On the recordJuly 19, 2010
Today I rise to pay tribute to Army Specialist Russell Madden from Bellevue, Kentucky, who lost his life on June 23, 2010, in a rocket-propelled grenade attack on an Army convoy in the Charkh district of Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Conn Barracks, Germany. Specialist Madden joined the Army in 2008 and is a 2000 graduate of Bellevue High School. In addition to being an outstanding father to his two sons, Parker and Jared, Russell was a model citizen. Not only did he serve our country abroad, he was also committed to his community as a local youth peewee football coach. He was also a dedicated husband to his wife, Michelle. According to his troop commander, Captain Matt Booth, the officers and fellow soldiers could always rely on his courageous attitude to make things happen when times were tough and was known as someone who would never leave his buddies in a bad situation. Today, as we celebrate the life and accomplishments of this exceptional Kentuckian, my thoughts and prayers are with Russell Madden's family and friends. We're deeply indebted to Specialist Madden and his family for their service and his sacrifice.
