Kevin Brady: “I appreciate Congressman Marchant for his leadership on this issue. On Easter Sunday, 2004, Apache helicopter pilot…”

“I appreciate Congressman Marchant for his leadership on this issue. On Easter Sunday, 2004, Apache helicopter pilot, Army Chief Warrant Officer Wesley Lee Charles Fortenberry and his gunner answered a desperate call for help from a convoy of 29 Reservists trapped in an ambush with an estimated 300 Muslim extremists, pinned down in a mile-long kill zone in Baghdad, literally down to their last rounds of ammunition. Pilot Chuck Fortenberry and his gunner fought to save the lives of 29 soldiers, repeatedly silencing enemy guns and drawing fire to themselves. As one Reservist said, everywhere the Apache flew, the fire stopped. And when I heard the Apaches all I could think of was thank God, I am going to live. Well, an enemy rocket eventually silenced the 30 millimeter cannons and the life of Chuck Fortenberry. On that Easter Sunday, Chuck Fortenberry willingly gave his life to save the lives of many of his countrymen knowing he may never hold his loving wife again or see his three sons grow into men. He represents a new generation of hero, fighting for our security, and he is the latest in a long line of Tyler County veterans who answered the call to our Nation's defense. I want to make sure that future generations understand the freedoms they enjoy are paid for by the blood, sweat and tears of the families in Tyler County who raise their sons and their daughters to love and serve their country at any price. I am proud to author this legislation.”