Joe Pitts: “last Friday America lost two of its best and brightest. Specialist John Edmunds and PFC Kristofer Stonesifer died as…”

“last Friday America lost two of its best and brightest. Specialist John Edmunds and PFC Kristofer Stonesifer died as their helicopter crashed in Pakistan while supporting a nighttime mission. Both of them were assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment out of Fort Benning, Georgia. Both men were committed to excellence. Private Stonesifer's ROTC instructor said, ``He wanted to be the best soldier in the U.S. Army, and the best soldiers in the Army are in the Ranger battalion.'' On September 11, America was shaken. We learned once again that freedom is not free. Freedom of religion, speech, assembly, and press were won at the cost of American lives. Mr. Speaker, this great Nation is learning once again, to preserve these freedoms some brave and dedicated men have to put their lives on the line. On Friday, Private Stonesifer and Specialist Edmunds paid the ultimate cost for our freedom. Every American owes these two Americans a debt of gratitude.”