Rae Oliver Davis: “it's the most solemn duty that I have to honor those who have served our Nation, those who have answered the call of…”

“it's the most solemn duty that I have to honor those who have served our Nation, those who have answered the call of this generation, as us in prior generations have, to answer to that call to be ready to serve and to deploy. I rise today to honor a great American, Navy Chief Petty Officer Greg Billiter. Greg was a native of Villa Hills, Kentucky, a graduate of Covington Latin, and a true fan of his hometown teams, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Reds. Greg was tragically killed in action in Northern Iraq during combat operations. He leaves behind his young son, Cooper, a caring wife, loving family and a legacy that will be honored for generations to come. For Cooper, as you grow into a man, know that your dad loved you. He was a great American. He cared about you and he answered the call of this Nation. I had the opportunity to visit with his family, and they all conveyed similar sentiments of a brave, dedicated and heroic sailor. When I asked his wife, April, about Greg she told me that he truly loved what he was doing. April said, "He was extremely patriotic, and felt that it was important for him to be part of the war and to help the other soldiers who were serving there." His bravery and ultimate sacrifice remind us that they were all part of a larger mission. His parents told a local newspaper that he really felt he was helping to make Iraq a safer place, especially for the children.”