Fallen Heroes

FALLEN HEROES -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 02, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. JOHN BOOZMAN
OF ARKANSAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2004

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate you holding a moment of silence for our fallen heroes during legislative business on Thursday, May, 20, 2004. On the eve of Memorial Day, it was extremely important that we all paused to remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in the War on Terror. I am also grateful for the opportunity to submit the following remarks on Specialist Dustin McGaugh and Private First Class Brandon Smith, the two brave servicemen from the Third District who gave their lives fighting the War on Terror in Iraq.

Specialist Dustin K. McGaugh grew up in Springdale, Arkansas. He was killed in a "friendly fire" accident in Balad, Iraq, last October.

Private First Class Brandon Smith was a resident of Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was killed in action in Al Qaim, Iraq, late last March when the Humvee he was traveling in ran over a land mine. That Humvee was rushing to assist U.S. troops who were under enemy fire.

For both these brave men, just getting into the military was quite a challenge. Dustin enlisted in the Army prior to the September 11th attacks, but he broke his shinbone in basic training. He was so intent on becoming a soldier that he completed his last three weeks of basic training despite an injury that would have sidelined most of us.

When Brandon joined the Marines, he told his friends that he had found his life's calling. However, for Brandon fulfilling his lifelong dream was no simple task. Every morning, he had to run laps around Asbell Park, lift weights and literally lose 80 pounds to be in shape for Marine Boot Camp.

Dustin and Brandon served as inspirations to their fellow soldiers in Iraq and to Americans back home. On the battlefield, Dustin's fellow soldiers said that regardless of the dangers, he could often be found handing out candy to Iraqi children. And back home, community members signed a banner in Brandon's memory, recalling the bravery of a fallen Marine who put his country and his neighbors ahead of himself.

Mr. Speaker, Dustin and Brandon made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. They selflessly put themselves in harm's way so that future generations can live in a world free of terror. Dustin McGaugh and Brandon Smith are true American heroes. I ask my colleagues to keep their family and friends in their thoughts and prayers.

END