[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 17313-17314] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO CAPT. CHRISTOPHER PATE OF BEAVERTON, OREGON ______ HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of florida in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 6, 2006 Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American soldier who gave his life in service to our Nation. U.S. Marine Captain Christopher Pate of Beaverton, Oregon was killed in action during operations in Iraq. Captain Pate is survived by his parents, Jerry and Kathy Pate of Lady Lake, Florida, and a fiancee, Margaret Stearns. While on patrol in Iraq, Captain Pate's patrol was struck by an improvised explosive device, ripping through his unit. Using his dying words to radio for medical assistance, Captain Pate's bravery and actions most likely saved the lives of two other soldiers severely wounded in the attack. Joining the Marines in 1999, Chris Pate achieved the rank of Captain in July, 2004. Stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he was assigned to the 2nd Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. Serving in Okinawa, Korea, Thailand, [[Page 17314]] South America and Yemen, Captain Pate eventually volunteered for two tours in Iraq. A modern day renaissance man, Captain Pate will be remembered for his love of languages, his sense of adventure and a desire for knowledge. Having paddeled up the Amazon, spent time in a monastary, studied esoteric Eastern religions, and learned Spanish, German and Arabic, he was well on his way to achieving his dreams. Scheduled to return from Iraq in November, Captain Pate and his finacee were planning their wedding ceremony and anticipating a move to Washington, D.C. Mr. Speaker, it is soldiers like Captain Pate who have volunteered to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear. While brave men and women like Chris have perished in the name of freedom and liberty, his family, friends and loved ones should know that this Congress will never forget his sacrifice and commitment. ____________________