big sky democrats

I would like to speak for the membership of the Big Sky Democrats/Young Democrats of Montana, and join with the state in expressing our deepest sympathy to the family of Cpl. Phillip Baucus, who was killed in the line of duty to his country in the province of Al Anbar over the weekend.

Cpl. Baucus, nephew of Montana's US Senator Max Baucus, was 28 years old, and was married to Katharine Baucus last summer. Senator Baucus' spokesman, Barrett Kaiser, issued a statement that read, in part, "Phillip was an incredible person, a dedicated Marine, a loving son and husband, and a proud Montanan and American. He heroically served the country he loved and he gave it his all. We loved him dearly and we'll miss him more than words can ever express."

The conflict in the Middle East has seen over 2,500 troups from America dead, and scores of thousands of others dead.

In a time such as this, when a fellow Montanan has paid the ultimate price to serve, we hold the family and friends of Phillip Baucus in our thoughts and our prayers. Phillip's death will not be the last in this conflict, but for now, in this moment, I pause to honor his memory with dignity and compassion. I ask the same of our members, friends, and fellow Americans.

Semper Fi, Phillip.