Pryor recognizes Arkansans making the ultimate sacrifice for freedom

With Veterans Day approaching, U.S. Senator Mark Pryor yesterday took to the Senate floor to honor Arkansas veterans for their sacrifice and service. As part of his floor speech, he recognized Specialist Sarina Butcher of El Dorado, who last week paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. Pryor also recognized Corporal David Bixler of Harrison, one of five servicemembers chosen by the USO for his bravery and sacrifice. Pryor’s statement as prepared is below:

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the men and women who have selflessly served our nation as part of the armed forces. Veterans Day is approaching. It’s one way of reminding ourselves of the sacrifices that so many have made, and continue to make, for our country.

We pay tribute to individuals like Specialist Sarina Butcher. For the past eighteen months, she served with valor and distinction in Afghanistan as an automated logistical specialist with the Army National Guard. She earned awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Oklahoma Good Conduct Medal. She dreamed of becoming a nurse, joining the Guard to help her along this path and to support her two-year-old daughter.

Last week, at 19-years-old, Specialist Butcher paid the ultimate sacrifice. Specialist Butcher was the first female Oklahoma National Guard soldier to be killed during wartime and the youngest Guard member to die in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. I spoke to her mother, a resident of El Dorado, AR, and she stressed how her daughter loved serving our nation. My prayers are with this family.

I would also like to recognize Corporal David Bixler from Harrison, Arkansas. I recently had the chance to meet David, one of five servicemembers chosen by the USO for bravery and sacrifice. While on foot patrol in Afghanistan, Corporal Bixler stepped on an explosive device while saving the lives of his team members. The explosion resulted in the loss of both his legs. He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions. I was moved by his unwavering strength and courage. I also spoke with his young daughter and it was easy to see the pride she held for her father.

These two heroes, Sarina and David, are part of a long list of Arkansans throughout our state’s history that answered the call to serve. Their resolve – that same dedication and love of country that brought down Osama Bin Laden – was passed down through generations before them. They join the ranks of Second Lieutenant John Alexander of Helena, the second African American graduate from West Point; Brigadier General William Darby of Fort Smith, the first commander of the US Army Rangers; and Captain Maurice Britt of Carlisle, the first to receive the military’s three highest medals for bravery for a single conflict.

Arkansans serving in the military have never wavered when their country called. Whether Active, Guard, or Reserve, they have participated in our current efforts abroad and countless previous ones. These efforts continue to this day. For example, the Arkansas National Guard’s Agricultural Development Team works with the farmers and herdsmen of southern Afghanistan. The 77th Theater Aviation Brigade’s worked in Iraq with command and control assets in the south. Little Rock Air Force Base continues to support tactical mobility operations around the globe while training our future airlifters.

Today, our country is facing many challenges, from rising unemployment among our veterans to an ever-tightening budget. We should not let our current financial difficulties take away the support we owe those who have served. When looking for DoD savings, we must keep in mind that when these individuals joined the service, both sides made a commitment. We must honor those commitments.

When looking for ways to save, we should put our focus on improving processes and capitalize on efficiencies where we can. For example, I recently introduced the Veterans Relief Act, designed to reduce the backlog at the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. I will continue to look for similar ways to streamline processes, improve efficiencies, and honor the obligations to those who have served.

Today, I look to our veterans and say, “thank you.” Thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice, and thank you for your dedication to our country. It is impossible for me to articulate the scale of my gratitude, and I will continue to support measures that honor the veterans of yesterday, today and tomorrow.