[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 15] [Senate] [Page 22370] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES Specialist Matthew w. ramsey Mr. BENNET. M. President, it is with a heavy heart that I honor the life and heroic service of SPC Matthew W. Ramsey. Specialist Ramsey, assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, based in Fort Campbell, KY, died on November 29, 2010, of injuries sustained when his unit faced small arms fire. Specialist Ramsey was serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. He was 20 years old. A native of Quartz Hill, CA, Specialist Ramsey graduated from Quartz Hill High School in 2008 and enlisted in the Army. He served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, both with decoration. Among many other awards, Specialist Ramsey earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the NATO Medal. During over 2 years of service, Specialist Ramsey distinguished himself through his courage, dedication to duty, and unremitting commitment to family. Shortly after enlistment, Specialist Ramsey learned from his wife that he was to become a father. He saw the Army as a path to attaining a bright future for his new family. His wife, Mirella, is expecting a second child in early 2011. Specialist Ramsey worked on the front lines of battle, serving in the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan. He is remembered by those who knew him as a consummate professional with an unending commitment to excellence. His family remembers him as a dedicated son, husband, and father. Mark Twain once said, ``The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.'' Specialist Ramsey's service was in keeping with this sentiment by selflessly putting country first, he lived life to the fullest. He lived with a sense of the highest honorable purpose. At substantial personal risk, he braved the chaos of combat zones throughout Afghanistan. And though his fate on the battlefield was uncertain, he pushed forward, protecting America's citizens, her safety, and the freedoms we hold dear. For his service and the lives he touched, Specialist Ramsey will forever be remembered as one of our country's bravest. To Wayne and Melissa, Specialist Ramsey's parents, Mirella, his wife, Zachary, his son, and his entire family I cannot imagine the sorrow you must be feeling. I hope that, in time, the pain of your loss will be eased by your pride in Matthew's service and by your knowledge that his country will never forget him. We are humbled by his service and his sacrifice. Sergeant First Class James E. Thode Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I honor the life and heroic service of SFC James E. Thode. Sergeant Thode, assigned to the 118th Engineer Company, 1457th Engineer Battalion, Army National Guard, died on December 2, 2010, from injuries he sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his patrol. He was serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Khost Province, Afghanistan. He was 45 years old. A native of Kirtland, NM, Sergeant Thode graduated from Catalina High School, in Tucson, AZ, and the University of Arizona. Sergeant Thode served as an officer in the Farmington, New Mexico, police department for 14 years. He was a senior member of the SWAT team and also served in the Army National Guard, deploying for tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. During his years of service, Sergeant Thode distinguished himself through his courage, dedication to duty, and willingness to take on any job. Fellow soldiers respected his intensity, and they relied heavily on his leadership. Sergeant Thode was awarded numerous medals and awards, including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. Sergeant Thode worked on the front lines of battle, serving in the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan. He is remembered by those who knew him as a consummate professional with an unending commitment to excellence. Friends at the Farmington Police Department note that he was beloved by his colleagues. They remember Sergeant Thode as an effective manager who led by example. Mark Twain once said, ``The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.'' Sergeant Thode's service was in keeping with this sentiment--by selflessly putting country first, he lived life to the fullest. He lived with a sense of the highest honorable purpose. Sergeant Thode braved the chaos of combat zone throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. And though his fate on the battlefield was uncertain, he pushed forward, protecting America's citizens, her safety, and the freedoms we hold dear. For his service and the lives he touched, Sergeant Thode will forever be remembered as one of our country's bravest. To Sergeant Thode's entire family--I cannot imagine the sorrow you must be feeling. I hope that, in time, the pain of your loss will be eased by your pride in James's service and by your knowledge that his country will never forget him. We are humbled by his service and his sacrifice. ____________________