Honoring Sergeant Richard Carl

HONORING SERGEANT RICHARD CARL OF KING HILL, IDAHO

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to mark a sad occasion that is underway in my home State of Idaho. We are burying one of our soldiers who was killed during the war in Iraq, and I wanted to take a few moments to share my thoughts with you about SGT Richard Carl. While I was not privileged to know him personally during his short 26 years, he has come alive for me through the memories that you have shared in the past few days. He is remembered as a son to Richard and Karen, a husband to Audrey, a father to 3-year-old Ealy Ann and 18-month-old Dominick, and a friend to many, many others.

It is a weighty job—the one we, as a nation, ask of people like Sergeant Carl. It brings uncertainty and sacrifice, not just for the troops, but for their families and loved ones. But our Nation is built on the foundations laid by good people like Sergeant Carl, and it is through their sacrifice, that their children and our children will inherit a free nation.

Such lofty language pales against the stark reality that confronts us today at this service. In the last few days, news articles have brought a quiet, brave family man to the attention of many Idahoans. I have been touched by the memories of good deeds, unheralded kindness, and a good heart. One memory frequently mentioned was that he was always helping someone else, and that is a remarkable legacy to leave. In his duty to his country, he died helping someone else—in this case, an injured Iraqi child who needed to be taken to a hospital. We cannot find the words to express the full extent of the debt that we owe to Sergeant Carl and so many other young men and women who have served our country to the fullest measure.

In his wife Audrey's words, "Our family is dealing with this loss as well as can be expected. Richard was a good man, and while he was not known to the world, he played an important role. We are so proud of his contributions to our nation and his role in making the world a better place. He will never be forgotten."

We are honored to have him remembered as an Idahoan. We are blessed to have had him here, even for the short time, and I am confident that those who knew him will make certain that his children have the opportunity to know their father through those memories. Sergeant Carl and so many others who have sacrificed for our freedoms will continue in my thoughts and prayers and in our Nation's grateful hearts.