember the life and sacrifice 
of a remarkable young man, Army SGT Charles S. Jirtle. Along with four 
other soldiers, Scott died June 7, 2010 of injuries he sustained from 
an improvised explosive device in Dangam district of Kunar Province, 
Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
  Scott was born September 13, 1980 in Lawton, OK and graduated from 
MacArthur High School. After graduating, he served in the Navy Reserves 
in Oklahoma City.
  The son of an Active Duty Army master sergeant, he enlisted in the 
Army in 2007. After completing basic training at Fort Benning, GA, he 
was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st 
Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY as an 
indirect fire infantryman.
  Scott, who served a tour in Iraq in 2007 and 2008, knew the impact 
the deployments had on his family. His final posting on Facebook read: 
``Savannah is having a real problem with this deployment, and I pray to 
God that He will watch over her and my children.''
  Pastor Trey Smart said Scott's four older brothers would recruit him 
when they heard the ice cream truck coming down the street. ``They 
always knew if they sent Scott to ask Terry and Virginia for money, 
they wouldn't turn him down because he was the youngest,'' Smart said.
  His parents said, ``Our son Charles Scott Jirtle joined the Army 
because he wanted to take care of his children. He extended his 
enlistment for this deployment, knowing that he was going to a very hot 
spot.''
  Those thanking Scott for his ultimate sacrifice for the protection of 
this great country say John 15:13 describes his selfless virtues 
perfectly: ``greater love hath not man than this, that he lay down his 
life for his friends.''
  On June 16, 2010, the family held church services at First Baptist 
Church East in Lawton, OK.
  He is survived by his wife Savannah, daughters: Chelsie and Cheyenne, 
a son Jordan, unborn son Charles Scott Jirtle, Jr., stepdaughter Rylee 
Jo Jirtle, parents, MSG (Retired) Terry L. and Virginia Jirtle, Lawton, 
OK; 4 brothers: Joseph Elkins and wife Tammy, James Jirtle, Kendall 
Jirtle and wife Brandi, all of Lawton and AME2 (AW) Anthony Jirtle, Oak 
Harbor, WA; stepbrother, Danny Henry and wife Shauna; several nieces 
and nephews: Ashley, Kayla, Starr, Alexis, Skyler, Payton, Preston, 
Morgan, Bryce and Kolby.
  Today we remember Army SGT Charles S. Jirtle, a young man who loved 
his family and country, and gave his life as a sacrifice for freedom.


                     Specialist Augustus J. Vicari

  Madam President, I now wish to pay tribute to a true American hero, 
Army SPC Augustus ``Augy'' J. Vicari of Broken Arrow, OK who died on 
July 29th, 2011 serving our Nation in Paktia Province, Afghanistan. 
Specialist Vicari was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters 
Company, 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade 
Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard.
  Specialist Vicari died of injuries sustained when his unit was 
attacked with an improvised explosive device while on patrol in the 
town of Janak Kheyl. He was 22 years old.
  Our thoughts and prayers go out to those in his family he left 
behind: his wife Holly, parents Michael and Evelyn Vicari, and 
siblings: Joseph, Michael, Emily, and Mollie.
  A native of Lowell, IN, Augy graduated from Lowell High School in 
2008. After graduation, he and his wife then moved to Broken Arrow to 
be close to his father-in-law. Augy then enlisted in the Oklahoma 
National Guard and attended basic training and advanced individual 
training in 2009.
  In addition to being a soldier, Augy enjoyed working on cars and 
spending time with family and friends. As evident by reading through 
some quotes from family and friends, he consistently impressed and 
touched the lives of those he interacted with on a daily basis:
  John and Barb Slankard said ``Augy's smile lit up every room he was 
in . . . a truly amazing person that was taken far too soon. We thank 
him for his courage and sacrifice and we are honored to have known 
him.''
  MG Myles Deering, the Oklahoma National Guard Adjutant General said, 
``This loss of life has shaken every member of the Oklahoma National 
Guard to their core. We have lost a very brave man who once raised his 
hand and took an oath to defend our nation. He courageously gave 
everything he had to ensure our freedom and safety and his sacrifice 
will not be forgotten.''
  SSG Kyle Wachtendorf of the Oklahoma National Guard praised Augy by 
saying, ``He was a Oklahoman who chose to stand up and fight for what 
was right. Chose to leave his family in order to fight for others and 
made the ultimate sacrifice for God and their country.''
  Reverend Tony Janik said ``Augy wanted to see the world. He wanted to 
see justice in the world.''
  U.S. Congressman Peter Visclosky from Indiana's 1st District honored 
and paid tribute to Augy on the floor of the House of Representatives 
on September 7, 2011.
  A true warrior, Augy died while participating in a patrol in the town 
of Janak Kheyl of Paktia Province on his way back to the U.S. combat 
outpost just barely over a month after arriving in Afghanistan. This 
tough fight took Augy from us prematurely, but make no mistake; it is a 
fight we will win. We must continue our unwavering support for the men 
and women protecting our Nation and allies.
  I extend our deepest gratitude and condolences to Augy's family and 
friends. Augy lived a life of love for his wife, family, friends, and 
country. He will be remembered for his commitment to and belief in the 
greatness of our Nation. I am honored to pay tribute to this true 
American hero who

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volunteered to go into the fight and made the ultimate sacrifice for 
our protection and freedom.

                          ____________________