Political Quotes

“I rise today to pay tribute to SSG Lex Lewis and his heroic service to our country. As a cavalry scout in the B Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, of Fort Carson, CO, Staff Sergeant Lewis was serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On July 15, 2011, he died of injuries sustained when his dismounted patrol received small arms fire in Farah Province, Afghanistan. A graduate of Rapid City Central High School, Staff Sergeant Lewis began his military career in the Navy, where he was stationed in Japan. He joined the Army in 1999 and was on his third deployment, having previously served two tours in Iraq. From 2006-2007 Staff Sergeant Lewis served in Rapid City as a member of the South Dakota Army National Guard. During his military career, his awards and decorations included two Army Commendation Medals and five Army Achievement Medals. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and awarded a Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart. Staff Sergeant Lewis will be remembered as a dedicated soldier and a good friend. He demonstrated professionalism in his job and was known as a reliable man who you could count on. Former colleague Sgt. Dwayne Graves recalls, ``He was just a real likeable guy. He'd do anything for you. You definitely want him watching your back.'' As a young man, Staff Sergeant Lewis knew he wanted to serve his country. His mother remembers his childhood spent playing soldier.…”