Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to remember and to pay tribute to a fallen hero, U.S. Army SPC Edwin C.L. Wood of Omaha, NE. Edwin was a proud member of B Troop, 1st Squadron, 71st Armored Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division operating in Kandahar. As many have heard, this area is a Taliban stronghold and one of the most dangerous areas in Afghanistan. On July 5, only a few weeks after arriving there, Specialist Wood was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. His death is a great loss to our Nation and to Nebraska, his home State. People in his home community of Omaha recall Eddie's big heart, his willingness to jump right in to help out, and his longstanding love for the military. He was a leader of the North High School Junior ROTC Program. He served as a counselor and a mentor at the YMCA Camp in Crescent, IA, and from an early age participated in military reenactments with his father. Also from an early age he loved wearing uniforms. His nickname was ``Freckles,'' which also fit his cheerful, helpful personality. After graduating from North High School in 2009, it did not take long to decide that the U.S. Army was the place for him. Specialist Wood's Army career was short yet very intense. After entering the Army in October 2009, he breezed through basic and advanced training before arriving at Fort Drum. Fort Drum is the home of the elite 10th Mountain Division which specializes in fighting under harsh terrain and weather conditions.…”