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“RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY SERGEANT (SGT) TAUREAN TRAVANTI' HARRIS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1073 on July 27, 2017.
The Department handles nearly all infrastructure crisscrossing the country. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department should be privatized to save money, reduce congestion and spur innovation.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY SERGEANT (SGT)
TAUREAN TRAVANTI' HARRIS
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HON. TRENT KELLY
of mississippi
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Sergeant (SGT) Taurean Travanti' Harris who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our great nation on August 2, 2007, during Operation Enduring Freedom. SGT Harris died of wounds he received from an improvised explosive device in Kala Gush, Afghanistan. SGT Harris was assigned to the 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, Fort Gordon, GA.
SGT Harris, a Liberty native, attended Amite County High School. He served as a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) cadet throughout high school. He graduated with honors in 2003. SGT Harris followed in the footsteps of his uncle, Frederick Wagner, and joined the U.S. Army.
SGT Harris' mother, Yolanda Wagner, said that her son was loved by all who knew him.
``Taurean truly was a beautiful person,'' Mrs. Wagner said. ``He was the man every girl wanted to marry. Everybody loved him. He strived for excellence. He always wanted to better himself.''
Mrs. Wagner said SGT Harris' memorial service, held at the Jerusalem Baptist Church, was unforgettable.
``I was so emotional,'' Mrs. Wagner said. ``It was an honor to see so many people come out to honor him and support us. It was amazing.''
According to the Associated Press, hundreds of family, friends, and military personnel came to the funeral. Mrs. Wagner says over 100 members of The Patriot Guard led the procession.
During the service, Brigadier General (BG) Jeffrey Foley commended SGT Harris for his positive attitude. ``He was able to bring joy to whatever we would do,'' BG Foley said. ``No matter what the task.''
For his service, SGT Harris earned the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and a Good Conduct medal.
Mrs. Wagner says SGT Harris was honored for his service during a ceremony held on the tenth anniversary of his death. A portion of Highway 48, close to the Jerusalem Community where he grew up, was named in his honor by Mississippi Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert.
SGT Harris is survived by his daughter, Tiana Marie Harris; his daughter's mother, Joanie Poleder; his parents, Cecil Harris and Yolanda Wagner; his four brothers, Justin Davis, William Harris, Christian Harris, and Okoye Harris; and his sisters, Tara Cockerham and Bianca Sesson.
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