STATEHOUSE - Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenwood) and his House colleagues paid tribute yesterday to the six Hoosier soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in 2009 and to their families and loved ones. "Saying 'thank you' will never be enough to describe the gratitude I have towards these families whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving this great country," said Rep. Burton. "I am truly honored and extremely moved to have the opportunity today to give praise to our fallen heroes and their families who have stood beside them." The following military men and women were honored during yesterday's ceremony: - Senior Airman Ashton L.M. Goodman - Specialist Chancellor A. Keesling - Specialist Paul E. Anderson - Sergeant Dale R. Griffin - Private First Class Jaiciae Pauley - Specialist Brian R. Bowman All family members were invited onto the House and Senate floors for the reading of the resolutions. "Having these families here today gives a surreal face to all the servicemen and women that work to make our country a better and safer place to live. All Hoosiers should remember these troops and their families in their thoughts and prayers." Rep. Burton and Rep. Dale Grubb (D-Covington) have worked together over the last several years to present a resolution each session to honor Indiana's fallen heroes. Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger also attended the ceremony to praise the fallen heroes and thank their loved ones for their continued support. Maj. Gen. Umbarger was appointed as the adjutant general for the Indiana National Guard in 2004 and represents more than 15,000 military men and women. The resolution concluded with the ceremonial playing of taps. |
