March 30, 2012

Mr. Speaker as co-chairman of the House Explosive Ordnance Disposal Caucus and as a former Army EOD Tech I address you today with a heavy heart. On Tuesday, this week, Staff Sergeant Joseph D'Augustine was killed in Afghanistan by an IED. He was 29 years old. Staff Sergeant D'Augustine was an EOD Tech in the United States Marine Corps with four tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq to his credit. He enlisted in the Marine Corps the day after he graduated from Waldwick High School in New Jersey in 2001. As an EOD Tech, Staff Sergeant D'Augustine displayed the full extent of his bravery clearing explosive threats defending the lives of his fellow Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors. EOD Techs, like Staff Sergeant D'Augustine, play an invaluable role in securing our freedom and combating terrorism, but too often their heroic deeds go unreported. Staff Sergeant D'Augustine is survived by his parents and three sisters. I am eternally grateful for Staff Sergeant D'Augustine's service to our country and for all the brave men and women who defend our freedoms at home and abroad as members of the Armed Services. On behalf of the Congressional EOD Caucus and the inter-service EOD family, our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Staff Sergeant Joseph D'Augustine. Thank you Mr. Speaker and with that, I yield back.