Thomas Daschle: “President Theodore Roosevelt once wrote, ``Death is always and under all circumstances a tragedy, for if it is not, then…”

“President Theodore Roosevelt once wrote, ``Death is always and under all circumstances a tragedy, for if it is not, then it meant that life itself has become one.'' The death of Adm. Jeremy M. ``Mike'' Boorda was particularly tragic. But it is important that the tragedy of his death not overshadow the inspiring accomplishments of his life. Mike Boorda began serving his country at the age of 16, when he lied about his age and entered the Navy. Much to his own surprise, he was commissioned an officer 6 years later. Through hard work and dedication, he rose through the ranks and eventually became a four-star admiral and the only enlisted man to become the Chief of Naval Operations. During his career in the Navy, Mike Boorda graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1971 and served during the Vietnam war in Southeast Asia. He became an admiral in 1987 and served as the Navy's chief personnel officer from 1988 to 1991. He then served as a commander in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization from 1991 to 1994. As Chief of the Southern European Command, he directed the air strike against four Bosnian Serb aircraft that had been flying in violation of a U.N. ban. It was the first time in the organization's 44-year history that allied forces were used in an offensive mission.”