Floor Statements

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

SPC Barron was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 1-155th Infantry Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, Biloxi, Mississippi.

SPC Barron, a Biloxi native, was hoping to be home from Iraq in time for his daughter's first birthday when he was killed. A relative told the Associated Press that SPC Barron left behind two daughters.

``I can say this. He died a hero,'' his brother-in-law, Ken Daniels, said in 2005. ``He was a true American. He found it worthwhile. He found it worth the risk to put his life in danger.''

SPC Barron was memorialized with the naming of the Natchez Army National Guard Readiness Center in his honor. Many family members, soldiers, and friends were on hand for the dedication of the building.

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

``SPC Bryan Edward Barron, SGT Audrey Daron Lunsford, SFC Saburant Parker, 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 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.

SPC Barron's daughter, Hayley Barron, shared how proud she is of her father's service. ``I am tremendously proud,'' Hayley said. ``What he has done, laid the foundation for my sister and me for years to come. He went to Iraq for a very good purpose.''

SPC Barron is survived by his wife, Amanda, daughters, Hayley Barron, Jaden Barron, mother, Cynthia Barron, sisters, Sandy Barron, Jodie Barron, Susie Barron, and brother, Cory Barron.

SPC Barron's sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all enjoy will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant (Sgt) Jonathan Wyatt Lambert who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on May 26, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt Lambert died on June 1, 2003, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, from injuries he sustained when the Humvee he was riding in rolled over.

Sgt Lambert was assigned to the Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. The 1993 Booneville High School graduate enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1995. Sgt Lambert served in the

Marine Corps for four years. After working in wireless data communications, Sgt Lambert reenlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in November 2000.

A proud Eagle Scout, Sgt Lambert was inspired to join the Marines by his uncle, Carroll Brown, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam. He liked to listen to his stories.

Shortly before his death, Sgt Lambert wrote an article that appeared on Memorial Day in his hometown newspaper, The Banner-Independent. ``I am a Marine,'' he wrote. ``It has always been a dream for me to be in the Marines. I love the challenge. I continuously work and sweat for it. I feel that I need to give back to my nation what so many have gave before me.''

Sgt Lambert left behind a wife, Betty Oswalt Lambert, and daughter, Kinsey Jade Lambert, of Rienzi. Though he died the day before her second birthday, Kinsley Jade recently said how much she enjoys hearing the stories about her father. She is proud of his service. ``I'm proud of him for being in the military,'' Kinsley Jade said. ``I respect that. He did it for our country.''

``I have always been proud. He was my hero,'' Mrs. Lambert said. ``He was the one who was going to keep the evil from coming to America. He was loved.''

In 2013, Sgt Lambert was memorialized with the renaming of a portion of Highway 4 in Prentiss County in his honor.

Sgt Lambert's funeral was held at Little Brown Freewill Baptist Church. Mrs. Lambert says more than one hundred cars were in the funeral procession which followed the route where her son grew up in New Site.

Sgt. Lambert was the recipient of the following awards: Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Meritorious Mast (2), Army Achievement Medal, Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol Expert Badge, Certificate of Commendation (Individual Award), Letter of Appreciation (2nd AWD).

In addition to his wife and daughter, Sgt Lambert is survived by his parents, Johnny and Becky Lambert, sister, Misty Terry, and niece Allie Eaton.

Sgt Lambert's sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all enjoy will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Mississippi Army National Guard Sergeant (SGT) Audrey Daron Lunsford who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on May 23, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Lunsford 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 First Class (SFC) Saburant Parker, and Sergeant (SGT) Daniel Ryan Varnado.

SGT Lunsford, a Sardis native, was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 1-155th Infantry Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, McComb Mississippi.

SGT Lunsford enlisted in the Army after he graduated from high school in 1993. He served as a U.S. Army Ranger. After completing four years of service in the Army, SGT Lunsford became an officer with the Sardis Police Department and a firefighter for the Tunica Fire Department.

In January 2005, SGT Lunsford enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard. His wife, Vangi, says he reenlisted because he wanted to provide for his family, including his daughter, Paris Audrey, should something happen to him. Vangi says her husband was committed to fighting for freedom.

``Daron wanted to fight for our family's freedom,'' Vangi said. ``He also wanted to fight for others who couldn't go to the battlefront.''

Brigadier General (BG) John Rhodes served as the 1-155th infantry battalion commander in 2005. He recently praised SGT Lunsford and the soldiers who died with him on that day.

``SGT Audrey Daron Lunsford, SPC Bryan Edward Barron, SFC Saburant Parker, 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 did not 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 Daron is survived by his wife Vangi, daughter, Paris Audrey, mother Martha Sue Lunsford, and siblings; Donna Miller, Danny Lunsford, David Lunsford, Kim Lunsford Diffree, Michael Lunsford, and Alton Lunsford.

SGT Lunsford's devotion to America and the sacrifice he made will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen soldier Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) David Dwayne Self who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on May 16, 2011, during Operation Enduring Freedom. SSG Self died from wounds sustained after his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device in Spin Ghbarga, Zabul province, Afghanistan, during his fourth tour of duty. SSG Self was one of four American soldiers killed in the insurgent attack.

SSG Self was assigned to the Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment, Vilseck, Germany. SSG Self graduated from Pearl High School in 2000 before enlisting in the U.S. Army. According to an article written by Nate Rawlings, SSG Self was a, ``quiet, steady non- commissioned officer who knew his job well.'' Rawlings also shared, ``we never heard him complain about anything'' and praised SSG Self's ability to work calmly under pressure. As an example of SSG Self's calmness under pressure, Rawlings said SSG Self once evacuated his wounded gunner after an artillery shell exploded underneath their vehicle.

He is survived by his father and step mother, Eddie F. Self and Kathleen Self; his mother, Linda Rhodes; his sister, Kimela Shull; and his step sisters, Lorene Thomas and Sherry Wilmouth.

The sacrifice of this brave soldier will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Marine Private First Class (PFC) Stephen Phillip Baldwyn who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on May 5, 2005. PFC Baldwyn was killed in an explosion, while he was conducting combat operations in Nasser Wa Salaam, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

During his military service, he received the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment, and Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon. He was also awarded the Rifle Marksman badge.

PFC Baldwyn was born on May 7, 1986, in Saltillo, MS. He earned his Eagle Scout badge before graduating from high school in 2004 and leaving for boot camp. He was 19 years old at the time of his death.

PFC Baldwyn is survived by his parents, Danny and Stephanie Baldwyn.

The sacrifice of this brave Marine will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen soldier Army Sergeant (SGT) Mark Allen Maida who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on May 27, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Maida died of wounds he suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Diyarah, Iraq.

SGT Maida was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, attached to Mississippi's 155th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Fort Irwin, California. SGT Maid chose to join the Army shortly after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He joined the Army on October 31, 2001, and was assigned to Fort Irwin, California, where he assisted in training soldiers in preparation for deployment to Iraq. Fallen Heroes Project writes that SGT Maida was originally scheduled for discharge in October of 2004, and he was planning to attend Madison Area Technical College. Instead, his service was extended, and he was deployed to Iraq in January of 2005.

SGT Maida was born in Madison, Wisconsin on November 15, 1982 to parents Ray and Diane Maida. He graduated from Memorial High School in 2001. According to Fallen Heroes Project, Chris Maida, a veteran, attempted to talk his brother out of enlisting. Chris said, ``He just laughed. He loved life and he wasn't afraid of anything.'' The Chicago Tribune writes that SGT Maida was ``known for a great sense of humor and loved hunting, fishing and the outdoors; but most of all he loved his family and friends.''

SGT Maida's survivors include his parents, Ray and Diane Maida; a sister, Juliann Mutch; two brothers, Aaron Maida and Christopher Maida; one grandmother, Olga Herman; two nieces and two nephews.

The sacrifice of this brave soldier will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled to rise today in memory of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal (LCpl) Marc Lucas Tucker who was killed on June 8, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. LCpl Tucker died in a non-hostile vehicle accident on Alternate Supply Route Uranium, Iraq.

LCpl Tucker, a Pontotoc native and 1999 South Pontotoc High School graduate, was assigned to the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan, attached to 2nd Force Service Support Group (FSSG), II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

LCpl Tucker's mother, Donna Bagwell, says her son wanted to be a Marine from the time he was a little boy. He wanted to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather who also served in the Marine Corps.

In 2003, LCpl Tucker enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. His service included training in Okinawa and South Korea in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

In 2005, LCpl Tucker volunteered to go to Iraq to protect our nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His death was hard on the family, but Mrs. Bagwell says her son wanted to serve our nation.

``He loved America,'' Mrs. Bagwell said. ``He loved the Marine Corps and everything about it.''

LCpl Tucker's awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Sea Service Ribbon.

LCpl Tucker is survived by his parents; Kelly Tucker and Donna Bagwell and siblings; Christy Irby, Pam Bolen, and Terry Bagwell.

LCpl Tucker lived to serve our country and died while protecting it. His devotion to protecting our freedoms will not be forgotten

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled to rise today in the memory of United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Mark Lucas Tucker, who was killed on June 8, 2005, in a nonhostile vehicle accident on Alternate Supply Route Uranium in Iraq.

Lance Corporal Tucker, a Pontotoc, Mississippi, native, was assigned to the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan, attached to the 2nd Force Service Support Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Forward.

Lance Corporal Tucker's mother, Donna Bagwell, is seated in the gallery today. She said her son wanted to be a marine from the time he was a little boy. He wanted to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, who also served in the Marine Corps.

In 2003, Lance Corporal Tucker enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In 2005, he volunteered to go to Iraq to protect our Nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Mrs. Bagwell said her son planned to stay in the United States Marine Corps until retirement and make it a career. ``He loved America,'' Mrs. Bagwell said, ``He loved the Marine Corps and everything about it.''

Lance Corporal Tucker is survived by his parents, Kelly and Donna Bagwell, and Mark Tucker; and siblings, Christy Irby, Pam Bolen, and Terry Bagwell.

Lance Corporal Tucker demonstrated the characteristics that make us all proud to be Americans, and we honor his service and his life.

Semper fi, Lance Corporal Tucker.

Memorial Day

Mr. Speaker, I rise, as we enter this Memorial Day weekend, to recognize all of those great Americans who have given their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy.

This Nation can never forget those who preserved our Nation and died way too soon. God bless all those who have died in defense of this great Nation, and God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen soldier Air Force Staff Sergeant (SSGT) John Thomas Self who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on May 14, 2007, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SSGT Self was killed by an improvised explosive device in an attack that wounded three other airmen near Baghdad, Iraq, during his fourth tour of duty.

SSGT Self was assigned to the 314th Security Forces Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. A fire team leader with Detachment 3,732 Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, SSGT Self was on his 79th combat patrol when he was killed. His detachment was tasked with training Iraqi police. Self's mother, Jill Self, told the Associated Press that he volunteered for his fourth tour of duty because he wanted to serve his country. He was only home from his third tour of duty for a few weeks before he volunteered for his fourth tour.

SSGT Self was born on November 2, 1977 in Tupelo, MS. He graduated from South Pontotoc High School, where he was a trumpet player in the marching band. He joined the Air Force in 1999 after attending Itawamba Community College. SSGT Self's mother, Jill Self, told the Associated Press, ``He loved to deer hunt and fish and play computer games. He was a loving child. He was there for his family and friends. I loved him very much and he's going to be missed.''

SSGT Self is survived by his mother and step father, Jill Long Self and Terry L. Self; his sisters, Misty D. Gann and Sandy Pennington, and his brothers, Ronnie Self and Sam Self. He is preceded in death by his father Robert A. Self.

The sacrifice of this brave soldier will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen soldier Army Sergeant (SGT) Jason Walter Vaughn who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on May 10, 2007, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Vaughn died of wounds from an improvised explosive device that detonated near his vehicle in Baqubah, Iraq, during his second tour of duty.

SGT Vaughn was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington. He joined the Army in 2002, serving in Iraq from November 2003 to November 2004, and then returning in July 2006. He received his initial training at Fort Benning, Georgia. SGT Vaughn held the rank of Specialist at the time of his death and was posthumously promoted to Sergeant. During his military service, SGT Vaughn received the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terror Service Medal. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

SGT Vaughn was born in Memphis, TN, moving a few times before his family settled in Iuka, MS. He graduated from Tishomingo County High School in Iuka, MS in 1996. He later attended Northeast Mississippi Community College and Mississippi State University.

According to his mother, RaNae Vaughn, ``Jason was a kindhearted, selfless person. He was a beautiful person inside and out. His memory inspires us to be better, do better and dream big.'' His father, Walter Vaughn, told the Associated Press, ``The world lost a leader. My son was a born leader.''

SGT Vaughn's survivors include his wife, Contessa Williams Vaughn; stepdaughter, Ashley Martin; father and stepmother, Walter and Pat Vaughn; mother, RaNae Smith Vaughn, as well as a brother, sister, and two step-sisters.

In 2011, H.R. 2213, introduced by Representative Alan Nunnelee, designated the Iuka, MS Post Office as the ``Sergeant Jason W. Vaughn Post Office.'' As of July 1, 2017, the portion of Mississippi Highway 25 within the city limits of Iuka, MS will be known as the ``SGT Jason Vaughn Memorial Highway.''

The sacrifice of this brave soldier will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen soldier Marine Corporal William Justin Lee Cooper who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on May 19, 2008, during Operation Enduring Freedom. Cpl Cooper was killed in combat near Garmsir, Afghanistan.

Cpl Cooper was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. According to 40 Days of Honor, Cpl Cooper's skill as a marksman earned him a position on a sniper team. It was in fulfillment of his duties as a sniper that he was killed. During his military service, Cpl Cooper was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.

After graduating from Europa High School in 2004, Cpl Cooper briefly attended Holmes Community College. It was Christmas Eve of 2004 when Cpl Cooper told his father he was joining the Marine Corps. His father told the Associated Press, ``I remember telling him that he needed to have a lot of thought before doing this. He felt his country needed him at the time more than he needed school.'' He also said of his son, ``He had more friends than anyone I know. He was daddy's hero; now he's everyone's hero.''

Cpl Cooper's friend, Heather Burchfield, told the Associated Press, ``Coop was that fun-loving, crazy guy everyone liked. He's the one you always wanted on your side because he is always going to take up for you. Even in high school, he had a soldier's heart. He was a very loyal friend.''

Cpl Cooper is survived by his parents, Alan Cooper and Debra Cooper.

The sacrifice of this brave soldier will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant (SGT) John McClellan Smith who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on May 12, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Smith was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy in Iskandariyah, Iraq. During his tour in Iraq, SGT Smith's assignment was to train members of the Iraqi National Guard.

SGT Smith was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, California, which was attached to the 155th BCT of Mississippi. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg before joining the California unit. SGT Smith was a JROTC cadet at New Hanover High School in Wilmington, North Carolina where he also played football, baseball, and lacrosse before graduating in 2000.

During SGT Smith's funeral, Brigadier General Mike Ferriter of the 82nd Airborne Division presented Smith's mother, Judy Smith, with the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Sergeant First Class Richard Mitchell of the 82nd Airborne Division presented Mrs. Smith with the American flag. He told the Associated Press that SGT Smith was committed to serving his country.

``Smitty was a great soldier,'' SFC Mitchell said. ``He died doing what he wanted to do.''

SGT Smith's devotion to his nation will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Marine Lance Corporal (LCpl) Casey Lynne Casanova who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on May 2, 2008, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. LCpl Casanova was killed along with three other Marines when a roadside bomb was detonated while they were on patrol in Karmah, Iraq. Also killed were Sergeant Glen E. Martinez of Boulder, Colorado; Corporal James Kimple of Amanda, Ohio; and Corporal Miguel A. Guzman of Norwalk, California.

LCpl Casanova was assigned to the Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. LCpl Casanova served as a field radio operator. This was her first deployment to Iraq.

LCpl Casanova grew up in McComb, Mississippi, where she sang in the chorus at Bass Memorial Academy in Purvis and played multiple musical instruments in the high school band.

LCpl Casanova's mother, Paula Carruth, shared that Casey decided to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps while she was attending Southwest Community College in Summit, Mississippi.

``Casey had a servant's heart,'' Paula said. ``She wanted to serve, and the military allowed her to do that.''

Paula says her daughter's death was a tragedy, but triumph rose out of tragedy during a memorial service attended by more than 1,000 people. The service was held at New Heights Baptist Church in McComb.

``It became so huge and overwhelming,'' Paula said. ``My community was and still is so amazing.''

This summer, a portion of Highway 98 in Pike County will be named in LCpl Casanova's honor.

LCpl Casanova is survived by her mother, Paula Carruth, and grandparents, John Paul and Kitty Carruth.

LCpl Casanova devoted her life to military service. Her determination to serve will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Tommy Seary Little who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on May 2, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SSG Little died at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas from injuries sustained on April 19 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee outside Iskandariyah, Iraq. Sergeant Terrance A. Elizenberry of Clinton, Sergeant Wyman H. Jones of Columbus, Private First Class Stephen B. Brooks of Columbus, and Sergeant First Class Grayson ``Norris'' Galatas of Meridian were also injured in the explosion.

SSG Little, an Aliceville, Alabama native and the youngest of 11 children, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 114th Field Artillery Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, Columbus, Mississippi. SSG Little joined the Mississippi Army National Guard after he graduated Aliceville High School.

According to an Associated Press news article, Major General Harold A. Cross, Adjutant General of the Mississippi Army National Guard, said members of the Guard would mourn the loss of this brave soldier. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour said his family was deeply saddened by another death of a member of the Guard serving in Iraq.

SSG Little's brother, Jack Little says his brother was liked by all.

``He was easy to get along with,'' Jack said. ``If he could help, Tommy always would. He loved the Army.''

SSG Little's sister, Ruth Henderson, said her brother was dedicated to the Army.

``He was a hard worker,'' Ruth said. ``He was also a great father.''

SSG Little is survived by his wife, Patricia; his daughter, Ashley; his mother Lue Della Little; his siblings, Otis Roosevelt Little, Louise Murray, Alfred Little, Eddie Lee Little, Idella Little, Lillie Hutton, Jack Little, Ruth Henderson, Eddie Dean Little, and Bessie Hinton.

The National Guard Armory in Ackerman, Mississippi was named in honor of SSG Little. His sacrifice will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi soldier Army Sergeant (SGT) Joshua Shane Ladd who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on May 1, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SGT Ladd, a Mississippi Army National Guard soldier, was killed when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle outside of Mosul, Iraq.

SGT Ladd, a Port Gibson native, was assigned to the 367th Maintenance Company, Army National Guard, Dekalb, Mississippi. SGT Ladd volunteered for service shortly after his unit was mobilized in 2003. According to an article published in The Neshoba Democrat in January 2005, SGT Ladd was honored by an overflow crowd during a memorial service held on May 7 at the McClain-Hays Funeral Home. Outside of the funeral home, many people held flags and lined the streets which led to the Eastlawn Cemetery where SGT Ladd was laid to rest with full military honors.

Major General Harold A. Cross, Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard, posthumously presented SGT Ladd with a Bronze Star for meritorious service and a Purple Heart. The newspaper article states that Major General Cross presented the Mississippi Magnolia Cross for meritorious service, saying SGT Ladd distinguished himself by making the ultimate sacrifice. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour would later award SGT Ladd with the Mississippi Medal of Valor.

``He always wanted to be in the military and shoot big guns,'' SGT Ladd's cousin, Debbie Chisholm, said to the Associated Press. ``He wanted to be a soldier since he was a little boy.''

SGT Ladd is survived by his parents, Randy and Deborah Ladd.

SGT Ladd's service will always be remembered.