president, puland grew up in pawtucket, rhode island, and graduated in 2000 from high school. he joined the national guard in 2008 and was promoteed to specialist in may, 2010. as a member of the masters national guard headquarters company first battalion 181st infantry regiment, he deployed to afghanistan in july, 2010. each generation of americans is called upon to protect and sustain our democracy, and there are no greater heroes than the men and women who have worn the uniform of this nation and who have sacrificed for this country to keep it safe and keep it free. it is our duty to protect the freedom they sacrificed their lives for through our service, our citizenship. we must continue to keep their memories alive and honor their heroism. today our thoughts are with specialist puland's mother doris, his father richard, his sisters jennifer and angelique, his long time girlfriend ashley and their son nicholas, and all of his family, friends, and comrades in arms. we join them in commemorating his sacrifice and honoring his example of selfless service, of love and courage