Pays tribute to those killed in action
WASHINGTON, DC- On the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) honored Pennsylvania servicemembers who are proudly carrying out their duty protecting our country during the holiday season. Senator Casey also paid tribute to the 190 Pennsylvanians killed in action during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Continuing a practice he started last year, Senator Casey read the name and hometown of 21 Pennsylvanians killed since he last read the names of fallen troops.
A copy of his remarks is attached.
Remarks of U.S. Senator Bob Casey
As Prepared
December 9, 2008
As we bring the 110th Congress to a close, our nation confronts a daunting set of challenges. While we face the gravest economic crisis since perhaps the Great Depression, we must also remember that we are a nation at war. From Iraq to Afghanistan, from the Pacific to Europe, and countless places in between, American servicemen and women are proudly carrying out their duty to protect our country and our way of life. Under stressful conditions and the constant threat of danger, members of our Armed Forces do what it takes to get the job done every day.
During this holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to our servicemembers. Their personal courage and honor should not be taken for granted, but genuinely appreciated. So today, on the behalf of my family, the people of Pennsylvania, and people throughout the country, I thank the members of our Armed Forces, their families, and especially those who gave, as Lincoln said, “the last full measure of devotion,” to their country.
To the families of those who died or who are far away now, there’s a void in their lives. The words of Bruce Springsteen come to mind:
“When I shut out the lights, you’re missing,
When I close my eyes you’re missing,
When I see the sunrise, you’re missing.”
So far, 190 sons and daughters of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have sacrificed their lives during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Since last time I paid tribute to those who have fallen, 21 Pennsylvanian families have lost their loved ones. Today, I would like to honor each one of them by entering their names into the record.
Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Daniel Verbeke of Exton, Pennsylvania
Private 1st Class Joshua Waltenbaugh of Ford City, Pennsylvania
Lance Corporal Travis Stottlemyer of Hatfield, Pennsylvania
Private 1st Class James Yohn of Highspire, Pennsylvania
Sergeant 1st Class Shawn Suzch of Hilltown, Pennsylvania
Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Marino of Houston, Pennsylvania
Specialist Jason Kazarick of Oakmont, Pennsylvania
Staff Sergeant Ryan Maseth of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sergeant Timothy Van Orman of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania
Captain Nathan Raudenbush of Royersford, Pennsylvania
Specialist Luke Runyan of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania
Chief Petty Office Michael Koch of State College, Pennsylvania
Staff Sergeant Brian Hause of Stoytown, Pennsylvania
Specialist Michael Hook of Altoona, Pennsylvania
Specialist Zachary Clouser of Dover, Pennsylvania
Sergeant First Class Michael Tully of Falls Creek, Pennsylvania
Staff Sergeant David Wieger of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Specialist Camy Florexil of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private First Class Adam Chitjian of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sergeant First Class David Cooper Jr. of State College, Pennsylvania
Captain Erick Foster of Wexford, Pennsylvania
To each of their families please know that our prayers are with you. I extend my sincerest gratitude to each of these men and women for accepting the call to service. These men were courageous warriors who belonged to the finest military in the world and contributed to something larger than them.
I would also like to personally thank the men and women of the Pennsylvania National Guard. The Pennsylvania National Guard’s motto is “Civilian in peace. Soldier in war,” and they have certainly lived up to this motto. With two units deploying this winter and spring, the Pennsylvania National Guard is in the midst of its largest deployment since the Korean War. The 20,000 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard who give up the comforts of their civilian lives on moment’s notice, who protect Americans in the mountains of Afghanistan, the sands of Iraq and worldwide, and who rescue Americans from devastating floods and natural disasters deserve our highest praise.
Therefore, this holiday season, I want our servicemembers to know that we are thinking of them, and that we are praying for their safety and well-being and that of their families.
Thank you Mr./Madam President. I yield the floor.
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