He gave the ultimate sacrifice during combat operations supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about the paratroopers I served with who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

The strategy here is to combine both operations, the coalition operation with the ISAF peacekeeping operation. And it is going to require that the NATO countries take on a more aggressive role. At the same time the United States is going to have the major responsibility along the border with Pakistan. That's the toughest part of the job. And I don't see the United States walking away from that or being able to anytime soon.

I have seen America's sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers fight valiantly for our freedom and pay the ultimate sacrifice to defend us.

With courage and character, American soldiers continue to put themselves on the line to defend our freedom, and so many have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Those who sacrifice freedom for safety deserve neither.