The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Senate section on pages S12529-S12530 on Oct. 14, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES
Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, in recent months I have risen on several occasions to pay tribute to the men and women who are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of the global war on international terror. Today I rise once again to pay tribute and to honor an Arkansas native recently who died last week in Afghanistan--LTC Paul Kimbrough, a native of Little Rock, AR. He was 44 years old.
Paul Kimbrough graduated from Little Rock's Parkview High School in 1977. Four years later, he graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway with a degree in political science. He joined the U.S. Army before returning to complete his education at the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, where he headed up the Black Law Students Association. Paul followed his commitment to public service into the political arena, first working on the staff of U.S. Representative Ray Thornton, and then running in his own campaign for a seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives. He lost that race, but that didn't slow him down. Paul's next challenge took him to Washington, DC, where he came to work in the U.S. Department of Transportation in the inspector-general's office.
Lieutenant Colonel Kimbrough remained active in the U.S. Army reserve, and in June he was deployed to Afghanistan with the 416th Engineer Command, where he helped to oversee improvements to living conditions for soldiers at Bagram Air Base. On October 3, he was flown to Incirlik, Turkey, for medical treatment. He died of cardiac arrest en route to Turkey.
His family and friends remember him as a true leader--driven, determined, and deeply committed to his country and its cause. In a message to his colleagues at the Department of Transportation sent before he left for Afghanistan, Paul wrote, ``Always there echoes in my mind: duty, honor, and country. Therefore, I will do my duty as God has given me light to see.''
LTC Paul Kimbrough is survived by his father, Major Kimbrough; his son, Paul Kimbrough, Jr.; his four brothers; and his sister. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our deepest condolences to Paul's family and friends.
Paul Kimbrough's resolve and his commitment to his country will not be forgotten. The mission continues in Afghanistan and Iraq, and we remain confident that Paul Kimbrough's courage and sacrifice will have been given in a worthy cause.
Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I rise to express my sympathy over the loss of Christopher Swisher, a fellow Nebraskan and staff sergeant in the United States Army. Sergeant Swisher was killed last week when his squadron was attacked while on a mission in Baghdad, Iraq. He was 26 years old.
Sergeant Swisher was one of thousands of brave American servicemen and women fighting in Iraq. Our soldiers confront danger everday--their tremendous risks and sacrifices must never be taken for granted.
A Lincoln native, Sergeant Swisher was a dedicated soldier who was committed to his family and country. His life-long interest in the military led him to overcome a learning disability and embark on a successful career in the Army.
On the frontlines of the war in Iraq, Sergeant Swisher demonstrated the courage of a leader and an American hero. Before his deployment, Sergeant Swisher told his mother, Sharon; ``I'm doing what I want to be doing because I'm protecting my family, my home, and my country.'' In addition to his mother, Sergeant Swisher leaves behind a wife, Kristen; daughter, Alexandria; brother, Terry; and sister, Lisa. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.
For his service, bravery, and sacrifice, I ask my colleagues to join me and all Americans in honoring SGT Christopher Swisher.
____________________
