RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY STAFF SERGEANT (SSG) JERRY CLARK BURGE, JUNIOR

On 2017-04-06, Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS-1) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY STAFF SERGEANT (SSG) JERRY CLARK BURGE, JUNIOR" in the House.

RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY STAFF SERGEANT (SSG) JERRY CLARK BURGE, JUNIOR

Congressional Record, Volume 163 Issue 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017) [Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E485] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY STAFF SERGEANT (SSG) JERRY CLARK BURGE, JUNIOR _____ HON. TRENT KELLY of mississippi in the house of representatives Thursday, April 6, 2017 Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Jerry Clark ``Chip'' Burge, Junior who paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on April 4, 2007, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SSG Burge was mortally wounded when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. SSG Burge and Corporal Joseph H. Cantrell IV, of Ashland, Kentucky, were both killed by the blast. Prior to his death, SSG Burge received a Purple Heart for being wounded during a previous deployment in Kosovo. It was during that tour that SSG Burge, a demolitions expert and engineer, was investigating a bomb in a house when it exploded. He suffered damage to his eyesight and hearing. He also received a concussion. At the time of his death, SSG Burge was serving his second tour of duty. SSG Burge, a Picayune native, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, Fort Hood, Texas. SSG Burge's aunt, Bobbi Kenney, told a local newspaper that her nephew was a soldier who knew the risks associated with his job, but was willing to take the risks in order to serve his country. Picayune American history teacher Allison Wheat remembers the day of SSG Burge's funeral procession. The whole student body of Picayune High School and members of the community attended in order to pay their respects. In memory of SSG Burge, Wheat's students began hosting a luncheon on Veterans Day to honor veterans and their families. SSG Burge's family attends the luncheon every year. What began with ten veterans has grown to more than 100 in attendance. SSG Burge will always be remembered as a tough soldier and leader, and at the same time, a great father of three. His devotion to protecting our freedoms will not be forgotten. ____________________