[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 13484]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                         Corporal Gary L. Moore

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to Army CPL Gary L. 
Moore. Corporal Moore died March 16, 2009 of injuries sustained when an 
improvised explosive device blew up next to his vehicle in Baghdad, 
Iraq.
  Gary was born on January 18, 1984 in Del City, OK and graduated from 
Westmoore High School in Oklahoma City, OK in 2003. After graduation, 
he worked as a mall security guard before enlisting in the Army in 
January 2007.
  Starting his career at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Gary was reassigned to 
the 978th Military Police Company, 93rd Military Police Battalion in 
Fort Bliss, TX, where he deployed to Iraq in June 2008 to help provide 
training and oversight of the Iraqi police force.
  BG David Phillips, the chief of the military police corps, praised 
Gary's unit for their service and accomplishments in Iraq. He said 
people in Baghdad are beginning to experience normal lives again 
because of the work of Moore and others. ``This past fall, when the 
elementary schools reopened, young girls were able to go to school,'' 
Phillips said.
  Engaged to be married on November 14, 2009, his fiancee Randi Ivie 
said, ``He loved life. He wasn't a stranger to anyone. He always had a 
good smile and a strong handshake.''
  Funeral services for Gary were held on March 24, 2009 and he was laid 
to rest with full military honors in Sunnylane Cemetery in Del City, 
OK.
  At the funeral service, Sam Davison, the church's head pastor said 
``Gary was 38 years younger than me, but he was one of my heroes. I'm 
proud of the service that he rendered. I'm proud of his bravery. I'm 
proud of Gary.''
  Today we remember Army CPL Gary L. Moore, a young man who loved his 
family and country, and gave his life as a sacrifice for freedom.


                      Corporal Stephen S. Thompson

  Mr. President, I would also like to remember the life and sacrifices 
of CPL Stephen S. Thompson who died on February 14, 2009 of injuries 
sustained from small arms fire in Baghdad, Iraq.
  Stephen was born on July 14, 1985 in Tulsa, OK and was a 2004 
graduate of Memorial High School in Tulsa, OK. After enlisting in the 
Army on June 27, 2006, he attended boot camp at Fort Sill, OK. He was 
then assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade 
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, TX. The unit had 
deployed to Iraq in March 2008 and was set to return home within weeks.
  BG Ross Ridge, the deputy commander of Fort Sill, said Stephen 
``constantly exuded enthusiasm'' and always sought more responsibility 
to lead men. To his fellow soldiers, he ``was an instant friend and 
confidante,'' the general said.
  Corporal Thompson was buried at Floral Haven Cemetery, in Broken 
Arrow, OK. Army pallbearers from Fort Sill escorted his flag-draped 
coffin to the gravesite and an honor guard fired rifle volleys and a 
bugler played ``Taps.''
  ``I am so proud of my son. Stephen became a man the day he joined. 
This young man changed overnight. I remember when I went to his 
graduation from boot camp, I couldn't hardly believe who the person 
that was standing in front of me,'' his father Philip Thompson said.
  Stephen is survived by his mother Tresa, his father Philip, and two 
brothers, Austin and Christopher of Tulsa, OK.
  I extend our deepest gratitude and condolences to Stephen's family 
and friends. He lived a life of love for his family 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 
volunteered to go into the fight and made the ultimate sacrifice for 
our protection and freedom.

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