On the recordJuly 10, 2012
I rise this morning to honor the life and service of Army Major Paul C. Voelke. Major Voelke died on June 22, 2012, in Balkh province, Afghanistan, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. This was his second deployment to Afghanistan, and had also served two tours in Iraq. Major Voelke was in the Army for 14 years and during that time he was awarded a Bronze Star, which is given for bravery or meritorious acts or service, and a Purple Heart, given for injuries received in combat. I was privileged last Friday to join the major's family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors at the funeral service. It was held on the grounds of his alma mater, the United States Military Academy at West Point. Major Voelke was a native of the Hudson Valley, and he spent his career in service to our Nation, and he died defending its freedoms. His wife, Traci, movingly described his perseverance and dedication, and I know that Major Voelke's life will continue to inspire all of those who knew him and served with him. ____________________
