Press Releases
Boozman Honors SFC Benjamin Wise
Jan 26 2012
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) today honored the life and service of Sergeant First Class Benjamin Wise who gave his life in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In a speech on the Senate floor, Boozman recognized the sacrifice of SFC Wise, a graduate of West Side Christian High School in El Dorado who was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. This was SGF Wise’s fourth deployment.
You can watch the speech here. The following is Boozman’s speech as prepared for delivery.
Mr. President, We are constantly reminded of the sacrifices of American troops and their families. These brave Americans fight for our freedoms and values while putting their own lives at risk. We must always remember their service and thank them for their patriotism, dedication and commitment and honor those who have paid the ultimate price.
Today I am here to pay my respects to Arkansas soldier SFC Benjamin Wise who sacrificed his life for the love of this country while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
SFC Wise graduated from West Side Christian School in El Dorado, Arkansas in 1995 and enlisted in military service in 2000, joining the Army as an infantryman assigned to the 520th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
He discussed his military service with the Hope Star in 2004 saying that he was proud to be a soldier and he wanted to serve his country.
In 2005 he volunteered for the Special Forces, something his sister Heather told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette was something he talked about growing up. His new position in the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group suited him well. SFC Wise’s comrades said he was a friend to all the members of his unit, cracking jokes and offering an ear to listen to their concerns.
He was well aware of the dangers he faced having served four deployments – twice to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. His family says that Ben was proud of the career he built in the Army.
He was all too familiar with the sacrifices associated with work in war-torn Afghanistan after his brother, Jeremy Wise a former Navy SEAL working as a security contractor, was killed in the country in December of 2009.
On Monday, January 9, 2012 SFC Wise was injured during an attack by insurgents during a small-arms fight. He passed away on January 15, 2012.
Mr. President, SFC Benjamin Wise is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep his family – his wife Traci, sons Luke and Ryan and daughter Kailen and friends in their thoughts and prayers during these difficult times and I humbly offer my appreciation and gratitude to this patriot for his selfless sacrifice.
Click play to view the video or follow this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOdiofDT_fk