Honoring Operation Helmet

Floor Speech

HONORING OPERATION HELMET -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 05, 2007)

* Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and personal gratitude that I recognize the remarkable work of Mike and Marie Farley who, along with Rodney Van Pelt and other members of the Quakertown Moose Lodge No. 1622, took bold initiative to provide our soldiers with life-saving equipment.

* Marie Farley of Nockamixon, Pennsylvania was shocked to learn that antiquated gear was being issued to U.S. soldiers--including to her 23-year-old son Michael, a Marine stationed in Anbar Province, Iraq. She learned that with an upgrade kit, her son's helmet could do more to protect him. If Michael was knocked down by an explosion, the shock-absorbing pad and new strap system could save his life. But Mrs. Farley and her husband Mike discovered that if they wanted their son and his unit to have this simple safety feature, they would have to raise the money themselves.

* The Farleys were not alone in their desire to provide U.S. soldiers with proper equipment. A national initiative--Operation Helmet--was underway and the Farleys quickly sought to localize the effort. Mrs. Farley made up signs asking for donations and put one of those signs at the Quakertown Moose Lodge. That is where the project took off. After learning about the need for the protective pads, Rodney Van Pelt of the Moose Club joined the Farleys to aggressively pursue the goal of equipping Michael's entire unit with the upgrade. The Moose Club and the rest of the community rallied around the family and raised enough to take care of Michael's entire company, not just his unit.

* As of today, the Farleys and the Quakertown Moose Club have raised $35,000, enough for almost 500 upgrade kits. The kits have been shipped out and came as early Christmas presents for soldiers overseas. This accomplishment is inspiring and is a telling example of true patriotism and respect.

* Having led convoys in a Humvee without doors while serving with the 82nd Airborne Division in Baghdad, I understand what it means to fight a war without proper equipment. So I speak from experience when I say that this kind of support from home is whole-heartedly appreciated and serves as a tremendous morale boost. But Madam Speaker, family members should not be forced to pay for their loved ones' military equipment. The Farleys were able to gather tremendous community support but despite their best efforts they couldn't supply all U.S. forces, and many families are paying out-of-pocket. This is unfair and I urge you all to support the Helmet Pad Reimbursement Act of 2007. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill because at the very least, these families should have the opportunity to request a reimbursement.

* This is an issue of critical importance to our troops and I commend all who have brought it to light. On behalf of the men and women with whom I served, Mr. and Mrs. Farley, Mr. Van Pelt, the Quakertown Moose Lodge and most importantly, Michael and all the soldiers who continue to risk their lives for this country, I urge Congress to support this bill.

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