Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, The State newspaper reported that the University of South Carolina's Army ROTC program has been named one of the fastest growing programs in the country. Since the 2005 school year, the ROTC program has tripled in enrollment, placing it third in the Nation. ROTC inspires leadership skills for bright young men and women, which promotes extraordinary opportunities for service. As a proud father of four sons currently serving in the military--three are Army ROTC graduates, including myself--I know firsthand how the knowledge learned through military service will positively promote a fulfilling life. I am very grateful for the dedication the instructors and cadets of the ROTC program have shown to our country and look forward to hearing of the program's great success in the future. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, heard testimony regarding the terrorist attack on our United States consulate in Benghazi, Libya. This resulted in the death of four American heroes. Sadly, no substantial information was revealed. The American people have legitimate questions and deserve answers as to what happened on the evening of September 11, 2012. Why did the administration not make an immediate response in the area of the consulate as requested during the 6-hour attack? Why did the administration place blame on a video rather than reveal that it was an organized terrorist attack? Why has the administration failed to provide answers to valid questions after 2 months of inquiry, as requested by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon? It's my hope that the appropriate officials of this administration will appear before Congress and provide answers the American people deserve. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday with Veterans Day, our country celebrated and remembered the brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces, dedicating their lives to protecting our freedom and keeping American families safe. Unfortunately, sequestration is targeting these honorable individuals and our national security by being implemented unless taxes are increased. Defense spending, according to The Hill newspaper, is 15.1 percent of the budget but is subject to 50 percent of the cuts. Raising taxes during times of economic uncertainty limits the creation of new jobs. America's small businesses should be encouraged to create jobs. This will reduce the unsustainable deficit. House Republicans were reelected last week on the premise of not voting to raise taxes. I support the legislation of House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon to stop sequestration and promote peace through strength. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war or terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina, for winning the 2012 ``Pink Glove Dance'' video competition. Designed by Medline Industries, Inc., the Pink Glove Dance contest is designed to raise awareness about breast cancer and show support for cancer survivors. Lexington Medical Center's video featured nearly 1,000 hospital employees dancing to the Katy Perry song ``Part of Me'' while wearing pink gloves. Lexington Medical Center beat 260 other health organizations. And, it was the second year in a row they won this contest. We are fortunate to have the leadership of Lexington Medical Center President and CEO Mike Biediger, Board Chairman Dan Jones, and Director of Marketing Mark Shelley. Thank you to Lexington Medical Center for everything they do to treat cancer patients and educate our community about cancer prevention.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the following article was published recognizing the leadership of Lexington County, South Carolina, as a Purple Heart County in the Lexington County Chronicle on September 20, 2012: Lexington Is the First Purple Heart County Lexington County became the first in the state to be designated as a Purple Heart County. A resolution was read before Lexington County Council, Sept. 11, that named Lexington a Purple Heart County. ``It's a recognition and a show of support for not only Purple Heart recipients, but for veterans and all of those who served,'' said Stan Thornburgh. Thornburgh, of Lexington, is a past commander of the Col. Charles Murray Memorial Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The chapter is based in Columbia, but many of its members live in Lexington County. Thornburgh received the Purple Heart after being wounded in Vietnam in 1969. Purple Heart recipients are military personnel wounded as a direct result of enemy action. Councilman Bobby ``Gravedigger'' Keisler sponsored the resolution to designate Lexington County as a Purple Heart county. ``It is important to support veterans and the people who served our country,'' Keisler said. He said James Miller asked him to sponsor the Purple Heart designation. Miller, of South Congaree, is the state commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Miller lives in Keisler's district. ``It's an honor to do it,'' said Keisler, who served a six- year stint in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. John B. Testruth is the Adjutant of Chapter 402. The chapter is the largest of the 13 in South Carolina. It has 298 members. Testruth said the Purple Heart Chapter also raises funds to donate to causes for veterans. He also said the county is supportive of veterans in general. ``Lexington is a very patriotic county,'' Thornburgh said. ``People are supportive and appreciate those who served.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as we enter the final stages of this election cycle, the American people have a choice for change--promoting limited government with expanded freedom or big government with power to politicians. A key issue is job creation. I support the bipartisan initiatives of John F. Kennedy's and Ronald Reagan's of cutting taxes, which enable the private sector to create jobs. President Obama has enacted failed policies of borrow, tax, and spend, producing 43 months of unemployment of over 8 percent. New jobs could be created with an all-of-the-above energy policy, but President Obama promised skyrocketing energy costs--doubling gas prices. A better course would be to develop the Keystone pipeline with our number one ally, Canada. The contrast on national defense is clear--that we should stand for peace through strength: Ronald Reagan. President Obama's policies to hollow out our military reveal weakness. My constituents are heartbroken at the Internet tragedy of our Ambassador to Libya being murdered and his body desecrated by terrorists. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, the administration released a report on how the President plans to implement the $600 billion defense sequester, threatening servicemembers, military families, and veterans. Politico explained it ``shed little new light on the sword of Damocles.'' This report, required by the passage of the Sequestration Transparency Act, arrived 1 week late, confirming that the President and the liberal-controlled Senate have refused to take sequestration as a top priority. Today, the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing to receive testimony from key government officials who will implement sequestration. Based upon the minimal information provided, it's clear the administration has not made appropriate plans for the drastic budget cuts, even though the White House is responsible for proposing the disastrous proposal. House Republicans have voted five times, led by Chairman Buck McKeon, to replace sequestration with commonsense reforms to avoid the threat to national security or destroying jobs. I urge the President and the Senate to begin working with the House before it's too late. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, the 11th anniversary of September 11, 2001, there was a cowardly, murderous terrorist attack at the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Our Embassy was breached in Cairo, Egypt, with the American flag being desecrated. Unfortunately, the President's failed leadership has led to weakness, reducing the Army to the smallest size since 1939, reducing the Navy to the smallest fleet since 1916, and reducing the Air Force to the smallest size since it was created. This endangers our national security and puts American families and our allies at risk. Additionally, the President supports sequestration and has done nothing to halt the defense budget cuts which will limit the capabilities of our Armed Forces while destroying hundreds of thousands of jobs. American families deserve better. To continue to promote democracy and peace, we must implement President Ronald Reagan's approach of providing peace through strength. The bias of the coordinated disinformation of the liberal media is a disgrace to journalism. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, both at home and abroad, the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces dedicate their lives to protecting this great Nation. Access to absentee voter registration within our military's ranks has been increasingly difficult due to changing residencies and overseas deployments. In order to make voting for our servicemembers more accessible, Congress passed the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act. Unfortunately, the administration has failed in its implementation. On Thursday, the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel will hold a hearing to investigate these issues in an effort to determine why the Department of Defense has failed to properly implement the legislation. As chairman of the subcommittee, I look forward to hearing witnesses explain and ensure that those serving in our Armed Forces are given the best available access to voter registration. Every reasonable effort should be made to enable a servicemember's ability to vote. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our sympathies to the families of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and our Foreign Service officers in Libya and Egypt.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, 11 years ago today, our Nation was attacked by a group of Islamic terrorists who declared war on our country and the freedoms we cherish. The innocent civilians who were murdered by this act of terrorism will never be forgotten. In order to protect American families, our country's military capabilities must remain the strongest in the world. Sadly, due to the President's policies and the looming threat of sequestration, our national security stands at risk. The budget reductions to defense will reduce the Navy to the smallest fleet since 1916, the smallest Army and Marine Corps since 1939, and the smallest Air Force since it was created. House Republicans have passed legislation to save 2.14 million jobs by offering a replacement for sequestration. Unfortunately, the President has failed to show leadership and refused to act. It is my hope the liberal-controlled Senate will put aside party politics and work to prevent the weakening of our defense capabilities. In conclusion, we will never forget the cowardly attacks of September the 11th on innocent civilians.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the latest jobs report. For 43 months, our Nation's unemployment rate has remained above 8 percent. Last month, only 96,000 more people found jobs and, sadly, 368,000 people were discouraged and defeated and gave up searching for jobs. To make matters worse, for persons with jobs, the average hourly wages decreased and labor force participation is the lowest in 31 years. The President's policies have failed to create jobs, failed to encourage economic growth, and failed to reassure hardworking Americans that we can restore hope for American families. The American people deserve better. They deserve leadership in Washington that will fight to create jobs. It is past time for the liberal-controlled Senate to act on the dozens of bipartisan bills the House has passed and approved promoting jobs for American families. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in a recent opinion piece submitted to Politico, Jeffrey Zients, the Acting Director for the Office of Management and Budget, wrote: As President Barack Obama has said many times, the sequester wasn't meant to be implemented. It was designed to cut so deep that just threatening them would force Congress to meet and agree on a big, balanced package of deficit reduction. If the President actually believed the Budget Control Act would destroy jobs and threaten our national security, why did he sign the legislation into law? Additionally, if he believed the proposed cuts would frighten Members of Congress, why has he remained silent on this issue? House Republicans have acted and passed bipartisan legislation several times replacing the sequester with responsible reforms as well as calling for more government transparency to stop the destruction of 200,000 jobs in Virginia alone. I urge the President to support this bill in order to promote peace through strength. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, defense sequestration is a very real danger that will threaten our national security, put our brave men and women in uniform at risk, and destroy up to 1 million jobs across our country. Sadly, the President avoids action on this extremely important issue. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon has recently been quoted in Politico saying: We're overdue for guidance from the administration on how they interpret the law and plan to implement sequestration mechanically. Last May, House Republicans voted to prevent sequestration by passing legislation which replaces these drastic defense cuts while maintaining a strong national defense. Additionally, one week ago today, the House passed the Sequestration Transparency Act with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 414-2, which holds the administration accountable for these cuts. I urge the President and Senate to act before it's too late and hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans lose their jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, since the President took office, his administration has enacted over 400 new government regulations limiting small business owners from creating new jobs. This year alone, the Federal Register has published over 41,000 pages of regulations that would cost $56.6 billion and result in paperwork that would take over 114 million wasted hours to complete. With record unemployment, it is sadly clear that the President's new taxes and policies are failing American families and destroying jobs. House Republicans are focused on putting Americans back to work. As a result, we have passed over 30 job-creation bills in the past year. Sadly, these bills remain stalled by the liberal-controlled Senate. This week, the House, led by Kevin Brady, will vote on the Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act and, once again, attempt to remove government red tape prohibiting America's job creators from achieving economic success in creating jobs. I hope we can work together to support this legislation. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this month, in Politico, Todd Harrison, a defense analyst at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, warned of the impacts that sequestration will have on the Department of Defense civilian work force if action is not taken. If sequestration is implemented, Harrison warns the Department of Defense civilian employees ``could see, 10, 15 or even a higher percentage being laid off or furloughed shortly after sequestration goes into effect.'' Over 200,000 jobs are at risk in the State of Virginia alone. I support Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon's efforts to protect our national security, and also to protect up to one million jobs that will be destroyed as a result of sequestration. Job loss could be as high as 2.14 million. With a record unemployment rate now of 8 percent for over the past 41 months, the President and Senate should adopt bills that have already been passed by the House. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of Mr. Young's statement. As a fellow * * * as is Bill Young, and as a father of four sons currently in the military, I find the suggestion that the Department of Defense spends too much money recovering the remains of our military men and women who are killed in action to be absolutely offensive and insensitive to military families. As Chair of the Military Personnel Subcommittee I appreciate the extraordinary efforts of recovery worldwide. Our service members who are engaged in combat operations make a solemn vow to one another: ``I will never leave a fallen comrade behind.'' The military, consisting of all the branches of service have a similar responsibility to the families of our service members. When a service member is killed in action, the military service branch that they belong to has a responsibility to return the remains home to the family. They have a responsibility to return the remains to their final resting place with dignity and honor. The military men and women who are killed in action overseas are heroes who make the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the freedom that we all enjoy. The military rightly does everything necessary to return our service members' remains to their families. I believe that the military does a superb job under very trying circumstances, and I know that our military families are very grateful. I know firsthand of this * * *. I sadly was present for the return of a brother-in-law killed overseas as a Marine pilot. Our family appreciated the proven love of the American people, which has been promoted by Congressman Bill Young and his wife, Beverly.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, The Hill newspaper published a special report a few weeks ago, bringing more attention to the very real threat of defense sequestration. Many people are under the false impression that defense spending represents a significantly larger portion of the Federal budget than it truly does. The current budget of the Department of Defense represents 15.1 percent of the Federal budget. This chart shows that defense spending has declined over the last 20 years. Sequestration represents a $1.2 trillion cut. Half of the $1.2 trillion comes from the defense budget. I do not believe that half of these cuts should come from 15.1 percent of the budget. Additionally, sequestration will affect all areas of our national economy. It is projected that sequestration could cost 1 million American jobs and cause the unemployment rate to rise by an entire percentage point. We should pass the bill by Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon, which addresses the issue without tax increases. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations, Mary and Jerry Howard of Lexington, South Carolina, on your 50th anniversary.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate my son Julian Wilson and his wife Joy Wilson of Lexington, South Carolina, on the birth of their new baby girl. Sally Willoughby Wilson was born at 10:48 p.m., on Saturday, June 30, 2012, weighing 7 pounds and measuring 19 and \3/4\ inches long. Sally joins an older brother, Jack Wilson. She has been born into a loving home where she will be raised by parents who are devoted to her well-being and bright future. I would also like to congratulate Sally's grandparents Gary Strickland and Sherry Strickland of Nichols, South Carolina, and my wife, Roxanne Wilson of Springdale, South Carolina. I am so excited for this new addition to the Wilson family.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the proceedings during the former Members program be printed in the Congressional Record and that all Members and former Members who spoke during the proceedings have the privilege of revising and extending their remarks.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, tomorrow House Republicans will vote for the 32nd time to repeal, defund, or dismantle the President's government health care takeover bill. Not only will this legislation grow the size of government, limiting freedom, it will also levy 21 new or higher taxes on Americans and small businesses, causing the destruction of jobs. If ObamaCare is not repealed beginning on January 1, 2013, a 3.8 percent capital gains tax on investment income will go into effect, destroying jobs in the home building and real estate industries. The National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, America's largest association of small businesses, has estimated ObamaCare will destroy 1.6 million jobs. In order for our Nation to recover, ObamaCare must be repealed, and the government and Congress must pass legislation that encourages job creation through private sector job growth. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I would like to thank Chairman Kline for yielding. I am thankful for his leadership on this very important issue promoting limited government and expanding freedom. Due to the passage of ObamaCare, America is set to experience the largest tax increase in our Nation's history which destroys jobs. Over the past year and a half, House Republicans have voted over 30 times to repeal, defund, or dismantle the President's job-destroying health care takeover. If this law remains on the books, 21 new or increased taxes will be imposed on the American people and small businessowners. Already, the 2,700-page bill has generated over 13,000 pages of mind- boggling regulations destroying jobs. Over the Fourth of July recess, I visited Columbus, Ohio, and read a very thoughtful editorial in The Columbus Dispatch entitled ``Placebo.'' The article states: The law creates headaches for businesses of all sizes that are likely to create a continuing drag on the economy and job creation. Small businesses employing close to 50 people will resist adding more workers since 50 is the threshold at which the law requires them to provide health care or pay a penalty or tax. Throughout the past 3 years, the President and the liberal controlled Senate have pushed government red tape stalling economic growth, just like the policies of ObamaCare. Our unemployment rate has remained at over 8 percent for 41 months. It is clear the President's liberal policies are destroying jobs. In order to put Americans back to work, we must start by repealing this overreaching bill and then vote for the process of replacement by market reforms as developed by Chairman Tom Price of the Policy Committee.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following remarks regarding my absence, due to travel delays with a lightning storm at Charlotte, from a vote which occurred on July 9, 2012. Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present. Roll Number 452--H.R. 4155 To direct the head of each Federal department and agency to treat relevant military training as sufficient to satisfy training or certification requirements for Federal licenses--``aye.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as South Carolinians recognized our freedoms on the Fourth of July, we also express gratitude for fallen heroes who made our freedoms possible. A moving tribute was published on June 29th as an editorial in The Greenville News. Fallen Soldiers, Families Are Heroes Three families in South Carolina--and the state as a whole--were given a bitter reminder earlier this month that men and women still put their lives at risk every day to protect American ideals in faraway places. These men and women are heroes, as are the families that wonder, every day, if their son, daughter, spouse or child will return home. Three from South Carolina won't. The S.C., National Guard troops were among 21 people killed in a suicide bomb attack on June 20. These brave men soon will be laid to rest, but their families will continue to grieve in ways that few of us can even begin to comprehend. It's a heart-wrenching reminder of the cost of war, and particularly of the cost of the current war in Afghanistan and the one in Iraq. These two conflicts have demanded a very heavy commitment from--and thus taken a very heavy toll on--our National Guard and Reserve troops. The three members of the 133rd Military Police Company who were killed include Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Brad Thomas, of Easley; 1st Lt. Ryan Davis Rawl, of Lexington; and Spc. John David Meador II, of Columbia. Five other members of the company were wounded in the attack. Thomas' funeral is planned for this weekend. The 133rd, nicknamed the Palmetto Regulators, is based in Timmonsville. It was in Afghanistan to train the Afghan national police force and was scheduled to return home in August. The three deaths bring to 16 the total of South Carolina National Guard troops who have been killed in Afghanistan since 2003. These two wars have exacted a heavy toll on military families across the country. Many of those deaths have been among Guard and Reserve troops who traditionally have been used in support roles, but have been called upon during these wars to serve more and longer combat tours, a result of leaner operations for a military force that is spread increasingly thin. Thomas leaves behind a wife, Jana, and a 3-year-old son, Kayden. The family, who grief cannot be assuaged by our expressions of gratitude, nonetheless deserves our sincerest thanks for Thomas' devotion to this country and its ideals. The family members need our thoughts and prayers as they try to wade through a grief that too many military families have experienced in the past decade. There have been 6,440 military deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan since the wars began. Of those, 1,022, or nearly 16 percent, have been National Guard or Reserve troops, according to The Washington Post. Few of us reflect daily on the lives at risk every day in Afghanistan. Despite the continuing draw-down of American forces, it still is an exceedingly hostile place. And our nation still is calling on its part-time warriors to complete that mission. Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston Jr., South Carolina's adjutant general, offered a poignant reminder to all of us that these wars still go on and our brave men and women still risk their lives. ``These men died serving their country and I want to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to their families, who are the unsung heroes of our war effort,'' Livingston said, according to a recent report in The State. ``These deaths are grim reminders that our military, to include the South Carolina National Guard, is still active in combat defense of our country. We are privileged to have such heroes in our midst. Privileged, indeed. As the nation pauses in coming week to celebrate its founding and the establishment of liberties and ideals that are desired by people around the globe; it would be worth taking more than a moment to remember the heroes--both the fallen and those whom they've left behind. These spouses and children, and the service men and women they love, are above the political rhetoric of which wars should be fought and how. They simply serve. Their burdens are tangible reminders that the struggle for freedom continues and that it has a tremendous and painful cost. This is a cost these soldiers knew they might have to pay when they stepped forward to serve in an all-volunteer military during a time of war, but one their families are left trying to comprehend. These men are mourned. They are praised. And they and their families should be remembered by a state and a nation that needs to be eternally grateful for their service and their immense and incomprehensible sacrifice. Said Thomas' father, Charles, ``They're doing a very important job. A lot of Americans don't understand that. But they're doing a very important job.'' Amen.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday's decision by the Supreme Court to uphold ObamaCare is discouraging for America's small businesses by destroying jobs and threatening families with the loss of their insurance policies. When the President lobbied for the passage of the 2,700-page health care takeover, he promised Americans that the individual mandate was not a tax increase. Chief Justice Roberts based his opinion on his view that it is a tax increase, which contradicts the President as being incorrect. Chief Justice Roberts and the four liberals now confirm the President has been inaccurate. Not only will this tax place more hardship on small businesses to follow the law, but already 12,000 pages of regulations have been issued with more than 150 new boards, agencies, and programs destroying jobs. On July 11, the House of Representatives, under the leadership of John Boehner and Eric Cantor, will vote to repeal the Obama taxes. On November 6, American citizens will have the opportunity to vote for repeal and reform. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, June 20, 2012, Sgt. John ``J.D.'' David Meador II, of Columbia, South Carolina, was killed in action while serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard in Afghanistan. Sergeant Meador began his career in service to our country when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1994. He is a graduate of Lexington High School and a member of the Lexington County Sherriff's Department. As a former high school wrestler, Sergeant Meador enjoyed coaching wrestling at his alma mater, White Knoll High School, and Irmo High School. He also enjoyed hunting, the outdoors and carpentry. Every member of our Armed Forces sacrifices their lives to keep America and her freedoms safe. Without these sacrifices, America would not remain the most free and prosperous country in the world. Specialist Meador paid the ultimate sacrifice and died honorably protecting these freedoms that we all enjoy. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Christy, and their two daughters, Brianna and Elana, as well as his parents, John and Sharon Meador. His service to our nation will never be forgotten and we will always be eternally grateful. As a Guard veteran myself with four sons currently serving in the military, I particularly appreciate your extraordinary military family. Freedom is not free.