Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi Marine Lance Corporal (LCpl) Roger Wayne Deeds who died while defending our great nation on November 16, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. LCpl Deeds was killed by enemy small arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Steel Curtain in Ubaydi, Iraq. Also killed were Lance Corporal (LCpl) John A. Lucente of Grass Valley, California, Corporal (CPL) Jeffrey A. Rogers of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Corporal (CPL) Joshua J. Ware of Apache, Oklahoma. During the attack, LCpl Deeds moved forward under enemy fire and suppressed the enemy with machine gun fire. He then launched a recovery effort of his wounded comrades. He was providing first aid and security for the wounded when he was mortally wounded. This act of courage and selflessness earned him the Bronze Star Medal with Valor. LCpl Deeds was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), Camp Pendleton, California.

LCpl Deeds was born into a military family and lived on a number of U.S. Air Force bases including Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, Mather Air Force Base in California, Rhein Main Air Force Base in Germany, Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, and Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi. LCpl Deeds graduated from Biloxi High School in 2000. It was there he met his future wife, Sarah French. They were married in February 2004. ``He's been my best friend for years. My everything,'' Sarah stated in an Associated Press news article.

Joyce Deeds, LCpl Deeds' mother, said her son exemplified the Marine Corps motto which is ``Semper Fidelis,'' meaning always faithful. ``They have a saying that no one is left behind,'' Mrs. Deeds said. ``And that's how my son died. He was faithful to God, country, and family.'' Scott Deeds, LCpl Deeds' father, recently said that his son never saw a mountain he was not going to conquer and never backed down from a challenge, no matter how big. ``Roger followed a very long line of family members from his father, to uncles, cousins, grandfathers and great grandfathers, who served in every battle or conflict since the Civil War,'' Mr. Deeds said. ``Roger saw a calling in serving this great nation and he chose the Marines as he felt it was the best fit for himself and as he said, 'I want to be on the front line to provide protection for my brothers and freedom for those denied freedoms.' He will always be my mini-me. He was and will always be my son, my friend, my hero, and our Marine.''

He was buried with full military honors at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

LCpl Deeds is survived by his father, Scott Deeds; his mother, Joyce Deeds; his sister, Gina McKnight; his wife, Sarah Deeds; his son, Alaric Deeds; and his daughter, Mikaleigh Deeds.

John 15:13 says, ``Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends''. LCpl Deeds distinguished himself on the battlefield and in life. His service will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory offallen Mississippi soldier Army Private First Class (PFC) Damian Laquasha Heidelberg who paid the ultimate sacrifice on November 15, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. PFC Heidelberg was killed when two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters collided in Mosul, Iraq. He served as an administrative specialist in the Army. PFC Heidelberg was assigned to 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

According to the Associated Press, PFC Heidelberg, a Shubuta, Mississippi native, was a former choir member and church usher. He

was remembered by Staff Sergeant (SSG) Sylvester Watkins on a memorial website. ``I served with him in the TOC and he was always smiling and always spoke,'' SSG Watkins said. ``When I heard ofhis passing, I was home on mid-tour leave from Iraq. I felt bad because it wasn't me. That kind of trait found in Heidelberg is so hard to find, it must remain on earth. However, I realize his body planted in the ground is merely a seed which, after the winter, will blossom and show its wonderful colors. We will then know he is again among us. We love you, brother.''

Phyllis Heidelberg, PFC Heidelberg's aunt, told the Associated Press that her nephew was a good man. ``He was a wonderful young man, sweet and mild mannered,'' Ms. Heidelberg said. ``He was slow to speak, loved to go to church, and always had a big smile.'' Jerry Jones, one of PFC Heidelberg's childhood friends, said of his determined work ethic. ``He told me that he was trying to make something of himself,'' Mr. Jones said. ``He was trying to make it for his family and his baby.''

Prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army, PFC Heidelberg was a student in the auto mechanic program at the Finch-Henry Job Corps Center in Batesville. To this day, a plaque commemorating PFC Heidelberg's service is on display at the facility. Earlene Brewer, a career and technical training instructor, recently said PFC Heidelberg was a standout student. ``He was a good soul,'' Mrs. Brewer said. ``He was very friendly. His parents raised him right.''

PFC Heidelberg is survived by his father, Grady Jones; his mother, Deborah Heidelberg; and his daughter, Stacie.

PFC Heidelberg's service and sacrifice to protect America will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi soldier Army Specialist (SPC) Jeremiah Joseph DiGiovanni who paid the ultimate sacrifice on November 15, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SPC DiGiovanni was killed when two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters collided in Mosul, Iraq. SPC DiGiovanni was among 17 soldiers killed in the collision. SPC DiGiovanni was assigned to 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

According to the Associated Press, SPC DiGiovanni, a Covington, Louisiana native, graduated from North Pike High School in Summit, Mississippi. He joined the Army in November 2000. He later received training for his job as a Black Hawk crew chief. Joe DiGiovanni, SPC DiGiovanni's father, said his son's job was very important to him. ``It was 250 miles an hour, pants on fire with both doors open,'' Mr. DiGiovanni said. ``He was a Black Hawk Crew Chief and he lived to get in that helicopter and fly.''

Tonja Ludlam, a friend of SPC DiGiovanni, wrote a post about him on a memorial website. ``To all who knew DJ, we were touched deeply by a boy who grew to be a man before our eyes,'' Tonja wrote. ``He was so proud to wear the uniform, be the best soldier he could be, and so proud to serve our country. He studied hard to be a Crew Chief and do what he loved the most. I miss his smiles and the fun we had in the short time I knew him.''

During his three years of service, SPC DiGiovanni was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Basic Aviation Badge, and the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge.

The funeral was held at Calvary Baptist Church in Pricedale Community, Mississippi, where SPC DiGiovanni was raised by his father and stepmother, Helen DiGiovanni.

SPC DiGiovanni is survived by his father and stepmother, Joseph A. DiGiovanni and Helen DiGiovanni; his mother and stepfather, Laurie A. Brock and Kendall Brock; his six stepsisters, Brandy Blackwell, Misty Blackwell, Kaitlin Brock, Sarah Brock, Hannah Brock, and Elisabeth Brock; his three brothers, Brett Kennedy, Kendall Brock, and Noah Brock.

SPC DiGiovanni's service and sacrifice to protect America will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Thornberry for his continued leadership in rebuilding and reforming the Department of Defense.

Today I rise in strong support of H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018.

As a 32-year veteran of the Mississippi Army National Guard and two Iraq deployments, I know the national security challenges facing our country firsthand.

This year's NDAA makes important strides toward achieving equipment and benefits parity for our armed services' Reserve component. The enemies of this country do not distinguish between the Active component and Reserve component of our military, and neither should we.

I am happy to report that this year's NDAA increases the size of both our Active component and our Reserve component. It also increases benefits parity to our Reserve component soldiers by authorizing those deployed on title X orders to receive preactivation and postactivation TRICARE coverage when on 12304a and 12304b orders. Additionally, the FY18 NDAA will allow for procurement of much-needed equipment for our Reserve component.

Finally, I would like to thank my subcommittee chairmen--Mr. Coffman, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Turner--for their leadership and hard work through this process.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Brian Lee Freeman who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on November 7, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SSG Freeman was killed when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol in Baghdad. Also killed were First Lieutenant (1LT) Justin S. Smith, Specialist (SPC) Robert C. Pope, II, and Private First Class (PFC) Marion A. Reyes. SSG Freeman was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado.

SSG Freeman, a Caledonia, Mississippi native, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1997. Pat Freeman, SSG Freeman's mother, said her son was married to his wife, Leah for 14 months. According to the Associated Press, Mrs. Freeman said prayers from family and friends helped them through a difficult time. ``The Army has been very kind to us and helped us through this bad time in our lives,'' she said. ``We know Brian is in a better place and we will see him again someday. We call him our angel now.''

A scholarship was established in his memory of SSG Freeman at Caledonia High School. Twelve scholarships have been awarded over the years. Bill Lawrence, the former mayor of Caledonia, recently said that SSG Freeman's late father, Glen Freeman, worked hard to build support for the development of the Veterans Memorial, located at the Ola J. Pickett Park. The family also donated an American flag and flagpole to the facility. The memorial includes two battle crosses--one for SSG Freeman and one for Staff Sergeant (SSG) Jeffrey Dayton, a Caledonia High School graduate who was killed in Iraq in 2004.

At the time of his son's death, Mr. Freeman told the Associated Press that SSG Freeman meant everything to the family. ``This boy was a hero. Our son was everything to us. People don't realize what it is to lose a child,'' he stated. Mrs. Freeman said SSG Freeman demonstrated bravery and courage as a soldier. She said her son saved the life of their unit's medic who he talked out of riding with them in the Humvee on the day of the incident. SSG Freeman told the medic that he may be needed if something happened to them.

The funeral for SSG Freeman was held at the Lowndes Funeral Home in Columbus. SSG Freeman was laid to rest at Rowan Cemetery in Caledonia, Mississippi.

SSG Freeman is survived by his mother, Pat Freeman; his wife, Leah; her son, Bradley Thomas; his sister, Lisa Nichols; his uncle, Rick Merryman; his aunt, Karen Merryman; his brother-in-law, Ronnie Christian; and his sister-in-law, Linda Christian.

SSG Freeman's service and sacrifice to protect America will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Mississippi Army National Guard Specialist (SPC) James Anderson Chance, III, who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on November 6, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SPC Chance was killed when his vehicle struck a landmine in Husaybah, Iraq. SPC Chance was assigned to C Company, 890th Engineer Battalion, Army National Guard, based in Columbia, Mississippi.

According to the Associated Press, SPC Chance volunteered to lead his convoy. He did not want his comrades to risk their lives if they had spouses or children. SPC Chance, a Kokomo, Mississippi native, was close to his parents, James and Patricia Ann Chance. Allen Chance, SPC Chance's brother, said he always lived close to his parents so he could look after them. ``He was worried and he was trying to get it where he could come home for a few days to see her,'' Allen said. Mrs. Chance recently said her son was a good man who always made her laugh.

SPC Chance was remembered in a post on a memorial website. ``SPC Chance, a true soldier, never complained, and moved out at a moment's notice,'' First Lieutenant (lLT) Robert Enochs of Saucier, Mississippi wrote. ``Thanks for your love, dedication, and sacrifice for our country. I wish there were many more like you. We love and miss you dearly. We will never forget you.''

SPC Chance joined the U.S. Army in 1997 after he graduated from Kokomo High School. He served one tour of duty in the Army. In 2002, he joined the Mississippi Army National Guard to pursue higher education opportunities.

A memorial service was held for SPC Chance at the Kokomo United Methodist Church which is located across the street from his childhood home. He was laid to rest at the Kokomo Community Cemetery.

SPC Chance is survived by his mother, Patricia Ann Chance; his brother, John Allen Chance; and his nephew, Samuel Chance.

SPC Chance will always be remembered for the sacrifice he made to protect America. He made his family and our nation proud.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army (SGT) Sergeant Courtland Anshun Kennard who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on November 9, 2006, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Kennard was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq. Also killed was Staff Sergeant (SSG) Gregory W.G. McCoy of Webberville, Michigan. SGT Kennard was assigned to the 410th Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Retired Army Sergeant (SGT) Douglas Kennard, SGT Kennard's father, recently said his son grew up living on military bases in the United States and Germany. SGT Kennard graduated from General H.H. Arnold High School in Weisbaden, Germany in 2002. SGT Kennard followed in his father's footsteps when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003. ``He wanted to join the Army,'' Mr. Kennard said. ``I am extremely proud of him. I was always proud of him.''

Pamela Pleasant, SGT Kennard's aunt, said she was always proud of her nephew. ``He was an awesome kid,'' Mrs. Pleasant said. ``He had a smile that would light up a room. He was so humble. I miss him terribly.''

SGT Kennard was remembered by a fellow soldier on a memorial website. ``I will always remember your smile, Kennard,'' Sergeant (SGT) Michele Martin wrote. ``He is a very special person and a soldier. He was always there for his fellow comrades. When you were down, his smile always cheered you up. I will always cherish Kennard in my heart and always remember the great sacrifice he took for this great nation and his family to be free.''

A funeral was held for SGT Kennard at Mount Pelier Missionary Baptist Church in Starkville, Mississippi. SGT Kennard was laid to rest at Memorial Garden Park, which is located near Mississippi State University in Starkville.

SGT Kennard is survived by his parents, Douglas and Darlene Kennard; his brother, Jamahl Kennard; and his aunt, Pamela Pleasant.

SGT Kennard gave his life to protect our nation. His service will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi soldier Army First Lieutenant (1LT) Robert Charles Oneto-Sikorski who gave his life while in service to our great nation on October 31, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1LT Oneto-Sikorski was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol in Iskandariyah, Iraq. 1LT Oneto-Sikorski was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry, Mississippi Army National Guard, Biloxi, Mississippi.

1LT Oneto-Sikorski was born on September I, 1972, in New Orleans, Louisiana, but called Bay St. Louis his home. According to the Associated Press, while 1LT Oneto-Sikorski was serving in Iraq, his home was flooded from the

storm surge caused by Hurricane Katrina. Despite his loss, Elaine Oneto, 1LT Oneto-Sikorski's mother, said her son looked to the future and talked about his homecoming which would have been in December 2005. ``He was devoted to his children. He is so much more than any of us could say,'' Mrs. Oneto said. ``He was a wonderful man who loved everyone and his loss is going to devastate this whole community.''

Patrick Rager, 1LT Oneto-Sikorski's son, recently said he will always be remembered for his service and sacrifice. ``I am proud of his service, and to this day, I strive to make him proud through hard work and getting good grades in school,'' Patrick said. ``Many people go through this life and have little to no impact. Because of his sacrifice, he will not be forgotten.''

1LT Oneto-Sikorski was remembered by a fellow soldier on a memorial website. ``I was serving with Ski in Iraq. He was my XO and my close friend,'' SFC Gene Dufrene said. ``Ski was by far the best officer that anyone could serve with. He was what we NCOs called a real soldiers' officer. He would break his neck to take care of us. He took care of each and every soldier under his command. We all miss our brother and we will always remember Ski for the man he was to each of us soldiers.''

1LT Oneto-Sikorski was employed at Northrop Grumman's Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, where he worked in the engineering department.

1LT Oneto-Sikorski was buried with full honors at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

1LT Oneto-Sikorski is survived by his parents, Elaine Marie Oneto and Robert Charles Sikorski, II; his wife, Kristine Seamans Sikorski; his three children, Robert Charles Sikorski, II, Patrick Rager, and Hannah Rager; the mother of his children, Clare Rager; and his two sisters, Shawn Durfey, and Kathleen Sherlock.

1LT Oneto-Sikorski demonstrated courage and bravery protecting the freedoms we all enjoy. His service and sacrifice for America will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Joe Nathan Wilson who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on November 2, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SSG Wilson was mortally wounded in an attack on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter near Fallujah, Iraq. Fifteen other servicemen were killed in the crash. He died from his injuries in a Kuwait hospital. SSG Wilson was assigned to Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Corps Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

According to the Associated Press, an Ohio serviceman said he survived because of the heroic act of SSG Wilson. Sergeant (SSG) Joe Mlinar said SSG Wilson cradled his head with his body to shield him when the helicopter crashed.

SSG Wilson was remembered on a memorial website by a fellow soldier. Staff Sergeant (SSG) Benjamin Dunlap of Stroud, Oklahoma, said SSG Wilson was a leader, ``I served with SSG Wilson during our tour in Iraq. He was the epiphany of the NCO corps. He was always leading by example. He could never be seen without a smile on his face. I considered him to be my friend. He was a friend to all who knew him.''

SSG Wilson graduated from Crystal Springs High School in Crystal Springs, Mississippi in 1992. Robert Green, the Crystal Springs High School athletic director, said SSG Wilson was a standout student, ``He was a nice young man, especially on the football field.'' Shortly after graduation, SSG Wilson enlisted in the U.S. Army. Maxine Adams, SSG Wilson's mother, said he always wanted to be in the military, ``He was a great son. It was important to Nate to be an accomplished person.'' Patricia Fortenberry, SSG Wilson's sister, is proud of her brother's service, ``He was a great brother. He was my best friend.''

Shortly after SSG Wilson's death, the city of Crystal Springs designated November 2nd as an official day to recognize his service to our nation. His family hosts a picnic and speakers are included at the event. It is held at the Joe Nathan Wilson Sportsplex and Memorial Fire Station in Crystal Springs which is named in his honor. Sally Garland, mayor of Crystal Springs, said the city will begin a new tradition in honor of SSG Wilson. Beginning this year, flags will be lowered to half-staff on the anniversary of his death.

SSG Wilson was buried at Brushy Creek Cemetery in Hopewell, Mississippi. SSG Wilson is survived by his mother, Maxine Adams; his wife, Erica; his daughter, Yasmin; his three nephews, Jaydan Adams, Jordan Adams, and Specialist (SPC) Jerrick Wilson; his two nieces, Kawanza Fortenberry and Latria Wilson.

SSG Wilson's bravery under fire demonstrated his devotion to his comrades and to our nation. His service will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Private First Class (PFC) Christopher McCraw, who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on October 14, 2008, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. PFC McCraw was killed by wounds sustained when he encountered small arms fire while on dismounted patrol in Nasar Wa Salam, Baghdad. PFC McCraw was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

PFC McCraw, a Columbia, Mississippi native, joined the Army in February 2006 and went to Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia where he graduated in June 2006. He deployed to Iraq in December of 2007. According to the Associated Press, PFC McCraw is remembered by his friends and family for having a jovial sense of humor. Wendy Bracey, PFC McCraw's Sunday school teacher described him as, ``a charmer, an all-around, happy-go-lucky kid.'' His father, Avon, recalled that their last conversation was over the phone, and that at the time PFC McCraw was laughing and in good spirits.

PFC McCraw was laid to rest at Foxworth Cemetery, located in Marion County. According to the Associated Press, PFC McCraw's uncle, Jerry McCraw, remembers him as, ``always a happy kid, a bursting-with-energy- type kid, I guess what you would call a perfect soldier.''

PFC McCraw was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Good Conduct medal.

PFC McCraw is survived by his parents, Avon McCraw and Cathy McCraw; his uncle, Jerry McCraw; his son, Issac; and his fiancee Brianna Bell.

PFC McCraw proudly served our nation to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. His service will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi Army Sergeant (SGT) Eric C. Newman, who gave his life while in service to our nation on October 14, 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom. SGT Newman was killed when enemy combatants attacked his unit in Akatzai Kalay, Afghanistan. SGT Newman was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

SGT Newman, a Waynesboro, Mississippi native, graduated from Wayne County High School. SGT Newman worked for the Waynesboro Police Department several years before joining the Army in 2006.

According to the Associated Press, Waynesboro Police Chief James Bunch said, ``SGT Newman was an outstanding individual. It didn't surprise me at all that he would sacrifice himself for his country.''

SGT Newman's funeral was held at Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro. He was buried at Hebron Cemetery, located in Wayne County, Mississippi.

SGT Newman was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantrymans Badge and the Parachute Badge.

SGT Newman is survived by his wife, Charidy Newman; mother, Dianne Newman; stepdaughter, Larissa Leigh; grandmother, Rowena Loper; grandmother, Jolene Newman; uncle, Michael Earl Newman; aunt, Sandra Newman; and sister, Kimberly Delbosco.

SGT Newman proudly served our nation to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. His service will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of U.S. Army Sergeant (SGT) Jacob Dan Dones who died while defending our great nation on October 20, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Dones was killed when his forward operating base was attacked by enemy forces using indirect fire in Hit, Iraq. SGT Dones was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, California that was task organized under the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Tupelo, Mississippi.

According to the Associated Press, SGT Dones was born March 5, 1984, in Dimmitt, Texas. SGT Dones enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after his graduation from Dimmitt High School in 2002.

SGT Dones was remembered by many who knew him on a memorial website. Elizabeth Nunez of San Diego, California wrote a tribute in his honor. ``I served with Jacob for a few days while I was on election duty in Hit, Iraq. He was one of the soldiers providing security for the elections and I was one of four female Marines there to search female Iraqis who came to vote. He was a great guy and kept all of us laughing and helped us to not be afraid. I still cry when I think about him and what a shining light he was to all of us on the election team.''

A funeral service was held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church located in SGT Dones' hometown. Following the service, SGT Dones was laid to rest at Castro Memorial Gardens in Dimmitt, Texas.

SGT Dones is survived by his parents, Danny Dones and Rosa Dones; his fiancee, Mindy LeAnn Gonzales; his daughter, Alyssa Monique Gonzales; his two brothers, Daniel Dones and Jason James Dones; his two sisters, Jessica Ramirez and Priscilla Rojas; his paternal grandparents, George Dones and Maria Estella Layva; and his maternal grandmother, Guadalupe Ramirez.

SGT Dones was the recipient of the following awards: the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB). He was an Expert Infantry Rifleman (EIR).

SGT Dones demonstrated courage and bravery protecting the freedoms we all enjoy. His service and sacrifice for America will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled to rise today in memory of Army Private First Class (PFC) William Brandon Dawson who died while in service to our nation on September 24, 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom. PFC Dawson was killed when an explosive device detonated close to his military vehicle near Combat Outpost Carwile, Afghanistan. Private First Class (PFC) Jaysine P.S. Petree of Yigo, Guam was also killed.

PFC Dawson was assigned to the 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Richardson, Alaska. According to the Associated Press, PFC Dawson served as a motor transport operator. He was assigned to Fort Richardson in February 2010.

PFC Dawson, a Tunica, Mississippi native, joined the U.S. Army in 2009 shortly after he graduated from Rosa Fort High School Reverend Willie Dawson, Jr., PFC Dawson's father, said his son was ambitious and talked about pursuing a career in politics. ``He told me he wanted to be a senator. He could do so many different things,'' Rev. Dawson said.

``He made a career choice and he had all the support of his family. He wanted to drive trucks and he wanted to serve his country.''

A number of friends and family members posted a tribute to PFC Dawson on a memorial website. Pennie Smith, PFC Dawson's cousin, praised the soldier for his service. ``Thank you, Brandon and all the brave and courageous soldiers that fight and die for our freedom,'' Smith wrote. ``I hadn't seen Brandon since he joined the military, but he was family and I loved him. I pray everyone continues to remember, respect, and honor this fallen hero!''

In 2014, the Tunica County Education Foundation created the Private First Class (PFC) William Brandon Dawson Memorial Scholarship program in his honor. The foundation creators wrote a tribute to PFC Dawson that details the reasons for establishing the scholarship, ``Private First Class William Brandon Dawson served in the United States Army in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and his community on September 24, 2010, and this scholarship has been established to honor his memory, bravery, character, and commitment.''

PFC Dawson is survived by his parents, Reverend Willie Dawson, Jr. and Quita Weeden-Dawson, his stepfather, Elton Tresvant; his grandparents, Marilyn Williams, Willie Dawson, Sr. and Shirley Dawson, Joe Dan Weeden and Julia Weeden; his four brothers, Joseph Dawson, David Dawson, Daniel Dawson, and Elijah Dawson; his three sisters, Gabrielle Dawson, Whitney Robinson, and Kelli Campbell; his uncle, Larry Williams; his aunt, Phillis Williams; his four cousins, Kashia Williams, Erving Nelson Williams, Pennie Smith, and Adam Williams.

PFC Dawson proudly served our nation to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. His service will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi Marine Lance Corporal (LCpl) Joshua Scott Ose who gave his life while in service to our nation on September 20, 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom. LCpl Ose was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

LCpl Ose was killed by enemy gunfire while conducting combat operations in Musa Qala, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The day after LCpl Ose's death was announced, a United States flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in his honor. That same day, flags were flown at half- staff in his hometown of Hernando, Mississippi.

LCpl Ose enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during his senior year at Hernando High School. He graduated in 2009. Sissy Fernandez Ose, LCpl Ose's mother, said her son began talking about serving in the military when he was in the sixth grade. ``That was all he wanted to do,'' Mrs. Ose said. ``It was his choice. He was very proud.''

Reverend Robert A. Hatcher, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Hernando, delivered the eulogy at the funeral which was held at the Trinity Baptist Church in Southaven. According to the Associated Press, Rev. Hatcher

praised LCpl Ose for his service. ``Josh was fighting to keep terrorism away from American soil,'' Rev. Hatcher said. ``Some may question the philosophy of war, but do not question this young man's desire to put an end to terrorism. He did not shirk his duty to fight for America.''

Lee Caldwell, a family friend, said LCpl Ose set a great example for others to follow. ``He was an exemplary young man,'' Mrs. Caldwell said. ``He paid the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget him and all those who have fought for our country as he did.''

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Colonel (Col) John Caldwell was asked by the family to escort LCpl Ose's body from Dover Air Force Base to the First Presbyterian Church of Hernando where a visitation was held. Col Caldwell said LCpl Ose was a true hero. ``He epitomized what it was to be a Marine,'' Col Caldwell said. ``He wanted to represent his country and fight. He and Marines like him are true heroes. We need to remember them every day. We need to remember them for paying the ultimate price.''

In 2011, the Mississippi State Legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution No. 49. The resolution commended LCpl Ose for his service. It further stated that LCpl Ose is counted among Mississippi and America heroes who committed to our nation's safety and security.

LCpl Ose is survived by his parents, Ross and Sissy Ferdandez Ose, grandparents, Earl and Darlene Ose; aunts and uncles, Brenda and John Conrad, Sherry and Scott Fernandez, Dr. Dennis and Dr. Wendy Ose, and Paul and Sarah Ose.

LCpl Ose will always be remembered for his sacrifice to protect America.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army First Lieutenant (1LT) Donald Clayton Carwile who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on August 15, 2008, during Operation Enduring Freedom. 1LT Carwile was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. 1LT Carwile was killed when his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb and then attacked by insurgents with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Army Private First Class (PFC) Paul E. Conlon, Jr. of Somerville, Massachusetts was also killed.

1LT Carwile enlisted in the Army shortly after he graduated from Lafayette High School. Following a three-year enlistment, he returned home to his family after the death of his stepmother. During that time, he served as a police officer at the Batesville Police Department and later, at the Oxford Police Department. While he was working in law enforcement, 1LT Carwile earned his degree in criminal justice at the University of Mississippi.

In 2006, 1LT Carwile re-enlisted in the Army and qualified for Officer Candidate School, where he was commissioned as an infantry officer. He was assigned as a platoon leader in the 101st Airborne Division. His wife, Jennifer, was asked about her husband's experience in the Army by the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. ``He cared so much about the men in his platoon,'' Jennifer said. ``He always said his first goal was to bring his men home, and his second, only after that, was to come home himself.''

In 2016, the House and the Senate approved legislation I introduced to honor 1LT Carwile. H.R. 5309, designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 401 McElroy Drive in Oxford, Mississippi as the Army First Lieutenant Donald C. Carwile Post Office Building. Family, friends, emergency responders, and local officials came to the dedication ceremony held in April 2017.

1LT Carwile distinguished himself as a leader in the Army which earned him many awards. He received the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, Combat lnfantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

1LT Carwile is survived by his wife, Jennifer; two daughters, Avery Claire and Elizabeth Reese; and his parents, Dennis and Judy Carwile.

1LT Carwile is a hero. We will never forget his sacrifice to protect our freedoms in this great nation. It is important to honor notable Mississippians who are willing and proud to pay that price. Everyone who passes through the doors of the post office will be reminded of a soldier who loved his country.