November 14, 2012

Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor the life of Army Staff Sgt. Kenneth Bennett. As an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Bennett put his life on them line everyday to protect his comrades. As a former EOD tech myself, I know the danger Bennett faced and today I honor his ultimate sacrifice. Staff Sgt. Kenneth Bennett is an American hero. He entered the Army in 2004 and in 2006 he trained to be an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician. Bennett was serving his third, and what was to be his last deployment to Afghanistan. Bennett earned numerous awards for his service including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge. I did not personally know Staff Sgt. Bennett. But he was a son, husband, father and friend. Staff Sgt. Bennett leaves behind his wife Mandi, their two-year old daughter and another child on the way. Because he served, America and the world are more free. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians are the first line of defense in protecting our service members overseas and with homeland missions. The EOD community deserves the respect and full resources of the Department of Defense to continue saving lives. God bless the memory of Staff Sgt. Kenneth Bennett and may God continue to bless the United States of America.