Contact: Kori Walter, Press Secretary
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6th District grateful for sacrifices of Army Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery, Army Specialist Anthony Vargas and all of our brave troops around the globe
Washington
Congressman Jim Gerlach (PA-6th District) issued the following statement after two soldiers from the 6th District were killed recently in the line of duty in Afghanistan:
“War takes a tremendous toll on all of our troops, their families and loved ones. Serving thousands of miles from home to defend and protect millions of fellow citizens you’ll never meet takes unflinching courage and is the ultimate act of self-sacrifice. For many, the sacrifices involve having to settle for photos of children blowing out birthday candles instead of being there in person, celebrating anniversaries during brief telephone calls in between patrols of foreign villages and missing other moments in life that can never be recaptured. However, in recent weeks, the 6th District has been reminded that some of the sacrifices our troops must make are eternal.
“On behalf of the more than 700,000 people I represent in the 6th District, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of Army Specialist Anthony Vargas and Army Staff Sgt. Sean M. Flannery. Vargas, a Reading native, and Flannery, a Wyomissing resident, were outstanding soldiers killed by roadside bombs while serving in Afghanistan this month. No words can ever repay the debt all of us owe to Specialist Vargas and Staff Sgt. Flannery for their honorable service. No single act can ease the overwhelming sorrow gripping their families and friends. But we offer our sincerest expression of gratitude and pay tribute to their extraordinary contributions to the defense of our nation in the on-going war against terrorism. We will never forget their unselfishness and valor and will always honor the memories of these men and others willing to lay down their lives for our country.”
The Army reported that Specialist Vargas died on November 8 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was assigned to C Troop, 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Specialist Vargas received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Commendation and Army Service Ribbon.
Staff Sgt. Flannery died November 22 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, according to the Army. He was assigned to A Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Flannery received the Bronze Star and Overseas Service Ribbon during his four tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.
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