Honoring Our Armed Forces

Floor Speech

Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a brave Oregonian who tragically lost his life last Monday in Kirkuk, Iraq. CWO Joshua M. Tillery, was a pilot with the 6th Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum. Chief Warrant Officer Tillery was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq at the time of his death.

Joshua Tillery was a recipient of the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal for Combat Service, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, six Army Achievement Medals, the Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Air Assault Badge, the Army Aviator Badge, the Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist Badge for his courageous service to our country.

Chief Warrant Officer Tillery represents the most selfless and most honorable of men in our country. His friends and family recall how he was to serve his country and how he always wanted to do whatever he could to help people. Joshua loved to fly and was on his way to becoming a flight safety officer. Like so many Oregonians, he enjoyed oudoor activities, and particularly loved snowboarding and riding dirt bikes. He was 31 years old when he passed, a devoted husband, and father of three young boys with another baby on the way.

I offer my prayers and condolences to his family and friends. Oregon has lost one of its bravest and brightest young men, and I know I join all Oregonians in honoring the legacy of Joshua Tillery.

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