Senator Mark Pryor submitted the following statement into the Congressional Record honoring Specialist James Clay. Specialist Clay, 25, of Mountain Home, Arkansas died November 13 in Anbar Province, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident.
Mr. President, Arkansas is grieving for a young hero, a courageous soldier who was serving in Iraq as a member of the 224th Maintenance Company. This team keeps our troops safe and their equipment and vehicles running. It is a mission paramount to our soldier’s success.
A member of the National Guard for almost seven years, Specialist James Clay of Mountain Home, AR showed great commitment and patriotism throughout his assignment with the 2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, 39th Brigade Combat team. Of his service, Major General William Wofford, adjutant general of the AR National Guard recalls, “He was called to serve, and he answered that call with valiant service. He was a true patriot and will not soon be forgotten.”
Specialist Clay’s untimely death has brought me to the Senate floor today, but I want to take a minute to honor his life. He overcame major obstacles in his personal life, including the death of both his parents, yet he graduated from Cotter High School in 2002 where teachers describe him as outstanding, considerate and spirited. Friends remember Specialist Clay as a role model who persevered with dignity and humanity. Everyone who knew this young hero recalled his great smile and his compassion for others. It is no surprise that he died fighting for the peace and security of others.
My prayers go out to Specialist Clay’s family and friends, particularly his high school sweetheart and wife, Mellissa Clay. During his second Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln pledged, “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphans.” Mrs. Clay, we will never forget the sacrifice of your loved one, and we work to honor his memory, courage and service to our great nation.
