Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Kevin Arthur Houston who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Houston was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our Nation. He will be greatly missed.

Chief Houston was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including three Bronze Star Medals with Valor, two Purple Heart Medals, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Presidential Unit Citations, three Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Chief Houston is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His Nation owes Chief Houston an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Chief Houston's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful Nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Matthew David Mason who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Mason was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our Nation. He will be greatly missed.

Chief Mason was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including three Bronze Star Medals with Valor, including one for extraordinary heroism, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Presidential Unit Citations, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Chief Mason is survived by his family, friends, and teammates.

His Nation owes Chief Mason enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Chief Mason's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful Nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Information Systems Technician Petty Officer First Class Jared William Day who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Petty Officer Day was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Petty Officer Day was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Joint Service Achievement Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, two Presidential Unit Citations, two Navy Good Conduct Medals, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal unit decorations.

Petty Officer Jared Day is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Petty Officer Day an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Petty Officer Day's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Master-At-Arms Petty Officer First Class John Douangdara who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Petty Officer Douangdara was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our Nation. He will be greatly missed.

Petty Officer Douangdara was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including two Bronze Star Medals with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, two Presidential Unit Citations, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Petty Officer Douangdara is survived by his family, friends, and teammates.

His Nation owes Petty Officer Douangdara an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Petty Officer Douangdara's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful Nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Stephen Matthew Mills who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Mills was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Chief Mills was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including three Bronze Star Medals with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Presidential Unit Citations, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Chief Mills is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Chief Mills an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Chief Mills' family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Darrik Carlyle Benson who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Benson was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Chief Benson was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including two Bronze Star Medals with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine

Corps Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Chief Benson is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Chief Benson an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Chief Benson's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Senior Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Thomas Arthur Ratzlaff who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Senior Chief Ratzlaff was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Senior Chief Ratzlaff was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards and decorations, including five Bronze Star Medals with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, Presidential Unit Citation, and numerous other personal and unit decorations. Additionally, Senior Chief Ratzlaff was awarded the Star of Military Valor, for actions in Afghanistan while supporting Canadian Soldiers. He is only the second American since World War I to have this honor bestowed upon him.

Senior Chief Ratzlaff is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Senior Chief Ratzlaff an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Senior Chief Ratzlaff's family, friends and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Commander Jonas Benton Kelsall who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. LCDR Kelsall was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

LCDR Kelsall was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Joint Service Achievement Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Presidential Unit Citations, three Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

LCDR Kelsall is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates. His nation owes LCDR Kelsall an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to LCDR Kelsall's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Master Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Louis James Langlais who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Master Chief Langlais was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Master Chief Langlais was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including six Bronze Star Medals with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, three Combat Action Ribbons, three Presidential Unit Citations, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Master Chief Langlais is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Master Chief Langlais an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Master Chief Langlais' family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Senior Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Heath Michael Robinson who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Senior Chief Robinson was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Senior Chief Robinson was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including four Bronze Star Medals with Valor, including one for extraordinary heroism, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Presidential Unit Citations, three Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Senior Chief Robinson is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Senior Chief Robinson an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Senior Chief Robinson's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Senior Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Robert James Reeves who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Senior Chief Reeves was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Senior Chief Reeves was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards including five Bronze Star Medals with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, Combat Action Ribbon, three Presidential Unit Citations, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and other personal and unit decorations.

Senior Chief Reeves is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Senior Chief Reeves an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Senior Chief Reeves' family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Brian Robert Bill who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Bill was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Chief Bill was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including four Bronze Star Medals with Valor, including one for extraordinary heroism, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Chief Bill is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Chief Bill an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Chief Bill's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Operator Christopher George Campbell who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Campbell was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Chief Campbell was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including three Bronze Star Medals with Valor, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Chief Campbell is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Chief Campbell an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Chief Campbell's family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Petty Officer Special Warfare Officer John Weston Faas who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Chief Faas was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Chief Faas was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including four Bronze Star Medals with Valor, including one for extraordinary heroism, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Joint Service Commendation Medals with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation

Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendation, three Afghanistan Campaign Medals, two Iraq Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Chief Faas is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Chief Faas an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Chief Faas' family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Senior Chief Petty Officer Explosive Ordnance Disposal Kraig Michael Kaleolani Vickers who died August 6th in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Senior Chief Vickers was a patriot and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice ensuring the security of our nation. He will be greatly missed.

Senior Chief Vickers was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including four Bronze Star Medals with Valor, two Purple Heart Medals, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Combat Action Ribbons, Presidential Unit Citation, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.

Senior Chief Vickers is survived by his loving family, friends, and teammates.

His nation owes Senior Chief Vickers an enormous debt of gratitude. We are honored to have had such an exemplary American fighting for his country.

I wish to extend my condolences to Senior Chief Vickers' family, friends, and teammates and hope they continue to find solace in his lasting impact on his grateful nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.