John Boozman: “I rise solemnly this afternoon to memorialize one of my constituents who's been described as one who makes this country…”

“I rise solemnly this afternoon to memorialize one of my constituents who's been described as one who makes this country great. I rise to remember Army Specialist Matthew Kyle Reece of Jasper, who passed away in Iraq in December of 2007. Kyle Reece was born in Harrison and went to school in Jasper and Alpena. He fished, played ball and prayed while growing up in Newton County. His name can be seen in the Alpena gym, marking two championship teams, and his name will long be remembered for the duty he performed on behalf of his country, his friends and his family. Kyle was a grenadier in the 82nd Airborne who deeply cared for the men in his charge. He accepted his duty proudly, telling his 3-year-old daughter before he left that he had to go to Iraq so she and everyone else in the U.S. could remain free. There's no way we can adequately thank Kyle, or his family, for his service. However, I will take to heart the words of his wife, Chauntelle, who urges that we not wait until a soldier dies before we honor him. Rather, we should shake their hands and thank them for all that they do for America.”