Evan Bayh: “I rise today to honor the life of SGT Marvin Ray Calhoun, Jr. of the U.S. Army and Elkhart, IN. Sergeant Calhoun was…”

“I rise today to honor the life of SGT Marvin Ray Calhoun, Jr. of the U.S. Army and Elkhart, IN. Sergeant Calhoun was assigned to the Army's Bravo Company, 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. He lost his life on September 21, 2010, while serving bravely in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Qalat, Afghanistan, where he was serving his second tour of duty. Sergeant Calhoun was 23 years old. Marvin joined the Army soon after graduating from Elkhart Central High School in 2006. He played on his high school football team and was described by his coach as one of the team's hardest working players. Today, I join Marvin's family and friends in mourning his tragic death. He is survived by his wife Yamili Sanchez and their daughter Yohani; his mother Shirin Reum; and his father Marvin Calhoun, Sr. As I search for words to honor this fallen soldier, I recall President Lincoln's words to the families of the fallen at Gettysburg: "We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here." As we struggle to express our sorrow over this loss, we take pride in the example of this American hero. We will cherish the legacy of his service and his life.”