[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2083] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN HONOR OF GENE ARDEN VANCE, JR. ______ HON. SAM FARR of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, December 5, 2006 Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero, Army SSG Gene Arden Vance, Jr. Staff Sergeant Vance was tragically killed in action while serving in Afghanistan in 2002. Though I never had the honor of meeting Staff Sergeant Vance, I am saddened by his loss and want to share my own condolences and those of this House with his family, friends, and comrades. Staff Sergeant Vance, Jr. was born on 30 November, 1963, in Frankfurt, Germany, the son of an Army Special Forces officer. He enlisted in the Army in 1981, after graduating from Oceana High School in Oceana, West Virginia. He served in a variety of posts from Germany to Monterey, finally leaving active duty in 1990. In 1992, he enlisted in the West Virginia National Guard, and graduated from the Defense Language Institute's (DLI) Persian-Farsi Basic Course in 1998. He reentered active duty immediately following September 11th, 2001, and he deployed to eastern Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in February 2002. On 19 May, 2002, Staff Sergeant Vance's patrol was ambushed by Taliban fighters in the province of Paktika, Afghanistan. Although critically wounded in the initial attack, Staff Sergeant Vance continued to translate battlefield intelligence for Afghan forces in the area, directing them out of danger. His calm actions and command of the situation saved the lives of two fellow Americans and as many as 18 Afghani soldiers, and helped to defeat the enemy ambush. For his actions, Staff Sergeant Vance was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a ``V'' for valor in combat, the Purple Heart Medal, and the West Virginia Distinguished Service Medal. His actions in combat represented the highest level of bravery and professionalism of the American soldier. His actions also represent the unique heroism of the military linguist. In the conflicts that our nation now finds itself in, languages and their key role in understanding and influencing the cultures that they speak for, are essential to our national security. That is why I feel it is so fitting that the Army has dedicated a new barracks building at the DLI in honor of Staff Sergeant Vance, where his service can stand as an example to the current generation of linguists who are the key to prevailing against the terrorism and instability that threaten America. On a personal note, I am doubly touched because as the Member of Congress who represents California's Central Coast, I worked hard to secure the funding to construct the barracks building that will bear Staff Sergeant Vance's name. At the time, I was simply working with the DLI leadership to help improve the living conditions for their students. I can't overstate now how proud I am that this building will now bear witness to the heroism Staff Sergeant Vance and in his name, all military linguists who will serve in the global war on terrorism. ____________________