Spearhead Medal Of Honor

[Piedad Coughlin]

GeneralCarey provided 38 years of distinguished military service to his country. Before the age of 20, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and rose to the rank of second lieutenant. Throughout his career, Carey earned 41 medals, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (twice awarded), Korean Service Medal (adorned with 4 Battle Stars), Vietnam Service Medal (adorned with 3 Battle Stars), World War II Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (honored four times), and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Carey participated in the Inchon Landing, the Second Battle of Seoul, and the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. During his 189 days in Korea, Carey had seven near-death experiences. In recognition of his valor, Carey was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.

After returning to the United States, Carey earned a flight training slot and became a fighter pilot. In the early 1960s, he served in Vietnam and flew during the Tet Offensive. Carey flew 204 combat sorties, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and 16 Air Medals.

In 1978, Carey moved to the Atlantic Command, working with NATO member military members. His Atlantic Command role earned Carey the Defense Superior Service Medal and promotion to lieutenant general in 1981. Later, Carey became the commanding general of Marine Corps Development & Education Command at Marine Base Quantico, VA.

August 26th marked the deadliest day in a decade for our troops in Afghanistan. This situation was not a failure of our dedicated men and women in uniform, but a failure of our top policymakers. This legislation is a step toward expressing our gratitude to those servicemembers, their loved ones and gold star families. America is safer because of the work, service and sacrifice of our active duty military.

"I'm proud to spearhead this bill alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I'm inspired by the eagerness of my friends in Congress to honor these 13 brave men and women who were taken from their loved ones far too soon," said Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI). "Their sacrifice for their country and its allies will never be forgotten, and I hope the House quickly passes this bipartisan effort."

"The events that have transpired over the last several weeks have been nothing short of tragic. As our country mourns the loss of these brave men and women in uniform, I am proud to stand with my colleagues in Congress to honor their lives and commemorate their courage," said Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

"Last week, we tragically lost 13 service members in Afghanistan. They were sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and most importantly, they were heroes," said Rep. Espaillat (D-NY). "We must forever remember their sacrifices, and I'm proud to join my colleagues today in this effort to honor these brave men and women."

"The U.S. servicemembers who gave their lives to assist our nation's evacuation efforts in Afghanistan deserve the highest honors. They are heroes who should be remembered for their bravery and service and honored with the Congressional Gold Medal," said Rep. Vargas (D-CA).

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Illinois Supreme Court Justice Philip J. Rarick will again preside over the induction ceremony for first-year students in the Southern Illinois University Carbondale law school program.

In addition, law school officials will present the Founder's Medal, the school's highest honor, posthumously to former SIUC political science professor Max W. Turner, who helped spearhead the drive in the late 1960s to establish the law school.

First-year students will recite a "Statement of Professional Commitment," an oath that they drafted themselves.

" I think it impresses upon them the seriousness of the study of law and helps them to remember that they are members of the profession, even as law students," said Dean Peter C. Alexander.

The Illinois Supreme Court now has each of the nine law schools in the state participate in a similar ceremony, using an oath drafted by the court based largely on the SIUC law school Class of 2005 oath, said associate professor Alice M. Noble-Allgire.

Prior to the ceremony, students participate in a series of workshops related to legal ethics and other professionalism issues. The workshops included discussions where attorneys and judges discuss with students what it means to be in the profession, expectations and common ethical considerations.

"This is an important milestone in our student's legal careers," she said. "Drafting their own oath demonstrates that they understand what it means to be part of the legal profession and are willing to undertake their responsibilities as a member of the legal community. It's a special privilege for myself and other faculty members to watch the students go through the oath-drafting process."

Achieving excellence in graduate and professional programs is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence ThroughCommitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.

All day event - Morris Library's First Floor Rotunda: The Wildflower Art ShowVisit Morris Library's First Floor RotundaMay 10 - August 10Featuring these local artists: Jan York, Jen Wharton, Julie O. Murphy, Beth Martell, Shannon Green, Cathy Daesch, Kathy Wides, Lisa Lennox, Laura Marjorie Miller, Jonny Gray, Jeannie Ravenscraft, and Rhonda BranumThe real wonder of wildflowers is that they adapt so effortlessly to the different conditions they find themselves in. If ever there was a flower that epitomizes the idiom "bloom where you are planted," it's the wildflower. We could all take a cue from these wild, free and yet still rooted plants. They are resilient, untamed, beautiful, surprising, colorful, and unpredictable. There's a lot to love about them.

Vice President's Remarks at a Rally for the Troops at Fort Stewart, Georgia

Fort Stewart

Fort Stewart, Georgia3:05 P.M. EDTTHE VICE PRESIDENT: (Applause.) Mercy. (Laughter.) Well, thankyou very much.And, General Lynch, General Rodeheaver, distinguishedguests, family members, soldiers of the Third Infantry Division and the48th Infantry Brigade.AUDIENCE: Whooa!THE VICE PRESIDENT: Thank you for a warm welcome. It's great tobe with all of you, and to visit one of the finest militaryinstallations in America -- Fort Stewart, in the great State of Georgia.AUDIENCE: Whooa!THE VICE PRESIDENT I want to thank General Lynch for the kindwords of introduction, and all those who have arranged for us to come bythis afternoon. I also want to recognize the state and local officialswho came here today. We're joined by some fine members of Congress whosupport our military -- Phil Gingrey, John Barrow, and Jack Kingston.Don't hold back.AUDIENCE: Whooa!THE VICE PRESIDENT: They pay the bills. (Applause.) And it'salways an honor to be joined by another strong supporter of ourmilitary, the Governor of the great state of Georgia, Sonny Perdue.(Applause.)Soldiers and families of Fort Stewart are reminded every day thatyou live in a hard-working, patriotic part of the United States.Throughout Coastal Georgia you find remarkable community spirit for themilitary, and I know it means everything to our people in uniform and totheir loved ones. So I want to thank the cities of Hinesville,Savannah, and this entire region for standing behind our militaryfamilies. (Applause.)This is not my first visit to Fort Stewart. I remember coming herealmost exactly 16 years ago, as Secretary of Defense, when we weregetting ready to deploy forces to Desert Storm and to fight the PersianGulf War. Then, as now, I was impressed by the work that is carried outhere, by the caliber of soldiers posted here. The Stewart/Huntercomplex is the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi, and itplays an absolutely vital role in the defense of this nation. Yourduties are not easy, but you carry them out with skill and honor.You've made a tremendous difference for this nation. So I'm proud to bein your company. I bring gratitude and good wishes from ourCommander-in-Chief, President George W. Bush. (Applause.)America has always counted on the Army to defend our country and toman the watchtowers of freedom. And in our own time, soldiers of theUnited States are repaying that confidence every day as we fight theglobal war on terror. When we were attacked on a terrible Septembermorning nearly five years ago, President Bush said that the strugglewould be lengthy and difficult, and would require our best effort andunfailing resolve. It's tough; it's dangerous to fight enemies whodwell in the shadows, who target the innocent, who plot destruction on amassive scale. And in this fight some of the hardest duties have cometo the men and women of the United States Army.Today we take special pride in recognizing some of our best -- the ThirdInfantry Division. (Applause.) The Third I.D., of course, has one ofthe most successful combat records of any division in Army history.(Applause.) More than three years ago, at the beginning of OperationIraqi Freedom, the Third I.D. was the spearhead unit into Baghdad.AUDIENCE: Whooa!THE VICE PRESIDENT: And you've continued to carry out difficultand dangerous missions in support of the rising democracy in Iraq. Onyour most recent deployment you conducted thousands of combat and supplyroute patrols, convoy security missions, cordon and search operations.Soldiers and aviators of the Third I.D. supported millions of pounds ofcargo and evacuated thousands of medical patients. You carried outraids and air assaults against our enemies, provided security andhumanitarian aid for innocent people, and worked closely with IraqiSecurity Forces. Every day you went about your jobs with tremendousfocus and skill, regardless of the conditions -- and I know the desertover there can make a Georgia summer look pretty mild.AUDIENCE: Whooa!THE VICE PRESIDENT: The Third I.D.'s performance in the field --not just the progress you've made, but also your character as men andwomen -- has left a lasting impression on people up and down the chainof command. Once again, the United States is grateful to the ThirdInfantry Division -- the Rock of the Marne -- for a job well done.(Applause.)We're grateful as well to members of a superb unit that returnedhome in May -- the 48th Brigade Combat Team of the Georgia NationalGuard.(Applause.) From helping to stand-up the new Iraqi government,to cordon and search operations, to combat patrol and checkpointsecurity, to the capture and detention of suspected terrorists -- the48th has shown toughness, great ability, and endurance. You saw heavycombat and logged countless miles in thousands of vehicles. It was ahard deployment; you did a superb job.Members of the 48th, welcomehome. (Applause.)In their conduct overseas, the men and women who wear this nation'suniform have reminded people everywhere of America's purposes.For thesake of our own security, and that of our friends, we've undertaken alot of serious work in the world. Yet when we use our military, it'snot to conquer, but to liberate. And after we throw back tyrants, westand by our friends to ensure that democratic institutions can takehold, and to help build freedom that leads to peace in the long run.Five years ago Iraq and Afghanistan were both in the grip ofviolent, merciless regimes. Now they have democratically-electedgovernments, the dictators are gone, and 50 million people are awakeningto a future of hope and freedom. And Americans who return home fromthat part of the world can be proud of their service for the rest oftheir lives. (Applause.)We maintain forces in those countries because we're a nation thatkeeps its word, and because we understand what is at stake in that partof the world. The terrorists understand it, as well. The terroristsknow that as freedom takes hold, the ideologies of hatred and resentmentwill weaken, and the advance of free institutions in the broader MiddleEast will produce a safer world for our children and grandchildren. Thewar on terror is a battle for the future of civilization. It's a battleworth fighting. And it is a battle we are going to win. (Applause.)The terrorists have made Iraq the central front in this war. And wewage this fight with good allies at our side, including an IraqiSecurity Force growing in size and ability. We'll continue to train theIraqi forces so they can defend their own country and make it a sourceof stability in a troubled region. When it comes to our own trooplevels, the President will listen to the recommendations of commanderson the ground.And he'll make the call based on what is needed forvictory, not according to the polls, and not by artificial time linesset by politicians in Washington, D.C.(Applause.)In our own country, we take democratic values seriously -- and sowe always have a vigorous debate on the issues. That's part of thegreatness of America. We wouldn't have it any other way. But there isa difference between healthy debate and self-defeating pessimism. Wehave only two options in Iraq -- victory or defeat. And I want you toknow, as members of the United States military, that the American peopledo not support a policy of retreat or defeatism. (Applause.) We wantto complete the mission, to get it done right, and return with honor.Although we have been in the struggle against terrorism for nearlyfive years now, the terrorists were actually at war with this countrylong before 2001. And they were the ones on the offensive. Over time,they came to believe that they could strike America without paying aprice -- because they did so many times in the 1980s and '90s.Andeventually, of course, they hit us here in the United States onSeptember 11th, 2001.That day changed everything -- and the United States will never go backto the false comforts of the world before 9/11. Terrorist attacks arenot caused by the use of strength. They are invited by the perceptionof weakness. And this nation has made a decision: We will engage theseenemies -- facing them far from home, so we do not have to face them onthe streets of our own cities.(Applause.)That effort includes a home front -- and the home front is every bit asimportant as the battlefields overseas. To protect Americans, thePresident also signed the Patriot Act, which is helping us to disruptterrorist activity, and break up terror cells within the United States,and to protect the lives of Americans.Another vital step the President took in the days following 9/11 was toauthorize the National Security Agency to intercept a certain categoryof terrorist-linked international communications. There are nocommunications more important to the safety of the United States thanthose related to al Qaeda that have one end in the United States. Ifyou'll recall, the report of the 9/11 Commission focused criticism onour inability to uncover links between terrorists at home and terroristsabroad. The authorization the President gave after September 11thhelped address that problem in a manner that is fully consistent withhis constitutional responsibilities and legal authority and with thecivil liberties of the American people.As people who know first-hand what this war really involves, you can becertain of this: The President will not relent in tracking the enemiesof the United States with every legitimate tool at his command. This isnot a war we can win on the defensive.Our only option against theseenemies is to monitor them, to find them, to fight them, and to destroythem. (Applause.)I'm afraid that as we get farther and farther away from September 11th,2001, there is a temptation to let up in the fight against terror.We're all grateful this nation has gone four years and 10 months nowwithout another 9/11. Obviously, no one can guarantee that we won't behit again. But getting through these years of wartime took a lot morethan just luck. We've been protected by sensible policy decisions bythe President, by decisive action at home and abroad, and byround-the-clock efforts on the part of people in the armed forces, inlaw enforcement, in intelligence, and homeland security.The enemy that struck on 9/11 is weakened and fractured, yet stilllethal and still determined to hit us again. We've never had a fightlike this -- and we have a lot more to do before it's finished. Eitherwe are serious about fighting this war or we are not. And the enemiesof America need to know: We are serious, and we will not let down ourguard.(Applause.)Everywhere I go in this country, I am struck by the depth of gratitudeand admiration that Americans have for our men and women serving in themilitary. We do not take freedom for granted because we know it camewith a price. Many based at Fort Stewart, including a good number heretoday, have been decorated for acts of bravery for outstandingperformance. You have also had to say a last farewell to some devotedcomrades in arms. And the families left behind need to know that theirloved ones served in a noble and a necessary cause. Their sacrifice hasmade our nation and the world more secure. We will honor their memoryforever. (Applause.)In this war we have seen the highest military decoration of them all,the Medal of Honor, presented to a member of the Third I.D.AUDIENCE: Paul!THE VICE PRESIDENT: In April of '03, a task force led by Sergeant PaulRay Smith came under surprise attack near Baghdad by Saddam Hussein'sRepublican Guard. Under constant enemy fire, with his unit pinned downand a number of men wounded, Sergeant Smith climbed onto a damagedvehicle and manned a 50-caliber machine gun. Though in a completelyexposed position, Sergeant Smith started fighting. To another soldierhe called out, "feed me ammunition whenever you hear the gun get quiet."He fired at the enemy and went through three boxes of ammunition untilhe took a fatal round.After the firefight, the Army concluded thatthis one soldier had personally killed as many as 50 Republican Guardand saved the lives of more than 100 of his fellow soldiers. SergeantSmith's wife said, "Paul loved his country. He loved the Army, he lovedhis soldiers."(Applause.)For as long as citizens step forward to serve in uniform, Americanssoldiers will be inspired by this man's exceptional bravery under fire,and by the honor he reflected on the Third I.D.In this new generation we are seeing once again that the Americansoldier in battle places the mission first, never accepts defeat, neverquits, never leaves a fallen comrade. (Applause.) The spirit of theAmerican soldier is to be honorable and just, and, even amid thecruelties of battle, to be decent and humane. By their courage, membersof our military are taking the fight to the enemy and winning the war onterror. And by their openness and their kindness to others in thousandsof interactions every day, members of our military have built permanentbonds of friendship between the United States and the nations we'veliberated.By defending ourselves, and by standing with our friends, the UnitedStates of America is meeting its responsibilities as freedom's home anddefender. (Applause.)We're a nation founded on the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice.We uphold those ideals at home, and we defend those ideals where theyare threatened. Standing here on Cottrell Field, I want to thank eachand every one of you for the vital work you're doing, and for your dailyexample of skill, and perseverance, and honor.I came here today tothank you for what you're doing for all of us.It's a privilege to bewith you. You've made this nation very proud. (Applause.)END 3:22 P.M. 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