Tribute to Judith and Larry Moore

TRIBUTE TO JUDITH AND LARRY MOORE -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 17, 2004)

Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two individuals from my state who have played a major role in the war in Iraq. Judith and Larry Moore, both civilians from Somers, Connecticut, played a very special role in the war effort.

As everyone knows, it happens rarely but occasionally that military spouses are simultaneously deployed. Christopher and Bryony Soltis, both Army doctors, were sent to Iraq last year with the Army's 1st Armored Division. With a new child in tow, it was a difficult time. The entire family was separated for over a year as Christopher and Bryony cared for wounded soldiers and civilians in Baghdad. They turned to Christopher's mother and stepfather to care for their 7-month-old daughter, Madeline.

Judy and Larry Moore were up to the task. Together, Judith and Larry provided an environment in which Maddie thrived. They cared for Madeline every day from August 2003 to July 2004 while her parents were deployed. They put photos of her parents throughout the house, read her letters from afar, and reminded her daily that her parents would come home soon. Christopher and Bryony came home in late July 2004 to find their baby had grown into a loving, well-adjusted, beautiful toddler. I am told that Maddie recognized them immediately and ran to their arms when they arrived home.

Judy Moore knows full well the toll that deployment can take. She is a remarkable woman who has contributed enormously to her country. She served as a U.S. Air Force nurse from 1958-1960 and cared for Turkish prisoners while living abroad with her late husband, Lt. Colonel Ronald Soltis, a U.S. Air Force pilot. After more than 19 years of active duty service, LTC Soltis died suddenly in a tragic training accident, leaving behind Mrs. Moore and their three children.

Larry Moore is a retired small businessman who ran his own auto repair shop before retiring. Although he has considerable back pain from spinal stenosis, Larry provided "sole care" for Maddie when Judy broke her arm after a fall on an icy road during the winter. By all accounts, he succeeded fantastically.

Mr. Speaker, all Americans should share the pride that I feel for the Moore and Soltis families. They represent the best of American military service, our responsibility to our children, and our willingness to sacrifice in times of national need.