WASHINGTON, DC- On the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) paid tribute to the 25 Pennsylvania servicemembers who lost their lives serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. In his remarks, Senator Casey read the name and hometown of all 25 Pennsylvanians killed.
CORRECTION: The statement sent out yesterday incorrectly referenced Operation Enduring Freedom. The names read by Senator Casey yesterday updated his reading of the names of Pennsylvania troops killed in Iraq.
A copy of his remarks is attached.
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Remarks of U.S. Senator Bob Casey
As Prepared
December 10, 2008
Yesterday, I came before the Senate to pay tribute to Pennsylvanians who gave, as Lincoln said, “the last full measure of devotion” in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Therefore, today, I would like to honor the men and women of Pennsylvania who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. This struggle began in the weeks following the gravest terrorist attack on American soil – and it was a direct response to eliminate the sanctuary of those who plotted the horrific events of 9/11. The men and women who have served in Afghanistan have faced extreme danger, but have persevered with a can-do spirit. Our men and women of the United States Armed Forces are in a class all their own. And, like their brothers and sisters serving in Iraq, they mourn the sacrifices of their own.
So here in the Senate, I would also like to enter into the Congressional Record the names of those twenty five Pennsylvania heroes who may have fallen in the battles of Afghanistan, but have only risen in our appreciation for their service and sacrifice:
Chief Warrant Officer Fourth Class Michael Slebodnik of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
Private First Class Michael Dinterman of Littlestown, Pennsylvania
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Berrettini of Wilcox, Pennsylvania
Specialist Jonathan L. Luscher of Scranton, Pennsylvania
Specialist Derek Holland of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania
Private Second Class Matthew Brown of Zelienople, Pennsylvania
First Lieutenant Jeffrey Deprimo of Pittston, Pennsylvania
Second Lieutenant Michael Girdano of Apollo, Pennsylvania
Sergeant Douglas Bull of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
Staff Sergeant Troy Ezernack of Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Petty Officer Third Class John Fralish of New Kingstown, Pennsylvania
Captain Bryan Willard of Hummelsown, Pennsylvania
Sergeant Jonathan McColley of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Sergeant James Fordyce of Newton Square, Pennsylvania
Sergeant Brett Hershey of State College, Pennsylvania
Private First Class James Dillon Jr. of Grove City, Pennsylvania
Staff Sergeant Paul Sweeney of Lakeville, Pennsylvania
Sergeant Christopher Geiger of Allentown, Pennsylvania
Sergeant First Class Scott Ball of Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
Sergeant Jan Argonish of Peckville, Pennsylvania
Staff Sergeant Patrick Kutschbach of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania
Captain David Boris of Pottsville, Pennsylvania
Master Sergeant Arthur Lilley of Smithfield, Pennsylvania
First Sergeant Christopher Rafferty of Brownsville, Pennsylvania
Master Sergeant Donald Maholic Bradford, Pennsylvania
To the families of these fallen heroes, know that your son or daughter will be forever remembered and appreciated. Every time a child is able to go to school without fear they are appreciated. Every time a graduate looks positively toward their future, they are appreciated. Their response to the ultimate call to service ensures that each of us may live in freedom. As Benjamin Disraeli once said, “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.”
During this holiday season, when thoughts of our families and loved ones are on all of our minds, I want to express my condolences and gratitude to those families who loved and lost those dear to them or those whose loved ones are serving in a war theater far from home. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Mr. /Madam President, I yield the floor.
