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[Pages S3097-S3098]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MEMORIAL DAY
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, on this Memorial Day, I join all Americans
in recognizing the brave men and women in uniform who have made the
ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. Freedom is not free; it
costs the blood shed by America's sons and daughters, who unselfishly
served their country and laid down their lives for its protection. The
impact of their sacrifice is enduring, forever felt by the parents,
spouses, children, friends, and loved ones they left behind.
Army CPT Brian Bunting, known by all his friends as Bubba, grew up in
Potomac, MD. He was a distinguished athlete and scholar during his 6
years at the Bullis School, and chose to attend the U.S. Military
Academy. Shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Brian
graduated in 2002 and was commissioned as an Army officer. Brian was
known for his infectious laughter and humor and eventually married
Nicole Pascal Bunting in 2006; Nikki had known Brian since the sixth
grade. Shortly after Nicole gave birth to their infant son, Connor,
Brian would answer the call of duty when activated by the Individual
Ready Reserve to deploy to Afghanistan with the 27th Infantry Brigade
Combat Team. During his deployment, he returned home for leave and was
able to spend a short period with his wife and son, Connor. A few days
after his return to Afghanistan, Brian was killed by a roadside bomb in
Kandahar on February 24, 2009. At the age of 29, not only did Brian
leave behind his wife Nikki and infant son Connor, but he also left
behind another son, Cooper, who would be born months after Brian's
death.
I remember the sacrifice of Baltimore native SGT Damion G. Campbell.
The Forest Park High School faculty described Damion as being ``very
mild-tempered and sophisticated,'' as someone who served as a leader
and role model for younger students. Damion's mother, Donna Robinson,
described him as an ``outgoing, fun-loving and joyful person'' who was
passionate about the Army. Sergeant Campbell was a 23-year-old Army
medic serving in Afghanistan and was killed in action on August 26,
2005, when a bomb exploded near his vehicle during a patrol in the
Khayr Kot district. We remember him today for his ultimate sacrifice
and thank him for his service and passion for America.
Like Sergeant Campbell, Army SPL Toccara Green of Rosedale, MD, also
excelled at Forest Park High School, where she spent all 4 years in the
Junior ROTC program. She graduated from high school in 2000 and
attended Norfolk State University in Virginia,
[[Page S3098]]
where she studied telecommunications and broadcasting. In 2002, Toccara
joined the Army and was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division. While
she was deployed to Iraq, part of her job was operating a 50-caliber
machine gun on an Army supply truck during convoy operations, a
critical role to protect the convoy and thwart enemy attacks. She once
told her family ``her ideal situation was to go out fighting for our
country.'' Toccara had an opportunity to return home to Baltimore on
leave during her deployment. Less than a week after redeploying to
Iraq, Specialist Green was killed at the age of 23 by a roadside bomb
and became Maryland's first woman soldier killed in combat in Iraq.
Across Maryland and across the country, there are countless others
like Captain Bunting, Sergeant Campbell, Specialist Green, and their
families who have made the ultimate sacrifice throughout the history of
this country. Their sense of duty, honor, and country defined their
character and were reflective of their actions. They not only represent
the best of who we are as a nation, they are examples of who we all
should aspire to be.
Freedom isn't free. The incredible courage and actions of those who
have fallen have enabled our freedom and way of life to continue and at
such a profound price. This weekend, I will pray for the families in
Maryland, and across the United States, who have lost loved ones
defending our freedom. I will also pray for the safe return of our
brave men and women currently serving abroad. Let us never forget their
service, and may we forever honor their sacrifice.
____________________
