Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

As we mark the 20th Anniversary of the War in Iraq, we must continue to support our veterans and remember our fallen heroes.  
 

Corp. Brandon Michael Hardy of Cochranville in my Senate District is one such hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. A graduate of Octorara High School, Hardy was known for his love of the outdoors and his strong work ethic. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1999 and, as an airman, was deployed three times to the Middle East, serving in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. 
 

In 2005, Hardy made the unusual decision to forgo his rank and pay – to basically start over – and enlist as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. As a crew chief of an amphibious assault vehicle, Hardy was deployed to Iraq in March 2006, as part of the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. 
 

During his deployment, fellow soldiers took note of Hardy’s traits as a natural leader, as well as his concern for the children of Iraq. He would often take time to interact with them and give them food, water, candy, school supplies, and books. 
 

On April 15, 2006, Hardy was on an aid and assist mission while serving with the Scout Platoon of the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, in the Haditha Dam area of Anbar Province. Upon completing the mission, the vehicle in which he was a passenger, struck an IED. Three of the five passengers of the Humvee, including Hardy, were mortally wounded. 
 

In recognition of Hardy and his service and sacrifice, I am introducing legislation designating a portion of Route 41 (Gap Newport Pike) in Cochranville the “Corp. Brandon Hardy Memorial Highway.” This span of roadway, close to the Hardy family home and running to Octorara High School, is a route that he would have traveled each day. 
 

Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation in memory of Corp. Brandon Hardy and all of those who gave their lives in service to our nation.