[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 10] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 13890] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF STAFF SERGEANT DAVID SMITH ______ HON. JO BONNER of alabama in the house of representatives Thursday, July 22, 2010 Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the patriotic service of U.S. Air Force SSgt. David Smith, age 26, a dedicated defender of American liberty, who lost his life while coming to the aid of wounded warriors in Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Smith, a graduate of Satsuma High School and a resident of Eight Mile, Alabama, was devoted to his mission of rescuing his comrades on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. During his years of wearing the uniform of his country, he proudly participated in more than 130 combat missions, literally saving the lives of hundreds of military personnel. A member of the 66th Rescue Squadron from Ellis Air Force Base in Nevada, Staff Sergeant Smith was assigned to the 563rd Rescue Group. While conducting a medical evacuation mission in Afghanistan's Helmand province, his HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter was shot down by Taliban insurgents on June 9, 2010. Speaking about the loss of Staff Sergeant Smith, as well as three of his comrades and those injured aboard their rescue helicopter, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Norman Schwartz noted, ``Faithful to the rescue motto 'That others may live,' these airmen were courageously and selflessly flying in support of their joint coalition teammates. We grieve for our warriors and our thoughts and prayers are with their families, as well as with the airmen still recovering.'' At the time of his death, Staff Sergeant Smith was just 5 days from completing his combat duty. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Force Combat Award Medal, and the Alabama Distinguished Service Medal. During this time of sorrow, my heart and prayers go out to Staff Sergeant Smith's mother, Mildred Hardee, his fiancee, Meggan Eckersley, brothers, Randall Dunn and Todd Smith, sisters, Tracy Smith and Jamie Smith, and his extended family. On behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Staff Sergeant Smith for the loss of their beloved son, brother and finance. He is truly an American Hero and we will always cherish his service to his country and its people. ____________________