Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled to rise today in memory of Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Scottie Lee Bright who was killed on July 5, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SSG Bright was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle during patrol operations in Baghdad.

SSG Bright was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado.

SSG Bright, a Jackson, Mississippi native, was a 1986 graduate of Lanier High School. SSG Bright joined the Army in 1991. His brother Willie Bright said SSG Bright loved the Army and especially younger soldiers. Willie said his brother was his hero.

SSG Bright's funeral was held on what would have been his 37th birthday. More than 200 people filled the New Ebenezer Baptist Church that day. Reverend Dan Day called the event a ``homecoming celebration'' because Heaven was SSG Bright's new address. SSG Bright's wife, Carolyn, told those in attendance that her husband was a wonderful husband and father and loved by his family very much.

At the funeral, Brigadier General (BG) Robert Crear presented SSG Bright's family with military awards including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

During the graveside service at Autumn Woods Cemetery, a Mississippi Army National Guard honor guard played ``Taps'' He was also given a 21- gun salute.

SSG Bright is survived by his wife, Carolyn and their children, Breshay Nicole and Scottie Lee Bright, Jr.

SSG Bright gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. His service to our nation will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Marine Corporal (Cpl.) Clifton Blake Mounce, who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on July 14, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Mounce was killed when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device while he was conducting combat operations near Trebil, Iraq. Cpl. Christopher D. Winchester was also killed.

Cpl. Mounce was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, l0th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Cpl. Mounce, a Pontotoc native, graduated from North Pontotoc High School in 2000. His mother, Pat Mounce, says Blake loved playing football and baseball. In 2001 Blake enlisted in the United States Marine Corps following the terror attacks on 9/11. Pat says he joined because he wanted to protect his three younger brothers; Shea, Winston, and Nate.

``I'm real proud,'' Pat said. ``He said he had to go over there and fight or the enemy will be on our soil. I supported him 100 percent.''

Additionally, Pat says her son was close to the end of his four years in the Marine Corps when he was deployed.

An estimated 300 people came to the funeral which was held at West Heights Baptist Church in Pontotoc. Cpl. Mounce's father, Johnny Mounce, read letters to the crowd that he received from his son shortly before his death. In the second letter read, Cpl. Mounce addressed each family member with a special message.

Following the service, hundreds of cars were in the funeral procession. Residents lined the streets of Ecru waving American flags as some 200 cars drove by.

The American flag was presented to Cpl. Mounce's wife, Tiffany, during the graveside service at Ecru Cemetery. Cpl. Mounce's family was given the Purple Heart medal.

Cpl. Mounce is survived by his parents Johnny and Pat Mounce; wife Tiffany; brothers Shea, Winston, and Nate; and grandparents Flake and Dorothy Mounce.

In 2013, the Blake Mounce Memorial Run for the Park 5K was started in Ecru in memory of this brave soldier who gave all to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. We will always remember Cpl. Mounce's sacrifice to protect our nation.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to travel with Chairwoman Hartzler to Guantanamo Bay to see firsthand the important work our military men and women stationed there are doing for our national security.

As representatives of the people, we have been given a duty by the American people to provide for our common defense, and that includes appropriately detaining suspected terrorists.

According to the March 2017 Director of National Intelligence report, it estimated 29 percent of former GTMO detainees are confirmed, 17 percent of those, or suspected, 12 percent, of re-engaging in terrorist or insurgent activities. The ones we hold now are the 41 worst of the worst, including KSM, and we cannot allow them back onto the battlefields.

These people do not need to be housed on U.S. soil. GTMO is the most appropriate and safest place to hold these detainees.

They live better than I lived both of my tours in Iraq in 2005 and 2009 and 2010.

I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of First Sergeant (1SG) Nicholas Robert Barton II who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on June 7, 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom. 1SG Barton was killed when his military vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Konar, Afghanistan. Sergeant (SGT) Joshua A. Lukeala, Specialist (SPC) Matthew R. Catlett, Specialist (SPC) Charles S. Jirtle, and Specialist (SPC) Blaine E. Redding was also killed.

1SG Barton was assigned to the Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. ISG Barton gave 16 years of devoted service to the Army.

1SG Barton, a Roxie, Mississippi native, was 35 years old at the time of death. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1993, where he played center on the football team.

According to the McComb Enterprise-Journal, his grandmother, Jo Beth Coleman said, ``He was a good student and a real likable person. Everybody loves him''.

He was awarded three Bronze Star Medals; the Purple Heart Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal; three Army Commendation Medals; three Army Achievement Medals; the Meritorious Unit Commendation; two Army Superior Unit Awards; five Army Good Conduct Medals; two National Defense Service Medals; the Iraq Campaign Medal; the Afghanistan Campaign Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; two Armed Forces Service Medals; the Army Service Ribbon; three Overseas Ribbons; the NATO Medal; the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge; the Army Ranger Tab; the Combat Infantry Badge; the Expert Infantry Badge; the Parachutist Badge, the Pathfmder Badge; the Air Assault badge and the Weapons Qualification: M4, (expert).

1SG Barton is survived by his wife, Rebecca Barton, his stepson Jason Wells, his parents, SSG Robert N. Barton (retired) and Dona Lee Barton, his maternal grandmother, Patricia Paugh, and his paternal grandparents, Nathaniel and Jo Beth Coleman.

1SG Barton's sacrifice for our freedoms will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Master Sergeant (MSG) Horace Nash. MSG Nash died from injuries he sustained in a car accident on May 13, 2017. MSG Nash was well-known for his devotion to God, family and military service.

MSG Nash enjoyed playing sports growing up including football, baseball, and basketball. He excelled at all three. MSG Nash graduated from Carthage High School in 1996. The same year he enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard. During his 20 years of service, he deployed with Company A 150th Engineer Battalion, served as the Intelligence NCOIC for the 168th Engineer Brigade, and was a member of the 150th Brigade Engineer Battalion. He divided his time between the Mississippi Army National Guard and PECO Foods in Sebastopol where he was employed.

MSG Nash's sister, Paula Nash-Hogan, says her younger brother's dream was to be in the military and to also serve as a police officer. He achieved both of those goals.

``He wasn't my only military brother, but he was my favorite military brother,'' Paula said. ``I was like his second mom. I am extremely proud. From the scale of 1-10, it would be 100. I love him.''

Mississippi Army National Guard SGT Greg Wells, a childhood friend, served with MSG Nash during a deployment to Iraq from July 2004 until January 2006. He says if there was one word to describe MSG Nash, it would be ``tenacious.''

``He was one of those guys you knew would make a mark in this world,'' Wells said. ``Horace did everything right.''

MSG Nash is survived by his wife, Nilah Nash; his mother, Annie Bell Nash; his children, Charmecia Nash, Jawaunya Nash, Madison Nash, Colton Nash, and Katelyn Nash; four stepchildren, Armando, Aveon, Amarion, and Azavier Hayes; three sisters, Shelia Nash, Paula (Stacey) Nash-Hogan, Wanda Dortch; three brothers, Marvin (Jacqueta) Nash, Robert (Ruth Ann), and Deonday (April) Nash; best friends/brothers, Kendall Hall, Desmond Reed, Jr., and Mashawn Leflore.

MSG Nash's devotion to serving our nation will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor World War II Veteran Albert Cummings who served our great nation from 1944 until 1946. Mr. Cummings answered the call to defend America and distinguished himself during some of the fiercest campaigns in Europe, including the D-Day Invasion of Normandy on the northern coast of France.

Mr. Cummings was raised on a farm in Carrolton, Alabama. He was one of 13 children. Mr. Cummings left the family farm to fight in World War II. He was 18 years old when he trained for the U.S. Army Infantry. Mr. Cummings excelled during his military service as a Squad Leader. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG).

Mr. Cummings was wounded as he made his way to Utah Beach during the invasion of Normandy. He was shot by a German soldier. Mr. Cummings was picked up by a MASH unit and strapped to the top of a field ambulance. He spent 17 days in a hospital in France. He was transferred to a hospital in England for five months. In January 1945, Mr. Cummings came back to the United States on a Liberty ship. Liberty ship was the name given to the EC2, the ship designed for emergency construction by the U.S. Maritime Commission. While sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, the ship split in half. These ships traveled in convoys, so he was able to be picked up. Mr. Cummings continued his recovery at the Augusta Army Hospital in Georgia. He spent a total of nine months in hospitals in Europe and the U.S. After his recovery, Mr. Cummings continued to serve our nation guarding Prisoner of War (POW) camps from Mississippi to California. He was honorably discharged in January 1946.

When Mr. Cummings completed his military service, he took a job as a Trailways bus driver. In 1949, he met his future wife, Helen, who worked at a Columbus restaurant. They were married in 1950. They had two children, Cheryl and Tim. Mr. Cummings was later employed as a truck driver for Campbell 66 and worked there until he retired. Mr. Cummings enjoys spending the majority of his time with his five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

In July, Mr. Cummings will be honored for his military service by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4272. He will be honored for serving in WWII and for his service as a past Post 4272 Commander, VFW District Commander, and VFW State Commander.

Mr. Cummings has demonstrated what it is to be a patriotic American who is willing to fight for the freedoms we all enjoy. He has led a life of honor and honesty which is why we call Mr. Cummings and others like him ``The Greatest Generation.''

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant (SGT) Terrance Delan Lee Sr. who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on June 11, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Lee was killed when his armored personnel carrier was hit by an improvised explosive device in Owesat Village, Iraq. Staff Sergeant (SSG) Larry Richard Arnold Sr. was also killed.

SGT Lee was assigned to the 150th Combat Engineer Battalion, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, Lucedale, Mississippi. The 150th is part of the 155th Brigade Combat Team which is known as ``Dixie Thunder''. SGT Lee joined the Mississippi Army National Guard in 2003.

According to the Associated Press, 250 people gathered for SGT Lee's funeral at First Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend James E. Powell of Solomon Temple AME Zion Church in Moss Point was his pastor. In the eulogy, Rev. Powell quoted Psalm 23 which describes God as a shepherd and man as the flock. Rev. Powell said that SGT Lee understood what that meant and that he knew Jesus Christ was his personal savior.

SGT Lee is survived by his parents, Dedrick and Dinah Lee; siblings, LaDarrius Lee and Demetrice Jones; and children, Terrence Junior, Ra'Mone, and Marchelle Elyse Lee.

SGT Lee's sacrifice for our freedoms will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled to rise today in memory of Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Larry Richard Arnold, Sr. who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on June 11, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SSG Arnold was killed when his armored personnel carrier was hit by an improvised explosive device in Owesat Village, Iraq. Sergeant (SGT) Terrance D. Lee, Sr. was also killed.

SSG Arnold was assigned to the 150th Combat Engineer Battalion, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, Lucedale, Mississippi.

According to the Associated Press article, 200 people packed a Baptist church where the funeral service was held. Reverend Donnie Boutwell, pastor of Lee's Chapel No. 1 Baptist Church in Carriere, spoke about SSG Arnold's service.

``This is not a final respect for this man,'' Rev. Boutwell said. ``For every time a young child stands in the schoolroom and covers his heart and pledges allegiance to the flag, we continue to show our respect for him. Every time we stand at a ballgame and `The Star Spangled Banner' is played, we continue to show our respect for Larry and all the other soldiers.''

Mississippi Army National Guard Brigadier General (BG) Ben Gaston also offered his thoughts during the funeral service.

``He could have easily walked away and said, `I've done that. I've done my time,' '' said BG Gaston. ``Larry didn't do that. He was a mature NCO the younger soldiers looked up to.''

During the service, BG Gaston presented SSG Arnold's family with the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Mississippi Medal of Valor. SSG Arnold is buried at Mill Creek Cemetery in Pearl River County.

SSG Arnold is survived by his mother, Betty Mackey; his wife, Melinda; sons; Larry, Robert, and Howard Arnold; siblings Garry Arnold, Peggy Alford, Beverly Hicks, Janet Brandes, Joann Arnold, and Debbie Arnold; and grandchildren Anthony and Heather Arnold.

SSG Arnold died while fighting to protect the freedoms we all enjoy

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen soldier Army Sergeant (SGT) Christopher Roger Bell who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on June 4, 2011, during Operation Enduring Freedom. SGT Bell was killed when an improvised explosive device hit his convoy in Laghman Province, Afghanistan. Also killed were Sergeant (SGT) Joshua David Powell, Sergeant (SGT) Devin Arielle Snyder, and Specialist (SPC) Robert Lee Voakes, Jr.

SGT Bell was assigned to the 164th Military Police Company, 793rd Military Police Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

SGT Bell, a Golden, Mississippi native, was 21 years old at the time of death. He joined the Army in July 2008 after graduating from Tremont High School in Tremont, Mississippi, and served at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before being stationed in Alaska in January 2009.

``If he saw that someone needed help, he did not hesitate to step in and lend a hand,'' said Robert Worthington. ``He always put others before himself. SGT Bell strived for perfection in every aspect of life, and knowing that perfection was out of reach, he still never stopped trying.''

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal, NATO Medal, and Combat Action Badge. He was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge, and Overseas Service Bar.

On June 17, 2011, SGT Bell was buried with full military honors at the Living Faith Tabernacle Cemetery in Columbus, Mississippi.

SGT Bell is survived by his wife, Samantha Lucas Bell; daughter, Lana Nicole Bell; his parents, Timothy and Barbara Bell; and brothers, Zachary and Timothy Bell. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, James and Mary Wooten; his paternal grandmother, Judith Pitcher; his mother and father-in-law, Vera and Roger Lucas; and his brother-in-law, Roger Lucas.

SGT Bell's service and sacrifice will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) Clarence Douglas McSwain who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on June 8, 2006, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SFC McSwain died from injuries he sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle during combat operations in Baghdad.

SFC McSwain, of Meridian, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

SFC McSwain was a proud soldier on his third tour in Iraq when he was killed. He met his 4-month-old son, Kenneth, only once. SFC McSwain's Sister, Ashley McSwain, said her brother put his family first. She said it was bad that the world had to lose him because he was one of the good guys.

SFC McSwain's father, Reverend Theodis McSwain, recently reflected on his son's service.

``I was very proud of him,'' Rev. McSwain said. ``He wanted to serve his country.''

SFC McSwain, a 1993 Meridian High School graduate, played high school football and graduated with honors. After high school, he attended the University of Southern Mississippi according to the Associated Press article.

``I was a medic that worked with him in his first two rotations and I just found out about his death,'' Troy Criddle said. ``I am hurt by his passing. He was a great soldier and will always be a paratrooper.''

``Clarence and I had the opportunity of spending a lot of time together in the 1st PLT Company C 2nd Battalion 237th,'' Staff Sergeant (SSG) Shannon Corbin said. ``I believe that he was a shaping catalyst in me both professionally and personally.''

SFC McSwain is survived by his father and mother; Theodis and Sandra Lee McSwain; wife, Kendrah; children; Jasmin, Krista and Kenneth McSwain; and siblings; David, Ashley, Kimberly, and Christopher McSwain.

SFC McSwain proudly served our nation to protect the freedoms we all enjoy.

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled to rise today in the memory of Mississippi Army National Guard Sergeant Kyle Clayton Thomas, who was killed on May 29, 2017, in a rollover incident at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. Sergeant Thomas and three other soldiers were conducting combat maneuvers in an M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams Main Battle Tank.

Sergeant Thomas, an Amory native and a 2011 Amory High School graduate, was assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion 198th Armored, 155th Armored Brigade headquartered out of Tupelo, Mississippi.

He has been described as a compassionate person who loved life and spending time with his family. When his daughter, Devina Jayde Smith, was born, an incredible bond was formed between Sergeant Thomas and his daughter. Sergeant Thomas' father, Eddie Thomas, says the whole family is proud of his son's commitment to his family and to the defense of this great Nation.

He divided his time between his job at NauticStar Boats manufacturing plant in Amory and service in the Mississippi Army National Guard.

His mother, Jo Ann Boussouar, says her son was always interested in the military. As a young boy, Sergeant Thomas would say that he wanted to be a tank driver.

The family says he excelled at soccer in high school, where he earned a scholarship to play at Itawamba Community College, but his patriotism led him down a different path, and he turned down the scholarship and joined the Mississippi Army National Guard. Ms. Boussouar says her son was able to fulfill his dream and to serve in the military. She is proud of her son's willingness to sacrifice his life for the safety of his family and of this Nation.

Prior to the incident, several colleagues and I went to Fort Irwin to discuss our defense readiness capabilities at the National Training Center, and we observed the tactical operations being carried out by the 155 Brigade Combat Team of the Mississippi Army National Guard, my brigade, the brigade that I deployed twice with. While I did not get to meet Sergeant Thomas while I was there, I did meet several other soldiers that were just like him and that were dedicated to serving and preserving the way of life we have in this great Nation.

Sergeant Thomas died on Memorial Day, the day our Nation has set aside to honor those servicemen and women who have fought and died to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. We cannot forget what this national holiday means to the families like Sergeant Thomas', who have experienced this loss. We can never forget those who gave all for the greatness of this Nation.

Dixie Thunder, Sergeant Thomas, Dixie Thunder.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Mississippi Army National Guard Sergeant (SGT) Kyle Clayton Thomas who paid the ultimate sacrifice while training to defend our great nation on May 29, 2017, at the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California. SGT Thomas died in a rollover accident while he and three other soldiers were conducting combat maneuver operations in a M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams Main Battle Tank. The soldiers with him were treated and released from Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, California.

SGT Thomas, an Amory native and 2011 Amory High School graduate, was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion 198th Armored, 155th Armored Brigade headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi.

SGT Thomas joined the Mississippi Army National Guard in 2012. His mother, Jo Ann Boussouar, says her son was always interested in the military. As a young boy, SGT Thomas would say that he wanted to be a tank driver. Her son was able to fulfill his dream to serve in the military, and she is proud of his willingness to sacrifice his life for the safety of his family.

``Kyle has a tattoo that said, `For those I love, I will sacrifice,' '' she said. ``That's what he did.''

SGT Thomas divided his time between his assembly job at NauticStar Boats manufacturing plant in Amory and the Mississippi Army National Guard. SGT Thomas's obituary describes him as a compassionate person who loved life and spending time with his family. It says when his daughter, Devina Jayde Smith, was born, an incredible bond was formed. SGT Thomas's father, Eddie Thomas, says the whole family is proud of SGT Thomas's commitment to his family and to the defense of our nation.

``I was very proud,'' Mr. Thomas said. ``His service made me feel wonderful.''

In a statement issued by the Department of the Army and Air Force, Colonel (COL) Doug Ferguson, Commander of the Tupelo-based 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, expressed his sympathy over the loss of SGT Thomas.

``Our deepest sympathies go out to SGT Thomas's family and friends,'' said COL Ferguson. ``We have lost a valuable member of our team and this loss will be felt across the brigade.''

SGT Thomas's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Mississippi Magnolia Cross, Mississippi Emergency Service Medal, Mississippi Longevity Medal, and the Mississippi War Medal.

SGT Thomas died on Memorial Day--the day our nation sets aside to honor the service men and women who fought and died to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. We cannot forget what this national holiday means to families who have experienced that loss.

SGT Thomas is survived by a daughter, Devina Smith; parents, Eddie Thomas (Sheryl) and Jo Ann Boussouar (Hachemi); sisters, Joni Edmonson (David), Tiffany Jones; Chrystal Parker (Marty), and Jennifer Sloan (Robin); grandparents, Jackie Ann Wallace and Marvelle Jean Tartt; aunts, Janette West (Dan), Karen Wallace; uncles, Billy and Bobby Wallace; cousins, Danette Starks (William) and Allison Fair (Chris); nieces and nephews, Annalee Thomas, Alexis Jones, Olivia and Riley Edmonson, Dustin Parker (Brooke), Jake Sloan (Chastity), Lauren Sloan; special friends, Chandler Riggs, Bradley Riggs, Ryan Hill, Jessica Smith (mother of Devina), Hannah Zaragosa, and Courtlyn McCollum.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Kenneth Ray Bradley who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on May 28, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SSG Bradley died of a heart attack while serving in Baqubah, Iraq.

SSG Bradley was assigned to Company B 588th Engineer Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas. The Utica native was a 19-year Army veteran.

According to the Associated Press, SSG Bradley enjoyed music. Cleveland Washington, SSG Bradley's first cousin, said he liked musical instruments.

``He was left-handed,'' Washington said. ``He blew the trumpet and played the guitar. He always liked music and was in a band.''

People who grew up with SSG Bradley and served with him in the Army memorialized him on the ``Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom'' website.

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Lee of Washington said he was a great leader. ``I remember that he was a great NCO and a great leader,'' SFC Lee said. ``He is a true hero and will never be forgotten. God bless his family, friends, and brothers-in-arms.''

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Frye of Fort Benning, Georgia, said SSG Bradley would not be forgotten. ``You are never forgotten, brother, and your passing caused me so much grief. Your words touched my heart,'' SFC Frye said. ``I remember those days you talked of spending time with your family prior to being ordered to go to Iraq. The fact that your life was cut short, and we're all robbed of your love, hurts me to this day. I only pray your family has found peace in your memories and what a great man you were.''

Melvin Waters of Woodbridge, Virginia, offered his condolences to the family. ``I would like to convey my sincerest sympathy to Claudia, Brian, and Sandra,'' Waters said. ``Kenney is truly missed by many and he will always live in our thoughts and good deeds.''

Specialist (SPC) George Sanchez served with SSG Bradley. ``I am currently attending St. Mary's University as a disabled veteran,'' SPC Sanchez said. ``The days I feel like quitting, I think of SSG Bradley, and my other fallen brothers-in-arms. Then I pick myself up and keep going for them. I dedicate my education to their memory. Your sacrifice is not in vain, my friend.''

SSG Bradley bravely fought to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. His service to our nation will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Mississippi Army National Guard Sergeant (SGT) Daniel Ryan Varnado who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on May 23, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Varnado was killed when his military vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Haswa, Iraq. Also killed were Specialist (SPC) Bryan Edward Barron, Sergeant (SGT) Audrey Daron Lunsford, and Sergeant First Class (SFC) Saburant Parker.

SGT Varnado was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 1-155th Infantry Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, Biloxi, Mississippi. SGT Varnado, a Saucier resident, joined the Mississippi Army National Guard in November 2000.

According to a website created in his memory, SGT Varnado played baseball growing up for Harrison Central High School in Lyman until he graduated in 1999. He also played baseball for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College while pursuing a degree in education. SGT Varnado wanted to be a baseball coach.

The website's author describes SGT Varnado as the perfect husband, father, son, and friend. He is also described as a person with faith and a love for the Lord which kept him strong in times of war. Additionally, the author says he will be deeply missed.

The Army National Guard Readiness Center in Gulfport has been named in honor of SGT Varnado.

Mississippi Army National Guard Brigadier General (BG) John Rhodes was the 1-155th infantry battalion commander in 2005. BG Rhodes recently said SGT Varnado will always be remembered along with those who died with him.

``SGT Daniel Ryan Varnado, SPC Bryan Edward Barron, SGT Audrey Daron Lunsford, and SFC Saburant Parker are remembered in many ways, but we knew them as warriors who represented something larger than themselves,'' BG Rhodes said. ``They operated in a hostile environment and faced the dangers of combat on a regular basis. Yet, if given the choice, they would not have wanted it any other way. They sacrificed their lives trying to provide a better life for people who they did not even know. This is who they were and what they represented. They exemplified the modern day Mississippi Riflemen. Stand Fast, Mississippians! Stand Fast!''

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Andrew Robertson served as company commander of Charlie Company, 1-155th Infantry Regiment, MS Army National Guard, Biloxi, Mississippi, serving operational control under 2-11 Armed Cavalry Regiment (ACR), U.S. Army. He says there were no greater people than the Charlie Company soldiers who endured being in the most dangerous and highest casualty area of operation as part of OIF III under Task Force 155 Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

``In 2005, there were no greater Americans than our fallen patriots, Charlie Company Infantrymen and their families. None greater. This, I believe, America needs to know,'' LTC Robertson said.

SGT Varnado is survived by his wife, Sharon Shavers, and son, Kannon Varnado.

SGT Varnado's sacrifice to protect our freedoms will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Mississippi Army National Guard Sergeant First Class (SFC) Saburant Parker, known to his friends as ``Sabot'' (sab-oh), who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on May 23, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SFC Parker was killed when his military vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Haswa, Iraq. Also killed were Specialist (SPC) Bryan Edward Barron, Sergeant (SGT) Audrey Daron Lunsford, and Sergeant (SGT) Daniel Ryan Varnado.

SFC Parker, a Foxworth native, was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 1-155th Infantry Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, Biloxi, Mississippi. SFC Parker served in the Mississippi Army National Guard for 16 years and served with the 155th Separate Armored Brigade in Bosnia. SFC Parker was also employed as a loader operator at Angie Lumber Company in Angie, Louisiana, and wrestled on the weekends for Southern Championship Wrestling. He was the 2004 champion of the cruiser weight division.

Major General (MG) Harold A. Cross, Mississippi Army National Guard Adjutant General, posthumously awarded SFC Parker the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Mississippi Medal of Valor during a memorial service held at Hurricane Creek Baptist Church in Hattiesburg. He spoke to the audience during the service and was quoted in an Associated Press article.

``Once again we come together in a small community to honor a soldier,'' MG Cross said. ``It comes to mind that over 1.2 million people have paid the ultimate sacrifice in our 228-year history that we might be free.''

Mississippi Army National Guard Brigadier General (BG) John Rhodes served as the 1-155th infantry battalion commander in 2005. BG Rhodes recently said SFC Parker will be remembered along with those who died with him.

``SFC Parker, SPC Bryan Edward Barron, SGT Audrey Daron Lunsford, and SGT Daniel Ryan Varnado are remembered in many ways, but we knew them as warriors who represented something larger than themselves,'' BG Rhodes said. ``They operated in a hostile environment and faced the dangers of combat on a regular basis. Yet, if given the choice, they would not have wanted it any other way. They sacrificed their lives trying to provide a better life for people who they didn't even know. This is who they were and what they represented. They exemplified the modern day Mississippi Riflemen. Stand Fast, Mississippians! Stand Fast!''

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Andrew Robertson served as company commander of Charlie Company, 1-155th Infantry Regiment, MS Army National Guard, Biloxi, Mississippi, serving operational control under 2-11 Armed Cavalry Regiment (ACR), U.S. Army. He says there were no

greater people than the Charlie Company soldiers who endured being in the most dangerous and highest casualty area of operation as part of OIF III under Task Force 155 Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

``In 2005, there were no greater Americans than our fallen patriots, Charlie Company infantrymen and their families. None greater. This, I believe, America needs to know,'' LTC Robertson said.

SFC Parker's daughter, Sheliah Parker, shared that her father's service made the family proud. ``I'm very proud,'' Sheliah said. ``He is the reason why I pushed myself so hard to become the first college graduate in the family. He is the reason I wanted to succeed. I think about him every day.''

SFC Parker is survived by his wife, Kitza, daughters, Merissa and Sheliah, stepson, Ramsey Cumpton, mother, Ora Lee Hayes, brother, Mark Parker, and sister, Sable Parker.

SFC Parker's sacrifice to protect our nation will always be remembered.