Last week was more heart-wrenching than usual for the Indiana General Assembly. We were reminded twice of the incredible sacrifices of Indiana's soldiers. On Tuesday, the families of fallen Indiana soldiers crowded the House chambers. Mothers, fathers, siblings and children of Hoosier heroes killed on duty stood quietly as the mournful sound of the ceremonial taps filled the House chamber. It was a solemn moment for all of us. As a mother, I stand in awe of the sacrifice parents across Indiana have made when they give their blessing for sons and daughters to cross the ocean for the sake of our nation. In Indiana, such sacrifice is abundant. As of last year, Indiana had more Army and Air Guardsmen deployed worldwide than any other state. Whether or not you agree with the political underpinnings of combat, those who willingly risk their all deserve our admiration. Our resolution offered prayers and gratitude for 152 men and women who risked and lost their lives since 2002, when the last similar resolution was given. From District 78, these heroes were honored, all from Vanderburgh County: Army Spc. William A. Jeffries, age 39. Spc. Jeffries gave his life on March 31, 2003, in Kuwait. Army Spc. Ryan G. Carlock, age 25. Spc. Carlock gave his life on March 31, 2003, in Iraq. Army Pfc. Darren A. Deblanc, age 20. Pfc. Deblanc gave his life on April 29, 2005, in Iraq. Army Pvt. Jonathan R. Pfender, age 22. Pvt. Pfender gave his life on Dec. 30, 2005, in Iraq. Marine Sgt. Brock Babb, age 40. Sgt. Babb gave his life on Oct. 15, 2006, in Iraq. Army Cpl. William Powell (Kerchief), age 21. Cpl. Powell gave his life on Aug. 17, 2007, in Iraq.
Our gratitude was awakened anew a few days later, when a bill was offered to extend tuition and fee exemptions for all Indiana Purple Heart recipients. I was pleased to co-sponsor Senate Bill 39 in the House. Currently, Purple Heart recipients who served active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, are exempt from tuition at state universities. Senate Bill 39 expands that provision - and our gratitude - to all Hoosier recipients of the Purple Heart. Their children are also eligible for the exemption. Purple Hearts are awarded by the president to members of the U.S. military who are wounded or killed while serving. Once again, it is but a small token for risking something so valuable as health or a life. The Purple Heart was established by Gen. George Washington in 1782. The award was a purple heart-shaped fabric badge that was awarded to a soldier who had "given of his blood in the defense of his homeland." Today, the medal is awarded for "being wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States." I join with my colleagues in the Indiana House of Representatives in agreeing that these brave men and women deserve our gratitude regardless of when they served. Providing for their education as they strive to build new lives following the horror of combat is an important gesture of support for our troops after they have returned to Indiana's soil. Our lives at the Statehouse are constantly busy, but taking time to honor and remember our troops is a necessity. Please feel free to contact me with your questions and concerns. I can be reached via e-mail at h78@in.gov, by calling 1-800-382-9841 or by writing to 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.
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