HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ARMY SPECIALIST DAVID A. WILKEY, JR.

On 2026-09-04, Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ARMY SPECIALIST DAVID A. WILKEY, JR." in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ARMY SPECIALIST DAVID A. WILKEY, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 141 (Friday, September 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 141 (Friday, September 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E870] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ARMY SPECIALIST DAVID A. WILKEY, JR. ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Friday, September 4, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Army Specialist David Anthony Wilkey, Jr., a native of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Specialist Wilkey was born in Norway, Michigan, and grew up nearby in Wilson. As a teenager, he moved to Elkhart, Indiana. After graduating from Jimtown High School in 2003, David worked alongside his father at Plastic Components Inc. before answering the call to serve and enlisting in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, based at Fort Riley, Kansas, and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On June 17, 2007, while traveling with a Humvee convoy in Baghdad, an improvised explosive device detonated near David's unit, leaving him with wounds that would claim his life the following day. On June 18, 2007, at just 22 years old, Specialist Wilkey gave his life in defense of our Nation and in service to his fellow Soldiers. Those who knew David remember him as someone who was always willing to help others. He was the kind of person who was always ready to lend a hand, smooth out rough edges, and make a friend wherever he went. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, sports, repairing things, shopping, and poetry. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband, father, son, and friend who remained deeply connected to his loved ones even while serving thousands of miles from home. David was ultimately laid to rest in Powers, Michigan, near the Upper Peninsula community where he grew up. Though his military service took him far from home, he returned to the place that helped shape him and where his memory remains part of the community which he called home. Mr. Speaker, may we always remember Specialist David A. Wilkey, Jr., honor his service, and never forget that the freedoms we enjoy were defended by brave Americans like him. ____________________