Casey Honors More Fallen Troops

Remarks of U.S. Senator Bob Casey

As Prepared

December 10, 2008


Yesterday, I came before the Senate to pay tribute to Pennsylvanians who gave, as Lincoln said, “the last full measure of devotion” in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Therefore, today, I would like to honor the men and women of Pennsylvania who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. This struggle began in the weeks following the gravest terrorist attack on American soil – and it was a direct response to eliminate the sanctuary of those who plotted the horrific events of 9/11. The men and women who have served in Afghanistan have faced extreme danger, but have persevered with a can-do spirit. Our men and women of the United States Armed Forces are in a class all their own. And, like their brothers and sisters serving in Iraq, they mourn the sacrifices of their own.


So here in the Senate, I would also like to enter into the Congressional Record the names of those twenty five Pennsylvania heroes who may have fallen in the battles of Afghanistan, but have only risen in our appreciation for their service and sacrifice:

Chief Warrant Officer Fourth Class Michael Slebodnik of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania

Private First Class Michael Dinterman of Littlestown, Pennsylvania

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Berrettini of Wilcox, Pennsylvania

Specialist Jonathan L. Luscher of Scranton, Pennsylvania

Specialist Derek Holland of Wind Gap, Pennsylvania

Private Second Class Matthew Brown of Zelienople, Pennsylvania

First Lieutenant Jeffrey Deprimo of Pittston, Pennsylvania

Second Lieutenant Michael Girdano of Apollo, Pennsylvania

Sergeant Douglas Bull of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania

Staff Sergeant Troy Ezernack of Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Petty Officer Third Class John Fralish of New Kingstown, Pennsylvania

Captain Bryan Willard of Hummelsown, Pennsylvania

Sergeant Jonathan McColley of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Sergeant James Fordyce of Newton Square, Pennsylvania

Sergeant Brett Hershey of State College, Pennsylvania

Private First Class James Dillon Jr. of Grove City, Pennsylvania

Staff Sergeant Paul Sweeney of Lakeville, Pennsylvania

Sergeant Christopher Geiger of Allentown, Pennsylvania

Sergeant First Class Scott Ball of Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania

Sergeant Jan Argonish of Peckville, Pennsylvania

Staff Sergeant Patrick Kutschbach of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania

Captain David Boris of Pottsville, Pennsylvania

Master Sergeant Arthur Lilley of Smithfield, Pennsylvania

First Sergeant Christopher Rafferty of Brownsville, Pennsylvania

Master Sergeant Thomas Maholic Bradford, Pennsylvania

To the families of these fallen heroes, know that your son or daughter will be forever remembered and appreciated. Every time a child is able to go to school without fear they are appreciated. Every time a graduate looks positively toward their future, they are appreciated. Their response to the ultimate call to service ensures that each of us may live in freedom. As Benjamin Disraeli once said, “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.”

During this holiday season, when thoughts of our families and loved ones are on all of our minds, I want to express my condolences and gratitude to those families who loved and lost those dear to them or those whose loved ones are serving in a war theater far from home. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Mr. /Madam President, I yield the floor.