In Honor of Sergeant Russel L. Collier

IN HONOR OF SERGEANT RUSSELL L. COLLIER -- (House of Representatives - October 07, 2004)

(Mr. BOOZMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of America's bravest, Sergeant Russell L. Collier from the Third District of Arkansas.

Sergeant Collier, an Army National Guard medic from Harrison, Arkansas, was killed in action in Iraq earlier this week. He died when he came under enemy fire while aiding fellow soldier Sergeant Chris Potts who had been wounded in ambush. Sergeant Collier and Sergeant Potts became the first casualties of the 206th Field Artillery Battalion of Arkansas's 39th Infantry Brigade.

Sergeant Collier spent most of his adult life sacrificing for our country. In 1975 he enlisted in the U.S. Army, later transferred to the U.S. Navy, and then joined the Arkansas National Guard in September 1999.

Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Russell L. Collier is a true American hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I ask my colleagues to keep Russell's family and friends, especially his wife and 9-year-old son, in their prayers during this difficult time