[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4] [Senate] [Pages 5546-5547] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov](At the request of Mr. Reid, the following statement was ordered to be printed in the Record.) HONORING BRAVO COMPANY OF WEIRTON, WEST VIRGINIA Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, today it is my great honor to commend the soldiers of Bravo Company of the 463rd Engineering Battalion, Army Reserve Unit of Weirton, WV, as they return home. Selflessly leaving their families and communities behind during an 11- month deployment in Iraq, the 463rd served as a model of courage throughout their tour of duty. In October 2004, more than 140 men and women of Bravo Company answered the call to service--leaving for training at Fort Bragg and in Kuwait. In doing so, they joined generations of West Virginians who have served our Nation in times of war, unselfishly putting themselves in harm's way to defend our country and protect the freedom of all Americans. I am not surprised by their actions--West Virginians, and our neighbors throughout the Ohio Valley, have always been among the first to respond to their country's call to service--but I am nevertheless grateful for their service and commitment. Thanks to the 463rd and so many other West Virginia men and women who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, I am proud to say that West Virginia's long tradition of patriotism is very much alive and well. On Christmas Eve 2004, Bravo Company entered Iraq to begin its mission of rebuilding the war-torn country. Bravo Company provided engineering support for our troops, upgraded an Iraqi Air Force base, repaired a damaged bridge on the Tigris River needed for troop movements, and provided infrastructure for refueling the airplanes that provided such critical support in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Through their determined efforts, these individuals secured the safety of their fellow American men and women in uniform, simultaneously serving as the embodiment of American commitment to the people of Iraq. For that, they deserve our sincere gratitude and deepest respect. Tragically, Bravo Company's mission was not completed without loss. On August 21, 2004, the life of Sgt. Joseph Nurre, a 22-year-old native of Wilton, CA was claimed by a roadside bomb near Samarra, Iraq. His fellow soldiers described him as an intensely dedicated soldier and a warm, engaging friend. As Bravo Company returns home, Sergeant Nurre and his family remain in our thoughts and prayers. To all the men and women of Bravo Company, 463rd Engineering Battalion, [[Page 5547]] I thank you for your service, patriotism, and commitment to our country and its defense. Your bravery and selfless sacrifice have earned you the admiration and respect of West Virginians and our Nation. God bless you all, and welcome home. ____________________