05/28/13 In recognition of Memorial Day, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) released the following statement:
“In recognition of Memorial Day, Dean and I join Americans across the nation to commemorate the service of our nation’s fallen heroes and their families. As the daughter of an Air Force veteran, it is deeply humbling to celebrate the devoted commitment of our men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.
“Today, Americans come together to attend ceremonies, walk in parades, or gather with family to pay tribute to the Armed Forces and celebrate the memories of loved ones. For generations, our United States Military has symbolized the bravest and most talented individuals, and I salute their continued efforts to fight for the defense of the freedoms and liberties we hold so dear.”
On Monday, Senator Joe Donnelly released the following statement to honor the Hoosier soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice to their country while protecting the freedoms of our nation.
“This Memorial Day, I join all Americans as we celebrate the lives of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for the many freedoms we enjoy in our great nation. Our Armed Forces are filled with brave men and women from across the country, but today I especially honor those from our great state of Indiana.
“They are our family, friends, and neighbors who have chosen to serve at any time, at any place. It’s a sacrifice beyond imagination, but they serve because of their belief in American values and freedoms. We honor the Hoosiers who we have lost in the past year while serving in Afghanistan.
· Marine Sgt. Bradley W. Atwell from Kokomo, who died after defending a breach at Camp Bastion.
· Army Sgt. Kyle B. Osborn of Lafayette, who succumbed to wounds caused by small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire.
· Marine Lance Cpl. Alec R. Terwiske of Dubois, who lost his life following combat operations in Helmand.
· Army Spc. Sergio E. Perez, Jr. from Crown Point, who died from injuries following a rocket-propelled grenade explosion to his vehicle.
· Army Spc. Nicholas A. Taylor of Berne, who lost his life when the armored vehicle he was driving was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
· Marine Lance Cpl. Hunter D. Hogan from Norman, who died while conducting combat operations in the Helmand province.
· Marine Lance Cpl Joshua E. Witsman of Covington, who died while supporting combat operations in Helmand.
“We also acknowledge those servicemembers who we have lost to suicide. Suicide is a shadow killer, but the service of these soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines is still honorable, and should be honored.
“Forever, we are in debt to all the men and women from our state who lost their lives in combat and in all other conflicts. We will always owe our gratitude to our fallen heroes whose sacrifices grant us our freedoms and remind us every day that as Americans, we will always fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
