On the recordJune 6, 2012
Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 27 servicemembers from California or based in California who have died while serving our country in Operation Enduring Freedom since March 1, 2012. This brings to 351 the number of servicemembers either from California or based in California who have been killed while serving our country in Afghanistan. This represents 18 percent of all U.S. deaths in Afghanistan. Cpl Conner T. Lowry, 24, of Chicago, IL, died March 1 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. Corporal Lowry was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. SPC Edward J. Acosta, 21, of Hesperia, CA, died March 5 in La Jolla, CA, of injuries sustained December 3, 2011, when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Wardak province, Afghanistan. Specialist Acosta was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, TX. CPT Francis D. Imlay, 31, of Vacaville, CA, died March 28 from injuries received in an accident involving an F 15 aircraft near a base in Southwest Asia. Captain Imlay was assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID. Cpl Michael J. Palacio, 23, of Lake Elsinore, CA, died March 29 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.…





