Trent Kelly

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of fallen Army Specialist (SPC) Casey Michael LaWare who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on April 9, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. SPC LaWare was severely burned in a guard tower fire in Al Mahmudiyah, Iraq and passed away at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. SPC LaWare was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, California. LaWare enlisted in the Army prior to graduating from Enterprise High School in 2004. He was trained as a sharpshooter and deployed to the Mosul region in northern Iraq as part of the buildup of U.S. forces for the Iraqi election. SPC LaWare's mother, Kathy Grace, said her son was proud to serve America and the Army is what he really wanted to do with his life. In a Los Angeles Times news article, family members said SPC LaWare wanted to serve our nation. ``He wanted to be in the Army. He wanted to serve his country,'' said cousin, Kendall Grace, of Redding, California. ``The hands-on activities from the Army appealed to him,'' his uncle, Dick Grace, said. ``He was challenging himself.'' California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement when he heard about SPC LaWare's death. ``Serving in the armed forces is a noble calling with grave risks. SPC LaWare bravely assumed those risks and we honor his courage and commitment to our country.'' SPC LaWare honored his family in great service to our nation. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Nicholas J. Olivier who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on February 23, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. SSG Olivier's final mission was to conduct a foot patrol in Baghdad, Iraq in order to find terrorist elements reported to be operating in the area. While on the patrol, enemy forces initiated a complex ambush with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire that resulted in the mortal wounding of SSG Olivier and the injury of several of his fellow soldiers. SSG Olivier was described as a leader who made it a top priority to get the men under his command back home to their families and loved ones once their tour was complete. SSG Olivier, of Jackson, MS, was assigned to B Company, 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, V Corps, Pineville, LA. He was the 15th member of the 256th from Louisiana to lose his life in Iraq. SSG Olivier is survived by his parents, William and Linda Olivier and his wife, Angelle. In a statement issued by the National Guard, Angelle Olivier said her husband was committed to Operation Iraqi Freedom III and his country because he felt it was necessary to ensure America's freedom and to fight to abolish terrorism. SSG Olivier gave his life to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) William C. Spillers who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on February 17, 2007, during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. SFC Spillers died of a non-combat related injury in Baghdad, Iraq. SFC Spillers worked at the Joint Forces Headquarters in Jackson, MS. He was assigned to the 230th Finance Detachment, 15th Finance Battalion, 13th Finance Group, Jackson, MS. Twenty-one members of his unit were mobilized in May 2006. They arrived in Iraq in August 2006. SFC Spillers, a Terry, MS native, was described by Major General Harold Cross as a model soldier who was always attentive to his duties, Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard. At the time of SFC Spillers's death, at least 47 soldiers or sailors with Mississippi ties had died in action since operations began in Iraq and Afghanistan. SFC Spillers devoted his life as a full-time soldier in service to our nation. He is survived by his parents Robert E. Spillers and Sharon Johnson, his wife Kim, his daughter Hailey, and sons Daniel and Myles.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. 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.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) Billy A. Sutton who died as a result of non- combat causes on February 7, 2012, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. SFC Sutton was assigned to the Mississippi Army National Guard's 223rd Engineer Battalion, 168th Engineer Brigade, headquartered in West Point, Mississippi. In November, 2011, SFC Sutton was deployed for his third tour in the Middle East to Afghanistan with the Army National Guard's 288th Sapper Company out of Houston. He served as the Platoon Sergeant for Route Clearance Patrol (RCP) 2, 2nd Platoon. He nicknamed his platoon the Honey Badgers. ``SFC Sutton was gifted,'' Captain Brenton Montgomery, Commander of the 288th Sapper Company said in a quote released by the Department of the Army. ``Anyone who can take their hands and make a difference is truly gifted. He had that gift and he used it to make a difference in all our lives.'' The 42-year-old Mooreville, Mississippi native was described as an outstanding soldier and Platoon Sergeant. It is an honor to recognize the life of a soldier who devoted his life to keeping America safe.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant Robert A. McNail who died while defending our great nation on February 11, 2005, when his Humvee struck another military vehicle in Iskandariyah, Iraq. SGT McNail was the sixth Mississippi National Guard soldier to give his life in Iraq and the second to die that year. SGT McNail was a member of Detachment 1, Company B, 150th Engineer Battalion, out of Quitman, Mississippi. His unit was attached to the 155th Brigade Combat Team. In 2005, I was deployed as a Major to Iraq with the 155th Brigade as the Operations Officer of the 150th Engineer Battalion. It was an honor and a privilege to serve with SGT McNail. SGT McNail was studying to be a nurse and was a civilian employee at the Naval Air Station in Meridian before he was deployed. His mother, Linda McNail, said her son was engaged to be married at the time of his death. She says he enjoyed fishing and camping. SGT McNail's father, Marvin McNail, said his son followed in the footsteps of 16 family members who served in the military. He was the only member of his family to die in military service. At his funeral, family and friends remembered him for his faith in our Heavenly Father and his willingness to give his life to keep America safe. SGT McNail, a Meridian resident, was awarded the Bronze Star and the Mississippi Medal of Valor by Major General Harold A. Cross, the state's Adjutant General. SGT McNail is survived by his parents Robert and Linda McNail and son Edward.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor WWII Veteran Robert ``Bob'' Pitts who proudly served in the 150th Combat Engineer Battalion. Mr. Pitts joined the Army in 1943 and left his boyhood home in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts for basic training at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. He was among a group of young men from New England who received special training in electrical engineering. Their small unit would distinguish themselves during fierce military campaigns including being in the first assault crossings of the Rhine River. They became one of the few small units to receive a Presidential Unit Citation. Mr. Pitts, who rose to the rank of Tec 5, served as the battalion electrician, battalion photographer, and reconnaissance scout. It was during his time in Europe that Mr. Pitts began his duties as the battalion photographer. He often developed photographs in a makeshift darkroom which also served as his sleeping quarters. In addition to taking photographs on and off the battlefield, Mr. Pitts would also go on dangerous reconnaissance missions. He was awarded the Bronze Star while serving on a mission with the battalion captain and two others. They came under small arms fire and then they encountered a German unit with tanks. His bravery that day earned him the Bronze Star. Mr. Pitts would also earn the Good Conduct Medal. Eventually, this tight-knit unit would be divided up, but that did not keep them from staying in touch. Two years after they returned home from war, these young soldiers formed the 150th Combat Engineer Battalion Association. They held reunions for more than 60 years before their last one in 2005. Mr. Pitts' son, Rick, says his father's engineering skills would serve him well when he returned to the civilian world. Mr. Pitts was eventually employed by MIT as an electronic engineer assistant. He worked on very early computers and later on ``Star Wars'' projects for the U.S. Department of Defense in Massachusetts, Hawaii and New Mexico. Mr. Pitts, who is now 94, is a member of our greatest generation. It is an honor to recognize this great American veteran and citizen who leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. It is an honor to be among those who followed in his footsteps as a member of the 150th Combat Engineer Battalion. Mr. Pitts was married to Eleanor M. Hathaway for 48 years. She died in 1998. They have three children; Robert (deceased), Nancy and Richard. He has one grandson, Robert.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I am humbled to rise in memory of Army Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley. Sean was my friend, and on this day in 2005, he paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. It was a privilege to serve with him during our deployment to Iraq and Operation Iraqi Freedom III. SFC Cooley was assigned to the Mississippi Army National Guard's Company B, 150th Combat Engineer Battalion, headquartered in Lucedale, Mississippi. SFC Cooley gave his life when an IED detonated near him on February 3, 2005, while on a combat mission in the Babil province, Iraq. SFC Cooley was the first 155th soldier from the Dixie Thunder Brigade to sacrifice his life in Iraq and was the 21st soldier with Mississippi ties to die in the war on terror. SFC Cooley followed in the footsteps of both of his grandfathers by serving in the U.S. Navy. He joined the Seabees in 1991 and later joined the Mississippi National Guard in 1997. SFC Cooley was a platoon sergeant in B Company, 150th Engineer Battalion of the 155th Brigade Combat team that included 3,500 Mississippians. SFC Cooley was a great NCO, a great leader, and a great soldier, both on and off the battlefield. While serving in the Mississippi Guard, SFC Cooley obtained a degree in nursing and became an RN in 1996. His commitment to care for the needs of others will always be remembered, as remembered by Lieutenant Colonel Robinson, his commander, who said he was sick and down at one time during a training incident, and SFC Cooley gave him both medicine and water and made sure that he took care of him. SFC Cooley will forever be remembered for his random acts of kindness. Sergeant First Class Cooley's mother, Kathryn, says her husband, Jerry; their son, Patrick; and Sergeant First Class Cooley's wife, Laura, could not be more proud of his devotion to the military service and this Nation. Sean Cooley embodied the characteristics that made him a great leader, soldier, and American.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Like the Member who spoke before me-- General Grant served as Commander in Chief of the Union armies and later of all the Armies of the U.S. and then was President within 4 years of having that title. General Eisenhower served as Supreme Commander and then served as President of the United States, the ultimate civilian authority. General Washington was also our first President. I ask that we pass this legislation and that we say yes to General Mattis.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the legislation that would allow General James Mattis to be allowed to serve as our Secretary of Defense. As Members of Congress, we are sworn to uphold the Constitution and defend our country against its enemies. In order to secure our national security, we must have a seamless transition from one administration to another when it comes to military leadership. I somehow wonder which other Cabinet appointees has the House questioned, and the answer is none. Although this requires a waiver, there is a Senate confirmation process that determines whether or not General James Mattis is the right person. I wish he would have testified in front of our committee, but there is no requirement that he testify in front of our committee. That is why we have the Senate. It is their duty to vet the candidates for these positions. It is their duty to confirm the candidates for each of the Cabinet positions, and no other member who is trying to be on the Cabinet has to come before the House and testify. I do wish General Mattis did because he would have excelled like he has done in every other thing he has done in his life. I have concerns about the legislation undermining civilian control, also; but I also, like Colonel Russell, think that there may not necessarily be the need for that. Even if there is, there is civilian control of the military. The President is Commander in Chief. The Secretary of Defense answers to the Commander in Chief, who is a civilian. Some people say interservice rivalry may be the reason that they want him to stay out for 7 years. I can assure you that 30 years from today General Mattis will be as much a marine as he is today, and 7 years or 4 years or 10 years or 30 years will not prevent him from being a marine every day for the rest of his life as he was the days preceding it. Passing this legislation ensures that our military will have a leader on the day the President is sworn in.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 50th anniversary of North Mississippi Rural Legal Services (NMRLS). This organization, formed in 1966 at the University of Mississippi, makes it possible for low-income and elderly residents to have access to legal services they could not otherwise afford. North Mississippi Rural Legal Services' attorneys provide a wide range of counsel in 39 counties across North Mississippi. Their cases are as diverse as the people they serve. Attorneys have built cases to preserve civil rights, protect vulnerable children, and defend the elderly. North Mississippi Rural Legal Services has committed leadership in Executive Director Ben Thomas Cole II and Director of Litigation Ruby White. While serving as District Attorney of Mississippi's First Circuit Judicial District, I saw firsthand the dedication to NMRLS of my former colleagues Nebra Porter of Tupelo and current NMRLS board member and Brian Neely of Tupelo who served on the NMRLS board for ten years. North Mississippi Rural Legal Services' attorneys work tirelessly to ensure that the ability of citizens to exercise their rights under the law is not contingent on their ability to navigate the legal system on their own. I look forward to hearing of the good work they will continue to do in the communities of North Mississippi. I commend North Mississippi Rural Legal Services as they continue their pursuit of justice for all.

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi

Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am humbled and honored today to rise in the memory of First Lieutenant Donald C. Carwile, known to his family and friends as Donnie. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. First Lieutenant Carwile gave his life in defense of this great nation on August 15, 2008, while on a combat mission in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He and fellow soldier, Army Private First Class Paul E. Conlon, Jr., of Somerville, Massachusetts, lost their lives when their vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb and then attacked by insurgents with small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. No greater love has a man than to lay down his life for his friends. Donnie is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and daughters, Elizabeth Reese and Avery Claire, who were only 5 and 3 when they lost their dad. I want his daughters and wife to know that their loved one is a hero and that this grateful Nation recognizes his service. Donnie was born in Virginia, and he grew up in Lafayette County, Mississippi, where he had deep family roots. From an early age, he led a life of looking out for others. His Lafayette High School and Northwest Community College instructor, Janice Martin, told the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal in 2008: ``He went out of his way to be a friend to students who weren't as gifted as some.'' Shortly after graduating from Lafayette High School, Donnie joined the Army in 2003. Just after September 11, 2001, he adjusted course, deciding he wanted to follow a path of law enforcement with his father, grandfather, and uncle, and so he started as a patrol officer with the Batesville Police Department, and then the Oxford Police Department. After finishing a degree in criminal justice at Ole Miss, he re- enlisted in the Army in 2006 and qualified for Officer Candidate School, where he was commissioned as an infantry officer. His wife, Jennifer, shared with Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal: ``He cared so much about the men in his platoon. He always said his first goal was to bring his men home, and his second, only after that, was to come home himself.'' First Lieutenant Carwile's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. Donnie led a life of service to family, state, and country. He is a hero, and he paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this great Nation. I thank my colleagues in the Mississippi delegation and the 114th Congress for their support of H.R. 5309 to designate 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. This small gesture will honor his memory and will serve as a reminder of First Lieutenant Carwile's selfless service and sacrifice for our freedom.