General Assembly honors fallen soldiers
Contributed by the Office of Sen. John M. Knotts

On Wednesday, April 30, 2008 the General Assembly honored the 17 young men and women of South Carolina who sacrificed their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan last year. The brave soldiers who were honored were

• Chief Warrant Officer Jason G. DeFrenn, United States Army, Barnwell • Sergeant Buddy James Hughie, United State Army, Charleston • Sergeant Shawn M. Dunkin, United States Army, York County • Private First Class Joey T. Sams II, United States Army. Spartanburg • Sergeant Adrian J. Lewis, United States Army, Mauldin • Private First Class Anthony J. White, United States Army, Columbia • Sergeant Sameer A. M. Rateb, United States Army, Ladson • Sergeant Brian D. Ardron, United States Army, Easley • Lance Corporal David P. Lindsey, United States Marine Corps, Spartanburg • Lieutenant Colonel Michael A. Robinson, United States Marine Corps, Anderson • Corporal Juan M. Lopez, United States Army, Florence • Specialist Zandra T. Walker, United States Army, Greenville • Staff Sergeant Terry D. Wagoner, United States Army, Piedmont • Sergeant Edward O. Philpot, United States Army, Latta • Staff Sergeant James D. Bullard, United States Army, Marion • Staff Sergeant Gregory L. Elam, United States Army, Greenwood

• Corporal Joshua Blaney, United States Army, Fort Mill

Sen. Jake Knotts hosted the Fallen Soldiers Ceremony and Luncheon held April 30 at noon in Room 112 of the Blatt Building. Each family was recognized for the ultimate sacrifice they have made to our Country and were presented the Order of the Palmetto Patriot, a Senate Resolution, and a South Carolina flag which was flown over the State House in memory of these soldiers.