Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Sen. John Boozman

Mr. President, we are constantly reminded of the sacrifices of American troops and their families. These brave Americans fight for our freedoms and our values while putting their own lives at risk. We must always remember their service and thank them for their patriotism, dedication, and commitment, and honor those who have paid the ultimate price.

Today I am here to pay my respects to Arkansas soldier SFC Benjamin Wise, who sacrificed his life for the love of his country while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sergeant 1st Class Wise graduated from West Side Christian School in El Dorado, AR, in 1995, and enlisted in the military in 2000, joining the Army as an infantryman assigned to the 520th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

He discussed his military service with the Hope Star in 2004, saying that he was proud to be a soldier and that he wanted to serve his country.

In 2005, he volunteered for the special forces--something his sister Heather told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette was something he talked about growing up. His new position in the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group suited him well. Sergeant 1st Class Wise's comrades said he was a friend to all of the members of his unit, cracking jokes and offering an ear to listen to all of their concerns.

He was well aware of the dangers he faced, having served four deployments--twice to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. His family says that Ben was proud of the career he built in the Army. He was all too familiar with the sacrifices associated with work in war-torn Afghanistan after his brother, Jeremy Wise, a former Navy SEAL working as a security contractor, was killed in the country in December of

On Monday, January 9, 2012, Sergeant 1st Class Wise was injured during an attack by insurgents during a small-arms fight. He passed away on January 15, 2012.

SFC Benjamin Wise is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep his family--his wife Traci, sons Luke and Ryan, and daughter Kailen--and his friends in their thoughts and prayers during these very difficult times. I humbly offer my appreciation and gratitude--and I know I speak for the Senate and Congress as a whole--to this patriot and his family for his selfless sacrifice.

I yield the floor.