Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi soldier Marine Private First Class (PFC) Christopher Dale Mabry who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on April, 7, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. PFC Mabry was killed by hostile fire battling Sunni insurgents while conducting combat operations west of Baghdad in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

PFC Mabry, a Chunky native, was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. PFC Mabry enlisted in the Marines the last year of high school at Clarkdale Attendance Center. While in high school, PFC Mabry excelled in track and once placed second in the 400-meter sprint at a track meet in Carthage in 2002. PFC Mabry, a high school senior defensive back, led the football team to a district championship and to the state playoffs. Football team member, Spencer Robinson, remembers Mabry's dedication.

``He was the leader of the team,'' Robinson said. ``Everyone followed him. He was the hardest worker in the weight room and the most energetic athlete.''

On the day of his funeral, 300 people attended the funeral at the First Baptist Church. Cars lined the streets leading to the church. An American flag was raised on the ladder of a fire truck. Clarkdale Attendance Center students were excused from class to pay their respects. PFC Mabry's grandmother, Frances Mabry, will never forget the response from the community.

``I'm not surprised at the turnout,'' Mabry said. ``I know he's proud of all the people being here. I know Chris is happy about that.''

PFC Mabry proudly served our nation. His devotion to protecting the freedoms we all enjoy will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi Marine Corporal (CPL) Dustin Jerome Lee who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on March 21, 2007, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. CPL Lee died from wounds he received during a mortar attack while on a combat mission in Fallujah, Anbar Province, Iraq.

CPL Lee was assigned to the Third Recon Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force. Prior to his deployment, CPL Lee was assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia. After graduating from Quitman High School in 2004, he joined the Marines. CPL Lee was described as a dutiful son who led a Christian life, and always looked for the good in people. CPL Lee's friends say he always wanted to serve his country.

CPL Lee also had great skills working with animals. While in Iraq, CPL Lee served as the Patrol Explosive Detector Dog handler. Lex, a Military Working Dog, was wounded in the mortar attack that killed CPL Lee. His parents, Jerome and Rachel Lee, were allowed to adopt the bomb-sniffing dog with help from U.S. Representative Walter Jones (R- NC). After Lex' s retirement from military service, he was taken to VA hospitals and retirement homes to comfort veterans. CPL Lee's bond with Lex and his expert dog-handling skills will forever be remembered at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, where the kennel has been named in his honor.

At his funeral, more than 100 members of The Patriot Guard attended along with local high school ROTC members. Law enforcement officers traveled from all across Mississippi to pay their respects. CPL Lee's commander, Colonel Chris Halliday described CPL Lee as a special person who fit into the Marine Corps and its commitment to excellence and dedication to the country.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) Christopher Lee Robinson who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on March 25, 2006, during Operation Enduring Freedom. SFC Robinson was wounded during an ambush in Helmond Province, Afghanistan. Master Sergeant Reese Robbins, a Pelahatchie resident, who was injured during the attack, accompanied Robinson's body back to the United States. SFC Robinson was the first Mississippi National Guard soldier to die in Afghanistan.

SFC Robinson was assigned to the 27th Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, Mississippi Army National Guard, Jackson, Mississippi. SFC Robinson, a Madison County resident, joined the Army after graduating from Madison-Ridgeland High School in 1987. He followed in the footsteps of his father, George Robinson, who also served in the Army. SFC Robinson was previously deployed with his Special Forces unit to Haiti, Honduras and Panama among other countries.

``We once again are painfully reminded of the high cost of freedom,'' Major General (ret.) Harold Cross, Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard, said. ``Chris was one of our state's and nation's finest, and he will be greatly missed.''

He is survived by his wife, Tamara Robbins and their children Savanah and Patrick. ``He just loved everything about military service,'' Tamara said. ``He wanted to do something for our country. There was never a question about it. Our children are so proud of him.''

SFC Robinson devoted his life to the safety of our nation. He will always be remembered for his service and deep love for family and friends.

``Chris consistently displayed bravery by volunteering for hard deployments and dangerous missions,'' said Sergeant Major (ret.) Mike Patterson, who served with SFC Robinson. ``Chris had the ability to handle combat in a very deliberate way, yet remain compassionate for people and the unintended consequences of war thrust upon human beings.''

The first sentence in The Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer, ``No one is more professional than I'', describes the level of competence and professionalism that Chris maintained throughout his life in and out of uniform.

As a Special Forces, Green Beret soldier, SFC Robinson was truly the best of the best.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Marine Corps First Lieutenant (1LT) Therrel Shane Childers who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on March 21, 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. 1LT Childers was killed during an assault on a pumping station in Iraq. He was the first American casualty in Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

1LT Childers grew up in a military family in Harrison County, Mississippi. After high school, 1LT Childers enrolled in the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. Seven months after his death, a memorial service and parade were held there. 1LT Childers' family members donated money from the Shane Childers Memorial Fund to the university that day.

1LT Childers was described as a born leader. 1LT Childers also served in the 1991 Gulf War. At the time of his death, 1LT Childers was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California.

1LT Childers devoted his life to the defense of our country. His leadership on the battlefield will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled today to rise in memory of Army Sergeant First Class Christopher Lee Robinson. He paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our Nation on March 25, 2006, during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Robinson was wounded during an ambush in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting joint and multinational combat operations. Master Sergeant Reese Robbins, his friend, was also wounded during the attack. At the time of his death, Sergeant Robinson was the first Mississippi National Guard soldier to die in Afghanistan.

Sergeant Robinson was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, Mississippi Army National Guard in Jackson, Mississippi. He followed in the footsteps of his father, George Robinson, who also served in the Army.

Retired Sergeant Major Mike Patterson served with Sergeant Robinson throughout most of his military career. Sergeant Major Patterson said Sergeant Robinson consistently displayed

bravery by volunteering for hard deployments and dangerous missions. He also says Sergeant Robinson had the ability to handle combat in a very deliberate way, yet remain compassionate for people and the unintended consequences that war thrusts upon human beings.

He is survived by his wife, Tamara, and their children, Savannah and Patrick. Sergeant Robinson devoted his life to the safety of our Nation. He will always be remembered for his service and deep love for friends and family and this country.

The first sentence of the NCO creed states: ``No one is more professional than I.'' The level of competence and professionalism that Sergeant Robinson maintained throughout his life, in and out of uniform, shows that he lived by that creed every day of his life.

As a Special Forces Green Beret soldier, Sergeant First Class Robinson was truly the best of the best.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) Clint Daniel Ferrin who paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our great nation March 13, 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. SFC Ferrin was killed along with three other soldiers when their Humvee struck a roadside bomb in Baghdad, Iraq.

SFC Ferrin was assigned to the lst Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. SFC Ferrin grew up in North Ogden, Utah and later moved to Mississippi where he attended his senior year of high school in Picayune. He joined the Army after graduation. SFC Ferrin's father, Dan, says Clint became interested in military service after hearing the stories about his grandfathers who fought in WWII in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. When he decided to join, SFC Ferrin wanted to be a paratrooper even though he had a fear of heights. He was able to overcome that fear and distinguished himself as a soldier during his 12 years of service.

During his funeral, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints area president said SFC Perrin loved his country, his family, and his God. SFC Ferrin was given a 21-gun salute at the cemetery in front of approximately 100 family members and friends. SFC Ferrin was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.

``His son Zachary would always tell his friends that his dad was a hero,'' Dan said. ``He was a very good soldier and a very good dad. I'm so proud of him.''

SFC Ferrin is survived by parents, Dan and Rosemary Ferrin; brother, Army Specialist John D. Ferrin; wife Melinda; and their children, Zachary and Madison.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi soldier Sergeant (SGT) Lerando J. Brown, Jr., who died while in service to our great nation on March 15, 2008, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. SGT Brown gave his life while deployed in Balad, Iraq.

SGT Brown, of Gulfport, was assigned to the 288th Sapper Company, 223rd Engineer Battalion, Mississippi Army National Guard based in Houston, Mississippi. At the time of his death, SGT Brown was the 48th Mississippian to die in Iraq since March 2003. SGT Brown served in Iraq beginning in September 2007. He arrived with more than 90 other members of the 288th.

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Powell of the Mississippi Army National Guard said this was Brown's first deployment. SGT Brown's wife, Candice, described her husband as a man who loved to make her laugh. She said SGT Brown constantly told her he loved her through phone calls and e- mails.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant (SGT) Robert Shane Pugh who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on March 3, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. SGT Pugh was a combat medic with the Mississippi Army National Guard's 155th Brigade Combat Team. He was mortally wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Iskandariyah, Iraq also wounding Sergeant First Class Ellis Martin. SGT Pugh posthumously received the Silver Star, the third-highest decoration for valor in combat, as well as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Mississippi Medal of Valor.

SGT Pugh's Silver Star citation states, ``Although in extreme pain, Sergeant Pugh directed treatment instructions to the members of his platoon for both himself and Sergeant First Class Martin. He remained calm and continued to give instructions until the medical evacuation helicopter arrived. Sergeant Pugh passed away on route to the hospital; however his courage and disregard for his own welfare resulted in saving the life of a fellow comrade who was severely wounded.''

SGT Pugh was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, headquartered in McComb, Mississippi. He enlisted in the Army in 1999 because he wanted to be a combat medic. In the civilian world, SGT Pugh was a licensed paramedic and worked as a phlebotomist for United Blood Services in Meridian.

SGT Pugh's mother, Wilma Allen, said her son was her pride and joy. ``I am very proud of him. He was happy, outstanding, and outgoing. He would do anything for anybody,'' said his mother.

In a fitting tribute to this brave and caring soldier, the National Guard Readiness Center in Morton has been named in his honor.

SGT Pugh is survived by his parents, Glen and Wilma Pugh, his stepfather, Gary Allen, and his siblings Tiffany Johnson, April Pearson, Jennifer Reed, Brad Allen, and Dale Allen.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of U.S. Army Private (PV2) Barry Wayne Mayo who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation March 5, 2007, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. PV2 Mayo lost his life when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit in Baqubah, Iraq. Also killed were Specialist Blake Harris and Specialist Ryan D. Russell.

PV2 Mayo, an Ecru native, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. PV2 Mayo attended North Pontotoc High School and one semester at Northeast Mississippi Community College prior to enlisting in the Army.

During the procession from the Tupelo Regional Airport to the United Funeral Home in New Albany, dozens of people lined highway overpasses, waved flags and saluted the convoy.

PV2 Mayo's was just 21-years-old when he died. His devotion to our nation will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Corporal (CPL) Robert Taylor McDavid, III who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on March 10, 2008, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. CPL McDavid died from wounds he sustained when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device. Also killed were Staff Sergeant Ernesto G. Cimarrusti, Staff Sergeant David D. Julian, Sergeant First Class Shawn M. Suzch and Corporal Scott A. McIntosh. The soldiers were killed while on patrol in central Baghdad. Three other soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter were injured in the explosion.

CPL McDavid was assigned to the lst Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. He enlisted in the Army in 2005 and was deployed to Iraq two years later.

CPL McDavid attended Starkville Academy and Starkville High School. He earned his associate's degree in accounting from Northeast Mississippi Community College. He also attended Mississippi State University.

CPL McDavid was described by his wife, Tiffany, as a true American hero. Prior to his funeral, hundreds of residents lined Starkville's Main Street to pay tribute to one of their own. His funeral was on the same day as the fifth anniversary of the U.S. war in Iraq. CPL McDavid's devotion to protecting the freedoms we all enjoy will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) William ``Seth'' Ricketts who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on February 27, 2010, during Operation Enduring Freedom III. SSG Ricketts was killed by a sniper when his unit was ambushed by insurgents at Bala Murghab, Afghanistan. Before SSG Ricketts was fatally injured, he was assisting a fellow soldier who was wounded during the attack.

Bill Ricketts, SSG Ricketts's father, says his son followed in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, grandfather, and uncles who all served in the military. When terrorists attacked our country on September 11, 2001, SSG Ricketts joined the Army the next day. At the time of his death, SSG Ricketts was assigned to Company B, Battalion, 508th Parachute Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

More than 3,000 people attended his funeral held in Corinth. Bill Ricketts says people lined the streets to pay their respects all along the two-and-a-half mile procession. It was led by members of the Patriot Guard Riders.

SSG Ricketts is survived by his wife, Rosie Jones Ricketts and his sons, Aiden, Cullen, and Seth Wesson. He is also survived by his parents, Bill and Sandi Ricketts and his siblings, Benjamin Ricketts and Tiffany Ricketts Sneed.

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled today to rise in memory of Army Sergeant Robert Shane Pugh. He made the ultimate sacrifice while defending our Nation on March 2, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, headquartered in McComb, Mississippi. Sergeant Pugh, a combat medic, was mortally wounded when an IED detonated near his vehicle near Iskandariya, Iraq, also wounding Sergeant First Class Ellis Martin.

Sergeant Pugh posthumously received the Silver Star, the third highest award for valor, as well as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Mississippi Medal of Valor.

Sergeant Pugh's Silver Star citation reads: ``Although in extreme pain, Sergeant Pugh directed treatment instructions to the members of his platoon for both himself and Sergeant First Class Martin. Sergeant Pugh passed away en route to the hospital; however, his courage and disregard for his own welfare resulted in saving the life of a fellow comrade who was severely wounded.''

Sergeant Pugh's mother, Ms. Wilma Allen, said her son was her pride and joy, that he was happy, outstanding, and outgoing. Ms. Wilma said Sergeant Pugh would do anything for anyone.

In a fitting tribute to this brave and caring soldier, the National Guard Readiness Center in Morton, Mississippi, has been named in his honor

Sergeant Pugh is survived by his parents, Glen and Wilma Pugh; his stepfather, Gary Allen; and his siblings, Tiffany Johnson, April Pearson, Jennifer Reed, Brad Allen, and Dale Allen.

Stand fast, Mississippi. Stand fast, Sergeant Pugh. Stand fast.

I have also honored fallen Mississippi soldiers Private Barry Wayne Mayo, Sergeant William Seth Ricketts, and Corporal Robert Taylor McDavid III this week.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Marine Sergeant (SGT) Donnie Leo Ford Levens who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on February 17, 2006, during Operation Enduring Freedom. SGT Levens was killed when two CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters crashed into the Gulf of Aden near Ras Siyyan, northern Djibouti, while on a training mission in the Godoria Range area.

SGT Levens of Long Beach, MS, was assigned to the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, Marine Air Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, New River, N.C. He was deployed to Djibouti as part of the U.S.-led Combined Joint Task Force--Horn of Africa, a counterterrorism force. SGT Levens was an Aircraft Ordnance Technician.

SGT Levens's mother Margaret and brother Matt honored SGT Levens by completing their studies at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 2006. Margaret Levens said Donnie's courage inspired her to go back to school and earn a degree. President George W. Bush delivered the commencement address at the graduation ceremony held in Biloxi. President Bush praised SGT Levens for his service and sacrifice.

SGT Levens will be remembered for his courage and determination to keep America safe.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant (SGT) Timothy R. Osbey who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation February 16, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. SGT Osbey lost his life along with Army Sergeant (SGT) Joseph Andrew ``Drew'' Rahaim when a roadway collapsed and their vehicle rolled into a canal at Forward Operation Base Iskandariyah, Iraq.

SGT Osbey, a Mississippi Army National Guard soldier and Pike County native, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Mississippi Army National Guard, McComb, MS. SGT Osbey served as an emergency medical technician. Before he entered the military, SGT Osbey excelled in track at the University of Southern Mississippi. During his funeral, Rev. Alphonse Patterson remembered SGT Osbey as a gifted athlete who also achieved academic success. SGT Osbey was a University of Southern Mississippi graduate.

Major General (MG) Harold A. Cross, Adjutant General of the Mississippi Army National Guard, presented SGT Osbey posthumously with a Bronze Star medal for meritorious service and a Mississippi Medal of Valor.

SGT Osbey will always be remembered as a role model who inspired so many others he served with. SGT Osbey is survived by his wife, Willie Marie Dickerson Osbey and daughter, Saderia Osbey.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Mississippi soldier Army Sergeant (SGT) Joseph Andrew ``Drew'' Rahaim who gave his life while in service to our great nation February 16, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. SGT Rahaim lost his life when a roadway collapsed and his vehicle rolled into a canal at Forward Operation Base Iskandariyah, Iraq. SGT Timothy R. Osbey was also killed in the accident.

SGT Rahaim was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), Mississippi Army National Guard, McComb, MS.

Major General (MG) Harold Cross, Adjutant General of Mississippi, posthumously presented SGT Rahaim the Bronze Star Medal and the Mississippi Medal of Valor. During the funeral for the 22-year-old Magnolia, MS native, MG Cross described the medals as two of the nation's highest awards.

SGT Rahaim was remembered by many as a great storyteller. Soldiers from his unit said their guardian angel will probably be listening to his tall tales in heaven. Rev. Phil McMinn of the Brookwood Baptist Church in Lawrenceville delivered his eulogy. He said SGT Rahaim was destined to be a soldier from childhood, and that when Drew was a young boy, he kept his GI Joe toy close by.

SGT Rahaim will be remembered for his sacrifice and for demonstrating the qualities of a great soldier and American.