[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 72 (Thursday, May 20, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H3499-H3523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
FALLEN HEROES
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my colleagues in
paying tribute to all of our fallen citizens who have lost their lives
defending freedom in the war against terror.
I want to thank Jim Walsh and Charlie Rangel for working together to
come up with this tribute to those who have died defending freedom.
This Memorial Day, we all need to take an extra moment to remember
those who made the ultimate sacrifice as we remember those who are
separated from their families and fighting in distant lands to defend
freedom.
I especially want to call attention to the sacrifices of two of my
constituents who died in the service of their Nation: Staff Sgt. Jacob
Frazier and Marine 1st Lt. Timothy Ryan.
Staff Sgt. Jacob Frazier, 24, of St. Charles Township, was killed in
March 2003, when his patrol unit was ambushed in Afghanistan. Frazier
joined the Illinois Air National Guard in 1998, a year after graduating
from Central High School in Burlington. The oldest of James and Joyce
Frazier's five children, he was a wrestler, all-conference football
player and a member of the choir in high school. He was engaged to be
married. Frazier was assigned to the 169th Air Support Operations
Squadron of the 182nd Airlift Wing of the National Guard, and had been
working with U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan since January
2003. He was proud to serve his country, and often told friends and
family ``I'm going to hunt bad guys,''--a reference to the terrorist
attacks of Sept. 11.
Marine 1st Lt. Timothy Ryan, 30, of North Aurora, died in May 2003,
when his helicopter crashed into a canal in Iraq. The son of Judith and
Michael Ryan, Tim Ryan grew up with his older brother in Montgomery and
Aurora, graduating from West Aurora High School. A music
[[Page H3500]]
major, he began playing the drums when he was in 4th grade and was a
member of the marching band at West Aurora High. He attended Illinois
State University, where he met his wife, Michelle. He graduated, was
married, and enlisted in the Marines during a single month in 1997.
Ryan joined the Marines to be a part of its drum and bugle corps, but
changed course after two years because he wanted to be a pilot. He was
stationed at Camp Pendleton, near San Diego, and deployed to Kuwait in
February 2003.
May God bless these two men who died so that we could live in
freedom. And may God continue to bless the United States of America.
Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I stood on the House floor on May 20, 2004,
and observed a moment of silence to remember the brave men and women
who fought and died for our freedom. During this time, images flashed
in my mind of the heroic Kansans I visited at the Walter Reed Army
Medical Center and the men and women I spoke with when I traveled to
Iraq in January. These images culminated into a feeling of pride, a
feeling I know each and every American feels when they think of what
America means to them.
As a Nation on Memorial Day we honor the men and women who through
the history of our country gave their lives in battle to defend the
freedom and liberty that makes these American States united. From the
Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom, we honor these brave
souls in unison as one people on this day. The Memorial Day weekend has
also come to symbolize a time for family and friends to come together;
during this time it becomes abundantly clear who is missing. Please
join me in thanking these families for their sacrifice as well.
In times of crisis, our Nation looks to the men and women of the
armed forces. They have never hesitated in answering their Nation's
call, giving of their time, service and in many cases their lives. Our
Nation owes them a debt that we can never repay. The dedication and
valor displayed by those who served in the armed services deserves the
gratitude of the entire Nation.
As the number of veterans growing older increases, the responsibility
of providing adequate care and compensation to their families will
become a higher priority for the Federal Government.
After making a sacrifice for our country, our veterans should not
have to be concerned that the Veterans Administration will not provide
the services or benefits they have earned.
As a veteran myself, it saddens me to see how some of our Nation's
finest citizens are being treated. We owe it to all of our veterans--
whether they fought on the front lines or served here at home--to keep
the promise America made to them. Veterans should not be financially
punished in the name of fiscal responsibility. Even in difficult budget
times, there is no excuse for cutting already under-funded veterans'
programs to pay for tax cuts.
I will continue to urge my colleagues in Congress to rethink these
cuts. We must work together from both sides of the aisle to ensure that
these cuts are restored to honor our nation's commitment to care for
its defenders. I will fight to see that Congress makes adequate funding
for the Veterans Administration a priority--not an afterthought.
Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave men and
women of our military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice
and lost their lives in service to their country. To the families and
friends of these fallen soldiers, I offer my condolences in their time
of grief. Please know that we all share in your sorrow.
I would like to recognize the soldiers from the Sacramento area who
have lost their lives while serving their country. SP Keicia Coleman
Hines, of Sacramento, was a member of the 108th Military Police Combat
Support Company when she died while serving on a base near Mosul in
Iraq. She was her mother Beverly Coleman's only child. Ms. Coleman has
said she is extremely proud of her daughter, and that she was an
honorable person. I share Ms. Coleman's pride in her daughter and in
the work she chose to do. Keicia is also survived by her husband, who
she met at basic training. They had planned to start their own family
when Keicia returned from Iraq. She was 27 years old.
SP Adam G. Kinser, was assigned to the 304th Psychological Operations
Company, United States Army Reserve, and serving in Afghanistan when he
died of injuries from the explosion of a weapons cache. He had a soft
spot in his heart for the children of Iraq, and would often ask friends
and family to send crayons and coloring books for the kids. At the time
of his death, he was just one month away from being sent home to be
with his wife, who was about to have their first child. His family
lives in Sacramento and Rio Vista.
U.S. Army MAJ Gerald Compton, son of MSG Gerald Compton, U.S. Army,
retired, and Sue Joe Compton of Sacramento, was training cadets at West
Point when he passed away of natural causes. Major Compton had
dedicated his life to the Army and passed on his sense of dedication to
the cadets he trained. His cadets and colleagues will remember Major
Compton as a skilled officer, a leader and friend to all who knew him.
Words cannot begin to express our gratitude to these brave soldiers.
Nor can words describe the debt we owe their families. Instead, today
we honor the soldiers and their families through a moment of silence.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who bear this burden.
Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise with my colleagues today
to observe a moment of silence in honor of our fallen soldiers,
including the nearly 800 U.S. troops who gave their lives in Iraq.
As Memorial Day approaches, we pause to honor each of the soldiers,
sailors, airmen and Marines who gave their lives to defend our freedom.
We will always remember their valor and sacrifices for America. We also
pause to mourn with their families and friends who go on without their
loved ones.
Today, more than 135,000 brave men and women remain in harm's way.
Our continued attention should be focused on our troops, the success of
their mission, and their safe return to their families.
I was proud to cast my vote for the defense authorization bill
earlier today as a measure that honors their service and delivers much-
needed relief. This legislation meets immediate warfighting needs,
expands quality of life initiatives, and makes up for readiness
shortfalls.
I am pleased to support a much deserved 3.5 percent pay raise for our
troops, hardship duty pay increases, and a restored Survivors Benefit.
I also strongly support the bill's increased production for armored
Humvees and body armor as well as improvements to family housing,
military medical facilities and schools.
I salute the brave men and women in uniform who will become our
Nation's newest veterans upon their return. Now that over 14 months
have passed since U.S. troops were deployed to Iraq, we wish them all a
safe return and will work to ensure they have all the resources they
need to accomplish the mission and bring them home safely to their
families.
Mr. Speaker, our fallen troops will always remain in our thoughts and
prayers. We will remember their sacrifices this Memorial Day and
beyond, and we will do all that we can to support our troops currently
deployed and to ensure their safe return.
Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, across this great Nation, Americans designate
the last Monday in May to honor those who have fallen in battle
protecting our freedom. Memorial Day this year is especially important
as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men
and women of the Armed Services make to defend our way of life. Those
who served, and those who continue to serve in the Army, Navy, Air
Force, Marines, and Coast Guard took an oath to uphold and protect the
Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, and we can never
forget the importance of their commitment to our Nation.
North Carolina, particularly the 8th District, has long played a key
role in our Nation's military forces. Troops from Fort Bragg and Pope
Air Force Base are nobly answering the call of duty, separated from
their families, friends, and loved ones. Currently serving alongside
the active component in Iraq is the North Carolina National Guard.
These individuals who put their lives on hold to answer the call of
duty are the pinnacle of American patriotism. To prosecute the war on
terrorism, the State of North Carolina has deployed 3,500 guardsmen,
the largest deployment in the State's history. While putting themselves
in harms' way, the men and women in uniform, whether part of the active
or reserve component, seek to root out the evil that seeks America's
destruction. Their mission is clear and they will succeed. I cannot
express how proud I am of them and the entire military for their
service, selfless attitude and sacrifice.
Of all the recent publicity the war on terrorism has garnered,
sometimes overlooked is the support of our troops by their valiant
spouses and families. The support they provide and the hardship that
they are enduring are to be recognized and commended. Without such
support in place, our troops would not be as ready or prepared to fight
the battle.
While we continue to pray for those who are deployed and their
families, we must hold a special place in our hearts for their fallen
comrades. The men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice
safeguarding our great Nation must be honored and remembered. Freedom
is not free, and many have given all they have--their lives--for its
and our defense. May we as a Nation be eternally grateful for their
sacrifice and remember their families in our prayers. May God bless the
families of our fallen heroes, watch over their families, and may He
bless and protect those who continue to serve. May God bless our U.S.
Armed Forces and the United States of America.
[[Page H3501]]
Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of our troops. I
rise in support of all of our men and women serving in our armed
forces, and especially the 300,000 brave men and women that have been
serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
To our young countrymen and women serving their country in
Afghanistan and Iraq, I salute you and I offer you the following:
As our Nation once again honors those who have served, I pray that
this Memorial Day finds you healthy and well.
Some of you may know that, although, I supported our action against
al Qaeda in Afghanistan, I voted against President Bush's demand for
advance congressional authorization to use military force against Iraq.
In the absence of a clearly demonstrated imminent danger to this
Nation, I concluded, giving the President a ``blank check'' for war
would be an abdication of my constitutional duty as a Member of the
Congress. Further, I believed it would put our young men and women into
a conflict that would yield enduring unfavorable outcomes. Once Saddam
Hussein was toppled, for what and with whom would we be fighting? Where
is the proof of WMDs or the presence of al Qaeda in Iraq? These were
just a few of the many questions I and many Members of Congress wanted
to ask. But in the administration's rush to war and its subsequent
insolence, these and many questions remain unanswered.
Today, my reasoning for that conviction remains unchanged. There is
not today--nor has there ever been any dispositive proof that Iraq is
an imminent danger to our country. Like the majority of the
international community, I believe ``imminent danger'' is the proper
litmus test for waging a preemptive war. The current administration
does not and ignored warnings from many countries who were friends in
our fight against terrorism. I ask the Commander-in-Chief, who suffers
and will continue to suffer as a result of this affront to the
international rules of engagement? The answer is that we all do, but it
is our troops who bear the blunt of this suffering.
There has been a tragic loss of life--both among our American troops
and among Iraq's civilian population. I knew the human losses would be
too great and I did not want our families--or the Iraqi people--to
experience the overwhelming grief and remorse that accompanies waging
war unnecessarily.
The moral authority of the United States has been undermined--
establishing a devastating international precedent that we may well see
echoed within other troubled regions. I believe that the Middle East
region has been destabilized, harming the international cooperation
that we desperately need to defend this Nation against terrorism.
We must now contemplate the prospect of American troops remaining in
Iraq for an indefinite period of time, at great cost to the lives and
treasure of our Nation, while its government regroups a country that
has been involuntarily bowed.
Tragically, none of these cautions about war prevailed, and hundreds
of thousands of young Americans now struggle to survive in harm's way.
With so many questions about the wisdom and consequences of this war
left unanswered, what can America say to you--the young men and women
who have been called upon to risk your lives?
What can we say to your wives and husbands--or to your parents and
children--that could possibly justify your sacrifice?
The current administration that waged this war must search for his
own answers to these soul-wrenching questions--and I must speak to you
in my own way.
Young people, I hope that these words reach you in Iraq.
You have a right to expect encouragement and support at this
difficult and dangerous time. I encourage you and commend you for your
bravery. I know you are dealing with circumstances beyond our
comprehension.
Nevertheless, you stand at the brink of eternity--and you deserve an
honest appraisal. You are doing your duty, just as we in the Congress
must do everything within our power to protect you.
So, I will continue to call for clear and convincing evidence that
war was necessary and I will continue to support the Federal funding
that has helped to make you the best trained and equipped military
force in the world. You deserve nothing less.
Human life is too precious to allow anything less.
I am among those whom the administration has not convinced about the
wisdom of war in Iraq. Yet, I want you to know that I support you
wholeheartedly. You are there to protect and defend and you are serving
and have served valiantly.
You are honorable young Americans.
When the President committed your lives to battle, you went to war
with your Nation's prayers and unconditional support. I pledge that we
will not allow this Nation's response to your service degenerate into
the shameful neglect that followed U.S. efforts in Vietnam. We will not
blame the failures of our generation upon yours.
Indeed, you have my undying respect.
Neither President Bush nor I have ever been required to risk our own
lives in battle. We have not been forced to move forward against the
mechanized hell of modern warfare. We have not endured the screams of
tormented friends who have fallen at our side.
War leaders of old did not direct war from the safety of their homes.
There was great wisdom in the ancient custom that required a leader who
ordered others into battle to, himself, fight on the front lines. The
danger is not real when it's second-hand.
You are honorable young Americans--you are our young women and men
who now stand at the brink of eternity. Over 700 of your brethren and
of the Allied Forces have perished. Over 4,500 of you have been injured
or maimed. At least 10 claim Maryland as their home State and I have
attached their names in memoriam and in recognition of their brave
service to our country.
May those who lead America today regain wisdom and bring the rest of
you home safely. May our actions from this day forward live up to the
example of your sacrifice.
And may God bless you and keep you in His hands.
In Memoriam and in recognition of brave service to our Country--
Operation Iraqi Freedom: Jakia Sheree Cannon, Brandon Lee Davis, Jason
Christopher Ford, Cornell Winston Gilmore I, Jason David Mileo, George
Arthur Mitchell, Jr., Adam Garber Mooney, Bryan Nicholas Spry, Jeffery
Calvin Walker, Kendall Damon Waters-Bey.
Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, it is altogether fitting and proper that
the U.S. House of Representatives holds this moment of silence on
behalf of our fallen warriors in Iraq and Afghanistan. On the last
legislative day before America observes Memorial Day, it is appropriate
for us to pause from our business to pay our respects to those who have
made the ultimate sacrifice in those important and difficult theatres
of war.
As the Representative of North Carolina's Second Congressional
District, I have the honor of serving the military families of the
Army's Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base, and numerous National Guard and
Reserve units. I have observed our troops training for combat, and I
have visited soldiers wounded in the battlefield in their recovery at
Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC.
Last month, I had the opportunity to travel to Iraq to witness
firsthand the daily struggle our soldiers wage in that war-torn
country. The work they are doing is vitally important to bring peace
and stability in Iraq and allow for the growth of a just and open
democracy in a place that has never really known such conditions that
we take for granted. Previously, I visited Afghanistan to investigate
our progress in taking the war against terrorism into the sanctuary of
the terrorists. Our troops are dedicated, professional and motivated by
their love of America and the folks back home who pray for their safety
and their speedy return.
Mr. Speaker, this moment of silence on behalf of our fallen heroes is
an important opportunity to state once and for all that the American
people and the Congress of the United States strongly support our men
and women in the Armed Forces.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to
honor our soldiers who have died in the service of our country in Iraq
and Afghanistan.
As of May 19, 2004, 783 American men and women had lost their lives
as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and 123 American men and women had
lost their lives as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
I am forever indebted to these courageous men and women because the
fight for freedom is not without loss.
I fully support the military families of these heroes who have
sacrificed their lives in the service of our country.
In my State of Texas, we have lost 84 men and women defending
America's dream of democracy and freedom for all.
I am sure all Texans join me in letting their families know that we
consider all of them heroes because they died answering the call of our
country.
It is because of them we enjoy our freedom and live in the greatest
country there is.
Father Dennis Edward O'Brien of the USMC wrote the following poem
honoring our soldiers:
It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us the freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, Who has given us
the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag
And whose coffin is draped by the flag.
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.
[[Page H3502]]
Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the names of the fallen
Texas soldiers be printed in the Record. May God grant strength and
peace to those who mourn and God bless America.
Texas Fallen Heroes
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
Marine Cpl. Daniel R. Amaya died from hostile fire in Al
Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th
Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Force,
Twentynine Palms, California. Died on April 11, 2004.
Army Spc. Edward J. Anguiano, 24, of Brownsville, Texas.
Spc. Anguiano was in a six-vehicle convoy on Highway 7 in
Iraq when enemy forces ambushed them on March 23. His remains
were recovered on April 24. Anguiano was assigned to 3rd
Forward Support Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia.
Marine CWO Andrew Todd Arnold, 30, of Spring, Texas. Killed
in a non-hostile accident with two other soldiers when a
rocket-propelled grenade launcher they were firing for
familiarization malfunctioned on a firing range near the city
of Al Kut, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th
Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp
Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on April 22, 2003.
Army Spc. Richard Arriaga, 20, of Ganado, Texas. Arriaga
was killed in an ambush by small arms fire and rocket
propelled grenade in Tikrit, Iraq. He was assigned to
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 42nd
Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on September
18, 2003.
Army Spc. Robert R. Arsiaga, 25, of San Antonio, Texas.
Arsiaga died in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit was attacked
with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. He was
assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry
Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on April 4, 2004.
Marine Lance Cpl. Aaron C. Austin, 21, of Sunray, Texas.
Austin died due to hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st
Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp
Pendleton, California. Died on April 26, 2004.
Marine Pfc. Chad E. Bales, 20, of Coahoma, Texas. Killed in
a non-hostile vehicle accident during convoy operations east
of Ash Shahin, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Transportation
Support Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp
Pendleton, California. Died on April 3, 2003.
Army Sgt. Michael Paul Barrera, 26, of Von Ormy, Texas.
Barrea was fatally injured when his tank was hit with an
improvised explosive device in Baqubah, Iraq. Barrera was
assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, Fort
Hood, Texas. Died on October 28, 2003.
Army Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco, 28, of Texas. Blanco was
conducting a support mission when an improvised explosive
device hit his vehicle in Qaryat Ash Shababi, Iraq. He was
assigned to 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment,
82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Died on
December 28, 2003.
Army CW4 Clarence E. Boone, 50, of Fort Worth Texas. Boone
died as a result of a non-combat related injury in Kuwait
City, Kuwait. He was assigned to Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood,
Texas. Died on December 2, 2003.
Army Spc. Philip D. Brown, 21, of El Paso, Texas. Brown
died in Balad, Iraq, from injuries sustained by an improvised
explosive device west of Samarra. He was assigned to the Army
National Guard's Company B, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion,
Jamestown, North Dakota. Died on May 8, 2004.
Army Spc. Adolfo C. Carballo, 20, of Houston, Texas.
Carballo died in Baghdad, Iraq, when shrapnel struck him. He
was assigned to 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery Regiment,
1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on April 10,
2004.
Marine Lance Cpl. James A. Casper, 20, of Coolidge, Texas.
Casper died due to a non-combat related incident at Al Asad,
Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st
Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp
Pendleton, California. Died on March 25, 2004.
Army Staff Sgt. Roland L. Castro, 26, of San Antonio,
Texas. Castro died of a non-hostile gunshot wound in Camp
Cedar II, Iraq. He was assigned to Battery A, 1st Battalion,
12th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Died on January
16, 2004.
Army Staff Sgt. Gary L. Collins, 32, of Hardin, Texas.
Collins was riding in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle when it hit
an improvised explosive device in Fallujah, Iraq. He was
assigned to 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st
Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. Died on November 8,
2003.
Army Spc. Zeferino E. Colunga, 20, of Bellville, Texas.
Colunga was initially evacuated to the 28th Combat Support
Hospital in Iraq on Aug. 4. He was then evacuated to
Landstuhl Army Regional Medical Center and later to Homburg
University Hospital in Germany for further evaluation. He
remained at Homburg until his death. His death was unrelated
to the recent cases of pneumonia in Southwest Asia. Colunga
was assigned to 4th Squadron, 2nd Armored Calvary Regiment,
Fort Polk, Louisiana. Died on August 6, 2003.
Army Pfc. Rey D. Cuervo, 24, of Laguna Vista, Texas. Cuervo
was on a mounted patrol in Baghdad, Iraq when an improvised
explosive device hit his vehicle. He was assigned to 1st
Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Polk, Louisiana.
Died on December 28, 2003.
Air Force Capt. Eric B. Das, 30, of Amarillo, Texas. Das
was the pilot of an F-15E that went down during a combat
mission in Iraq. He was assigned to the 333rd Fighter
Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.
Died on April 7, 2003.
Army Pfc. Ervin Dervishi, 21, of Fort Worth, Texas.
Dervishi died in Baji, Iraq, during a combat patrol when a
rocket-propelled grenade hit the Bradley Fighting Vehicle in
which he was traveling. He was evacuated to the 28th Combat
Support Hospital where he later died. Dervishi was assigned
to Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th
Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on January 24,
2004.
Army Staff Sgt. Joe L. Dunigan, Jr., 37, of Belton, Texas.
Dunigan died in Fallujah, Iraq, when his vehicle was hit by
an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 16th Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort
Riley, Kansas. Died on March 11, 2004.
Army Sgt. William C. Eckhart, 25, of Rocksprings, Texas.
Eckhart died in Baqubah, Iraq when he was on an anti-mortar
mission and there was an explosion of unknown origin. He was
assigned to 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt,
Germany. Died on April 10, 2004.
Army Pfc. Analaura Esparza-Gutierrez, 21, of Houston,
Texas. Esparza-Gutierrez was in a convoy that was hit by an
improvised explosive device and rocket propelled grenades in
Tikrit, Iraq. Esparza-Gutierrez died of her injuries. She was
assigned to A Company, 4th Forward Support Battalion, Fort
Hood, Texas. Died on October 1, 2003.
Army Pvt. Ruben Estrella-Soto, 18, of El Paso, Texas.
Killed in action after his convoy was ambushed in Iraq on
March 23. He was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company,
Fort Bliss, Texas.
Army Master Sgt. George A. Fernandez, 36, of El Paso,
Texas. Killed in action in northern Iraq. He was assigned to
Headquarters, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort
Bragg, North Carolina. Died on Apri12, 2003.
Army Chief Warrant Officer Wesley C. Fortenberry, 38, of
Woodville, Texas. Fortenberry died in Baghdad, Iraq when his
helicopter was shot down. He was assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division,
Fort Hood, Texas. Died on April 11, 2004.
Army Pvt. Robert L. Frantz, 19, of San Antonio, Texas.
Frantz was on guard duty when a local resident threw a
grenade over the wall. Frantz died of his injuries in
Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion,
36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Ray Barracks,
Germany. Died on June 17, 2003.
Army Spc. Israel Garza, 25, of Lubbock, Texas. Garza died
in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit was attacked with rocket-
propelled grenades and small arms fire. He was assigned to
2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division,
Fort Hood, Texas. Died on April 4, 2004.
Army 1st Sgt. Joe J. Garza, 43, of Robstown, Texas. Garza
was riding in a HMMWV that swerved to avoid a civilian
vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq. Graza fell out and was struck by a
civilian vehicle. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 30th
Infantry Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Died on April 28,
2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. Shane L. Goldman, 20, of Orange, Texas.
Goldman died due to injuries received from hostile fire in Al
Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th
Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force,
Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 5, 2004.
Marine Cpl. Jeffrey G. Green, 20, of Dallas, Texas. Green
was found deceased on May 5, 2004 in the Euphrates River, in
Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Cause of death is under
investigation. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine
Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force,
Camp Pendleton, California.
Army Pfc. Clayton W. Henson, 20, of Stanton, Texas. Henson
died when his convoy was ambushed in Dwaniyan, Iraq. He was
assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort
Polk, Louisiana. Died on April 17, 2004.
Army Master Sgt. Kelly L. Hornbeck, 36, of Fort Worth,
Texas. Hornbeck sustained injuries on January 16 when an
improvised explosive device hit his vehicle, south of
Samarra, Iraq. He was initially evacuated to the 21st Combat
Support Hospital and then moved to the 28th CSH for further
treatment where he later died. Hornbeck was assigned to
Company C, 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Fort
Carson, Colorado. Died on January 18, 2004.
Army 1st Lt. Doyle M. Hufstedler, 25, of Abilene, Texas.
Hufstedler died in Habbaniyah, Iraq, when an improvised
explosive device hit his armored personnel carrier. He was
assigned to the Army's 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade,
1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. Died on March 31,
2004.
Army Spc. Ray J. Hutchinson, 20, of League City, Texas.
Hutchinson was returning from a patrol when an improvised
explosive device hit his vehicle in Mosul, Iraq. He was
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st
Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Died on December 7, 2003.
Army CW2 Scott Jamar, 32, of Sweetwater, Texas. Killed when
his UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in central Iraq. He
was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment,
Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Died on April 2, 2003.
[[Page H3503]]
Army Spc. John P. Johnson, 24, of Houston, Texas. Johnson
died of non-combat related injuries in Baghdad, Iraq. He was
assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored
Division, Baumholder, Germany. Died on October 22, 2003.
Army Spc. Michael G. Karr, Jr., 23, of San Antonio, Texas.
Karr died in Habbaniyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive
device hit his armored personnel carrier. He was assigned to
the Army's 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry
Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. Died on March 31, 2004.
Marine Cpl. Brian Matthew Kennedy, 25, of Houston, Texas.
Killed in a CH-46E helicopter crash in Kuwait. He was
assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron--268, 3rd
Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp
Pendleton, California. Died on March 20, 2003.
Army Spc. James M. Kiehl, 22, of Comfort, Texas. Killed in
action after his convoy was ambushed in Iraq on March 23. He
was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss,
Texas.
Army Spc. Scott Q. Larson, Jr., 22, of Houston, Texas.
Larson died in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when his
convoy was ambushed. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 37th
Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armor Division, Ray
Barracks, Friedberg, Germany. Died on April 5, 2004.
Army Staff Sgt. Rene Ledesma, 34, of Abelene, Texas.
Ledesma died in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive
device exploded near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. He was
assigned to 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry
Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on May 15, 2004.
Army Pfc. Jason C. Ludlam, 22, of Arlington, Texas. Ludlam
died in Ba'qubah, Iraq, when he was electrocuted while laying
telephone wires. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd
Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, based in Vilseck,
Germany. Died on March 19, 2004.
Army Chief Warrant Officer Johnny Villareal Mata, 35, of
Pecos, Texas. Killed in action after his convoy was ambushed
in Iraq on March 23. He was assigned to the 507th Maintenance
Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Marine Cpl. Matthew E. Matula, 20, of Spicewood, Texas.
Matula died from hostile fire in Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd
Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine
Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on
April 9, 2004.
Marine Cpl. Jesus Martin Antonio Medellin, 21, of Fort
Worth, Texas. Killed in Central Iraq when an enemy artillery
round struck the Amphibious Assault Vehicle in which he was
riding. He was assigned to the 3rd Assault Amphibian
Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California.
Died on April 7, 2003.
Army Sgt. Daniel K. Methvin, 22, of Belton, Texas. Methvin
was killed as a result of a grenade being thrown from a
window of an Iraqi civilian hospital that he was guarding in
Ba'qubah, Iraq. He was assigned to Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 4th
Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on July 26, 2003.
Army Pfc. Anthony S. Miller, 19, of San Antonio, Texas.
Killed by enemy indirect fire in Iraq. He was assigned to
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Division,
2nd Brigade, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 7, 2003.
Army Pfc. Stuart W. Moore, 21, of Livingston, Texas. Moore
died in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device
struck his convoy. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd
Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division, based in
Giessen, Germany. Died on December 22, 2003.
Army Sgt. Gerardo Moreno, 23, of Terrell, Texas. Moreno
died in Ashula, Iraq, when his unit was ambushed by
individuals who fired a rocket-propelled grenade. He was
assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry
Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on April 6, 2004.
Marine Pfc. Ricky A. Morris, Jr., 20, of Lubbock, Texas.
Morris died as a result of enemy action in Al Qaim, Iraq. He
was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st
Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine
Palms, California. Died on March 18, 2004.
Army Sgt. Keelan L. Moss, 23, of Houston, Texas. Moss was
on board a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter when it went down in Al
Fallujah, Iraq. The cause of the incident is unknown and an
investigation is underway. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion,
5th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Died on
November 2, 2003.
Army Spc. Joseph C. Norquist, 26, of San Antonio, Texas.
Norquist was in a convoy that came under attack from rocket
propelled grenades and small arms fire in Baqubah, Iraq.
Norquist was fatally injured in the incident. He was assigned
to the 588th Engineer Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on
October 9, 2003.
Army Capt. Eric T. Paliwoda, 28, of Texas. Paliwoda was in
his command post in Balad, Iraq when it came under mortar
attack. He was assigned to 4th Engineer Battalion, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort
Carson, Colorado. Died on January 2, 2004.
Army Pfc. James D. Parker, 20, of Bryan, Texas. Parker died
in a mortar attack on a forward operating base near Ba'qubah.
He was assigned to the 588th Engineer Battalion (Heavy), 4th
Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on January 21,
2004.
Army Staff Sgt. Hector R. Perez, 40, of Corpus Christi,
Texas. Killed north of Al Hawd, Iraq, when his military
convoy came under enemy fire. Perez was assigned to Company
A, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division,
Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Died on July 24, 2003.
Army Spc. Jose A. Perez III, 22, of San Diego, Texas. Perez
was in a convoy that was ambushed in Taji, Iraq. He was
assigned to 6th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment,
Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Died on May 28, 2003.
Army Spc. Larry E. Polley, Jr., 20, of Center, Texas.
Polley was killed when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle struck an
improvised explosive device and overturned north of Taji,
Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field
Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Died on January 17, 2004.
Army Sgt. Christopher Ramirez, 34, of McAllen, Texas.
Ramirez died in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, from injuries
sustained during combat operations. He was assigned to the
1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry
Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. Died on April 14, 2004.
Army Sgt. Ariel Rico, 25, of El Paso, Texas. Rico died of
injuries sustained during an enemy mortar attack in Mosul,
Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery
Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort
Campbell, Kentucky. Died on November 28, 2003.
Army 1st Lt. Jonathan D. Rozier, 25, of Katy, Texas.
Rozier's unit was fired upon by rocket-propelled grenades and
small arms fire while manning a vehicle checkpoint in
Baghdad, Iraq. Rozier was assigned to B Company, 2-70th Armor
Battalion (1st Armored Division), Fort Riley, Kansas. Died on
July 19, 2003.
Army Spc. Isela Rubalcava, 25, of El Paso, Texas. Rubalcava
died in Mosul, Iraq, when a mortar round hit near her. She
was assigned to the 296th Combat Support Battalion, 3rd
Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team),
Fort Lewis, Washington. Died on May 8, 2004.
Army Sgt. John W. Russell, 26, of Portland, Texas. Russell
died when two 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) UH-60
Black Hawk helicopters crashed in Mosul, Iraq. He was
assigned to the 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st
Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Died on November 15, 2003.
Marine Pfc. Leroy Sandoval, Jr., 21, of Houston, Texas.
Sandoval died due to hostile fire in the Al Anbar Province,
Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment,
1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp
Pendleton, California. Died on March 26, 2004.
Army Spc. Christian C. Schulz, 20, of Colleyville, Texas.
Schulz died as a result of non-combat injuries in Baqubah,
Iraq. Schulz was assigned to the 3rd Troop, 67th Armor
Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on July 11, 2003.
Marine Pfc. Dustin M. Sekula, 18, of Edinburg, Texas.
Sekula died due to injuries sustained from enemy fire in Al
Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th
Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force,
Twentynine Palms, California. Died on April 1, 2004.
Army Pfc. Armando Soriano, 20, of Houston, Texas. Soriano
was traveling in a two-vehicle convoy on a supply route when
weather conditions caused his vehicle to slide off the road
and roll over. He died as a result of his injuries in
Haditha, Iraq. Soriano was assigned to the howitzer battery,
3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson,
Colorado. The unit is currently attached to the 82nd Airborne
Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Died on February 1,
2004.
Army Cpl. Tomas Sotelo, Jr., 20, of Houston, Texas. Sotelo
was traveling in a convoy when a rocket propelled grenade
struck his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq. Sotelo was assigned to
Headquarters Troop, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Polk,
Louisiana. Died on June 27, 2003.
Army Spc. Joseph D. Suell, 24, of Lufkin, Texas. Suell died
from a non-combat related cause in Todjie, Iraq. Suell was
assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters and Service
Battery, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, Fort
Sill, Oklahoma. Died on June 16, 2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. Elias Torrez III, 21, of Veribest, Texas.
Torrez died from hostile fire in Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine
Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California. Died on
April 9, 2004.
Marine Lance Cpl. Ruben Valdez, Jr., 21, of San Diego,
Texas. Valdez died due to injuries received from enemy action
in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion,
7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine
Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California. Died on
April 17, 2004.
Army Sgt. Melissa Valles, 26, of Eagle Pass, Texas. Valles
died in Balad, Iraq as a result of non-combat injuries. She
was assigned to B Company, 64th Forward Support Battalion,
Fort Carson, Colorado. Died on July 9, 2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. Michael B. Wafford, 20, of Spring, Texas.
Wafford died due to injuries received from hostile fire in Al
Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th
Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary
Force, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 8, 2004.
Navy Lt. Nathan D. White, 30, of Abilene, Texas. Killed in
action. White was the pilot of an F/A-18C Hornet lost over
Iraq. He was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron One Nine
Five (VFA 195), based in Atsugi, Japan,
[[Page H3504]]
and currently deployed with Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW 5)
aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Died on April 2, 2003.
Army Sgt. Steven W. White, 29, of Fruitvale, Texas. White
died of injuries sustained when his M113 armored personnel
carrier hit an antitank mine in Tikrit, Iraq. White was
assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th
Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas.
Died on August 13, 2003.
Army Spc. James C. Wright, 27, of Morgan, Texas. Wright was
killed in an ambush by small arms fire and rocket propelled
grenade in Tikrit, Iraq. He was assigned to Headquarters and
Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery
Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on September 18, 2003.
Army Pfc. Stephen E. Wyatt, 19, of Kilgore, Texas. Wyatt
was in a convoy that was hit by an improvised explosive
device and small arms fire in Balad, Iraq. Wyatt was assigned
to C Battery, 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment,
Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Died on October 13, 2003.
Army Staff Sgt. Henry Ybarra III, 32, of Austin, Texas.
Ybarra was changing the tire on a Heavy Expanded Mobility
Tactical Truck in Balad, Iraq when the tire exploded. Ybarra
died of his injuries. Ybarra was assigned to D Troop, 6th
Squadron, 6th Cavalry, Illesheim, Germany. Died on September
11, 2003.
OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM
Air Force Tech. Sgt. John A. Chapman, 36, of Waco, Texas.
Killed in action in eastern Afghanistan during Operation
Anaconda. Died on March 4, 2002.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Nathan R. Chapman, 31, of San Antonio,
Texas. Died in Afghanistan. Died on January 4, 2002.
Army Staff Sgt. Brian T. Craig, 27, of Texas. Craig died as
the result of an explosion during explosive clearing
operations in Qandahar, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 710th
Explosive Ordnance Detachment, San Diego, California. Died on
April 15, 2002.
Army Spc. Rodrigo Gonzalez-Garza, 26, of Texas. Died in
Kuwait. Died on February 24, 2003.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Raymond Losano, 24, of Del Rio,
Texas. Losano was a tactical air command and control
specialist assigned to the 14th Air Support Operation
Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina. Died on April
25, 2003.
Army Sgt. 1st Class John E. Taylor, 31, of Wichita Falls,
Texas. Taylor suffered a heart attack after completing
physical training in Kabul, Afghanistan. Taylor was assigned
to 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, North
Carolina. Died on May 17, 2003.
Air Force Staff Sgt. John Teal, 29, of Dallas, Texas. Teal
died in an HH-60 Pave Hawk accident in Afghanistan. He was
assigned to the 41st Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base,
Georgia. Died on March 23, 2003.
Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, at the close of business this week, we will
journey back home to our districts. There, we will meet with our
constituents and hear their concerns so that we may better serve them.
We will also celebrate Memorial Day with them. Memorial Day is a very
special day for me and my family, as I am sure it is for millions of
other families across our great nation.
Prior to my years in public office, I proudly served my country in
the United States Army. During my twenty years as a soldier, I served a
number of overseas tours, including two tours in Vietnam. The years I
spent wearing the uniform of my country will always be special to me,
and the brave Americans I knew as a result of my service will always
have a special place in my heart.
I would like to take this opportunity today to reflect upon the
sacrifices our brave servicemen and women have made in the past and are
making today as they honorably serve overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I know what it is like to serve in a hostile environment far away from
the comforts of home, separated from your loved ones. I also know the
joy they will feel when they return home to their families. However,
war does not promise that everyone who serves will return home. War
does not promise that families will see their brave soldiers again.
This Memorial Day, Iowans will join together with the rest of the
nation as we honor those soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to
defend the United States, uphold our Constitution, and advance the
cause of freedom around the world. We will honor GySgt. Jeffrey Bohr,
Lance Cpl. Ben Carman, Pvt. Michael Deutsch, PO Trace Dossett, Sgt.
Paul Fisher, Pvt. Kurt Frosheiser, Pfc. David Kirchhoff, Spc. Joshua
Knowles, Sgt. Bradley Korthaus, Pvt. Kenneth Nalley, Spc. Aaron Sissel,
CW4 Bruce Smith, Cpl. Michael R. Speer, and Pfc. Brandon Sturdy, brave
Iowans who lost their lives serving in Iraq. I thank them for their
sacrifice, and I, along with the rest of our nation, offer my deepest
condolences to their families.
God bless our brave and honorable servicemen and women and their
families. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker. From the troops still in the field today in
the deserts of Iraq and mountains of Afghanistan, to the scores of
veterans who have served in different theaters and eras, Memorial Day
is a time to honor these American heroes and celebrate the freedoms
that their sacrifices have secured.
This Memorial Day we stand victorious in liberating Iraq and
Afghanistan, and our soldiers have struck another blow against
international terrorism. These patriots and their families are making
great sacrifices on behalf of this nation, this world and all of
humanity.
This is also a time for our nation to remember the high price of
freedom, as we mourn with the families whose loved ones do not return
from the front lines. Memorial Day is a time to honor their lives and
their sacrifice.
New Mexico has been reminded that freedom isn't free, as we have laid
to rest four of our bravest sons and daughters.
Air Force 1st Lt. Tamara Archuleta, 23 years old, of Los Lunas, New
Mexico died on March 23, 2003 in an HH-60 Pave Hawk accident in
Afghanistan. She was assigned to the 41st Rescue Squadron, Moody Air
Force Base, Georgia.
Army Sgt. Lee D. Todacheene, 29 years old from Farmington, New
Mexico, was killed April 6, 2004 when mortar fire hit his guard post in
Balad, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment,
1st Infantry Division, Germany
Marine Corp Pfc. Christopher Ramos, 26 years old from Albuquerque,
New Mexico, was killed April 5, 2004 by hostile fire in Anbar province,
Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine
Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.
Marine Lance Corporal Aaron Austin, 21 years old from Lovington, NM.
He was killed April 26, 2004 by hostile fire in Anbar province, Iraq.
He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine
Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, at Camp Pendleton, CA.
I ask for a Moment of Silence from this Body, to honor them, and
their memory.
Mr. Speaker, Memorial Day is May 31st this year. But each day we live
in freedom is a Memorial Day, and an opportunity to thank our brave
members of the United States Military, as well as our Veterans. They
have the eternal thanks for a grateful nation.
The time we spend with our families and friends over Memorial Day
weekend is a time for us to turn back toward what is truly important:
our faith, our families, and our precious freedom.
May God Continue to Bless America.
Mr. OSBORNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memories of eight
brave soldiers from the Third District of Nebraska who gave the
ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of our country.
Spc. Dennis B. Morgan, 22, of Valentine, Nebrask; Pvt. Noah L. Boye,
21, of Grand Island, Nebraska; Sgt. Cory R. Mracek, 26, of Hay Springs,
Nebraska; Sgt. Dennis A. Corral, 33, of Kearney, Nebraska; Spc. James
R. Wolf, 21, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; Spc. Blake C. Kelly, 21 of
Columbus, Nebraska; Petty Officer 3rd Class David J. Moreno, 26,
Gering, Nebraska; and Capt. Travis A. Ford, 30, of Ogallala, Nebraska.
Having been in Iraq and Afghanistan just a few months ago, I fully
appreciate the character and commitment of our troops.
We are truly blessed to have this quality of soldiers protecting our
country.
We will never be able to express to these families our appreciation
for what their loved ones have sacrificed for our freedom.
I know that words cannot lessen the grief that each family is
experiencing.
I want you to know that I share some of that grief, because all of us
in Congress feel deeply responsible for our troops.
I can assure you that these eight soldiers have not been lost in
vain.
All of us are resolved to see this matter through to a successful
conclusion, so that Dennis; Noah; Cory; Dennis; James; Blake; David;
and Travis sacrifice and memory are honored.
Mr. Speaker, may we all take a moment this Memorial Day to remember
that our freedom has been bought with a price.
Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave soldiers who
have given their lives while serving our great Nation during war. For
136 years American citizens have used Memorial Day as a special day to
honor the servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for
our country. Flowers and candles are lit on the graves of our heroes,
ceremonies are held and Americans all over the country recognize the
fallen soldiers in silence and solemnity.
Memorial Day is also a day where we should think about our values and
appreciate how lucky we are to live in a free and democratic country.
We should remember Franklin D. Roosevelt's words of January 6, 1941
when he outlined his hopes for a better future for the world. ``In the
future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world
founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of
speech and expression--everywhere in the world. The second is freedom
of every person to worship God in his own way--everywhere in the world.
The third is freedom from want--which, translated into world terms,
means economic understandings
[[Page H3505]]
which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its
inhabitants--everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear--
which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of
armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation
will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against
any neighhbor--anywhere in the world.''
Memorial Day is a day when we should remember that there are still
nations in the world which do not have these four freedoms. American
soldiers are still fighting abroad to help people free themselves from
oppression.
Sadly, this Memorial Day we also have to remember that we are a
nation at war. But whatever we think about this war should not
undermine our unity in support of the brave troops fighting in Iraq.
America stands behind the servicemen and women who, day after day, risk
their lives. Almost 800 U.S. men and women in uniform have been killed
in Iraq to the current date. I submit a list of the names of these
heroes to be entered into the Congressional Record.
Let us use Memorial Day to show our deep appreciation for these
heroes. I again want to offer my sincerest sympathy to the families of
the fallen soldiers. It is hard to imagine the pain these families are
going through. But they can be assured that Americans will forever
remember their loved ones with pride and gratefulness.
I have founded the Iraq Fallen Heroes Caucus to honor the fallen
heroes and to actively support their families. Seventy-three Members of
Congress--Democrats as well as Republicans--are already members of this
caucus and I hope that more will join.
I again want to commend our soldiers for their great courage and
willingness to fight for our country and encourage all Americans to use
Memorial Day to honor our troops and remember those who have given
their lives for the United States.
U.S. CASUALTIES IN IRAQ AS OF MAY 17, 2004
[Sorted by State of Residence]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Branch Rank and name Age State Hometown
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Howard Johnson II........... 21 AL....... Mobile.
6-Apr-03...... Army.............. Pvt. Kelley S. Prewitt........... 24 AL....... Birmingham.
14-Apr-03..... Army.............. Pfc. John E. Brown............... 21 AL....... Troy.
22-Apr-03..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Robert 36 AL....... Tuscaloosa.
William Channell, Jr.
24-Jun-03..... Army.............. Spc. Cedric L. Lennon............ 32 AL....... West Blocton.
28-Jun-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Timothy M. Conneway......... 22 AL....... Enterprise.
20-Jul-03..... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Christopher R. 29 AL....... Phenix City.
Willoughby.
4-Sept-03..... Air Force......... Tech. Sgt. Bruce E. Brown........ 32 AL....... Coatopa.
21-Oct-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Paul J. Bueche.............. 19 AL....... Daphne.
27-Oct-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Aubrey D. Bell.............. 33 AL....... Tuskegee.
26-Dec-03..... Army.............. Spc Charles G. Haight............ 23 AL....... Jacksonville.
8-Jan-04...... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Philip A. 31 AL....... Mobile.
Johnson, Jr.
23-Jan-04..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Brian D. 29 AL....... Fort Rucker.
Hazelgrove.
16-Feb-04..... Army.............. Spc. Christopher M. Taylor....... 25 AL....... Daphne.
4-Apr-04...... Army.............. Spc. Ahmed A. Cason.............. 24 AL....... McCalla.
4-Apr-04...... Army.............. Spc. Stephen D. Hiller........... 25 AL....... Opelika.
10-Apr-04..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. John T. Sims, Jr...... 21 AL....... Alexander City.
25-Mar-03..... Navy.............. Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class 25 AR....... Little Rock.
Michael Vann Johnson.
26-Jul-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Jonathan M. Cheatham........ 19 AR....... Camden.
12-Sep-03..... Army.............. Master Sgt. Kevin N. Morehead.... 33 AR....... Little Rock.
18-Mar-04..... Marine............ Pfc. Brandon C. Smith............ 20 AR....... Washington.
6-Apr-04...... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class William W. 45 AR....... Bauxite.
Labadie, Jr.
24-Apr-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Stacy C. Brandon...... 35 AR....... Hazen.
24-Apr-04..... Army.............. Capt. Arthur L. Felder........... 36 AR....... Lewisville.
24-Apr-04..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Patrick W. 49 AR....... North Little Rock.
Kordsmeier.
24-Apr-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Billy J. Orton........ 41 AR....... Humnoke.
6-May-04...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Hesley Box............ 24 AR....... Nashville.
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Lori Ann Piestewa........... 23 AZ....... Tuba City.
28-Mar-03..... Marine............ Sgt. Fernando Padilla-Ramirez.... 26 AZ....... Yuma.
2-Apr-03...... Navy.............. Lt. Nathan D. White.............. 30 AZ....... Mesa.
18-Jun-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. William T. Latham..... 29 AZ....... Kingman.
26-Jun-03..... Navy.............. Seaman Joshua McIntosh........... 22 AZ....... Kingman.
30-Aug-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Sean K. Cataudella.......... 28 AZ....... Tucson.
15-Sep-03..... Army.............. Spc. Alyssa R. Peterson.......... 27 AZ....... Flagstaff.
6-Oct-03...... Army.............. Spc. Spencer T. Karol............ 20 AZ....... Woodruff.
17-Oct-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Michael J. Williams... 31 AZ....... Yuma.
28-Oct-03..... Army.............. Spec. Issac Campoy............... 21 AZ....... Douglas.
24-Dec-03..... Army.............. Command Sgt. Major Eric F. Cooke. 43 AZ....... Scottsdale.
9-Feb-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Elijah Tai Wah Wong......... 42 AZ....... Mesa.
17-Feb-04..... Army.............. Spc. Michael M. Merila........... 23 AZ....... Sierra Vista.
25-Feb-04..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Matthew C. 32 AZ....... Phoenix.
Laskowski.
12-Apr-04..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Robert P. Zurheide, Jr 20 AZ....... Tucson.
21-Mar-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Jose Gutierrez........ 22 CA....... Los Angeles.
22-Mar-03..... Navy.............. Lt. Thomas Mullen Adams.......... 27 CA....... La Mesa.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Cpl Randal Kent Rosacker......... 21 CA....... San Diego.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Sgt. Michael E. Bitz............. 31 CA....... Ventura.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Cpl Jose A. Garibay.............. 21 CA....... Costa Mesa.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Cpl. Jorge A. Gonzalez........... 20 CA....... Los Angeles.
25-Mar-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Patrick T. O'Day...... 20 CA....... Sonoma.
25-Mar-03..... Marine............ Pfc. Francisco A. Martinez-Flores 21 CA....... Los Angeles.
27-Mar-03..... Marine............ Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Menusa....... 33 CA....... San Jose.
27-Mar-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Jesus A. Suarez del 20 CA....... Escondido.
Solar.
3-Apr-03...... Marine............ Cpl. Erik H. Silva............... 22 CA....... Chula Vista.
4-Apr-03...... Army.............. Pvt. Devon D. Jones.............. 19 CA....... San Diego.
8-Apr-03...... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class John W. Marshall.. 50 CA....... Los Angeles.
12-Apr-03..... Marine............ Cpl. Jesus A. Gonzalez........... 22 CA....... Indio.
24-Apr-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Troy David Jenkins.......... 25 CA....... Ridgecrest.
25-Apr-03..... Army.............. 1st Lt. Osbaldo Orozco........... 26 CA....... Delano.
12-May-03..... Marine............ Pfc. Jose Franci Gonzalez 19 CA....... Norwalk.
Rodriguez.
18-May-03..... Marine............ Cpl. Douglas Jose Marencoreyes... 28 CA....... Chino.
19-May-03..... Marine............ Capt. Andrew David La Mont....... 31 CA....... Eureka.
19-May-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Jason William Moore... 21 CA....... San Marcos.
3-Jun-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Atanacio Haro Marin......... 27 CA....... Baldwin Park.
19-Jun-03..... Army.............. Spc. Paul T. Nakamura............ 21 CA....... Santa Fe Springs.
25-Jun-03..... Army.............. Spec. Andrew F. Chris............ 25 CA....... San Diego.
9-Jul-03...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Jason Andrew Tetrault. 20 CA....... Moreno Valley.
15-Jul-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Cory Ryan Geurin...... 18 CA....... Santee.
24-Jul-03..... Army.............. Cpl. Evan Asa Ashcraft........... 24 CA....... Los Angeles.
10-Aug-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. David S. Perry........ 36 CA....... Bakersfield.
12-Aug-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Daniel R. Parker............ 18 CA....... Lake Elsinore.
21-Aug-03..... Navy.............. Lt. Kylan A. Jones-Huffman....... 31 CA....... Aptos.
25-Aug-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Pablo Manzano............... 19 CA....... Heber.
9-Oct-03...... Army.............. Pvt. Sean A. Silva............... 23 CA....... Roseville.
13-Oct-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Jose Casanova............... 23 CA....... El Monte.
16-Oct-03..... Army.............. Cpl. Sean R. Grilley............. 24 CA....... San Bernardino.
24-Oct-03..... Army.............. Spc. Jose L. Mora................ 26 CA....... Bell Gardens.
24-Oct-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Michael S. Hancock.......... 29 CA....... Yreka.
26-Oct-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Steven Acosta............... 19 CA....... Calexico.
31-Oct-03..... Army.............. 2nd Lt. Todd J. Bryant........... 23 CA....... Riverside.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Karina S. Lau............... 20 CA....... Livingston.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Paul A. Velazquez..... 29 CA....... San Diego.
11-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. Genaro Acosta............... 26 CA....... Fair Oaks.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Bolor....... 37 CA....... Whittier.
23-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. Rel A. Ravago IV............ 21 CA....... Glendale.
23-Nov-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Eddie E. Menyweather.. 35 CA....... Los Angeles.
23-Nov-03..... Army.............. CW2 Christopher G. Nason......... 39 CA....... Los Angeles.
[[Page H3506]]
29-Nov-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Bertolino.. 40 CA....... Orange.
2-Dec-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Ryan C. Young............... 21 CA....... Corona.
5-Dec-03...... Army.............. Spc. Arron R. Clark.............. 20 CA....... Chico.
8-Dec-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Steven H. Bridges..... 33 CA....... Tracy.
10-Dec-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Richard A. Burdick.... 24 CA....... National City.
26-Dec-03..... Army.............. Spc. Michael G. Mihalakis........ 18 CA....... San Jose.
30-Dec-03..... Army.............. Spc. Justin W. Pollard........... 21 CA....... Foothill Ranch.
7-Jan-04...... Army.............. Pfc. Jesse D. Mizener............ 24 CA....... Auburn.
8-Jan-04...... Army.............. Spc. Michael A. Diraimondo....... 22 CA....... Simi Valley.
14-Jan-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Keicia M. Hines............. 27 CA....... Citrus Heights.
24-Jan-04..... Army.............. Spc. Jason K. Chappell........... 22 CA....... Hemet.
31-Jan-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Eliu A. Miersandoval........ 27 CA....... San Clemente.
10-Feb-04..... Air Force......... Master Sgt. Jude C. Mariano...... 39 CA....... Vallejo.
11-Feb-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Patrick S. Tainsh........... 33 CA....... Oceanside.
12-Feb-04..... Army.............. Spc. Eric U. Ramirez............. 31 CA....... San Diego.
11-Mar-04..... Army.............. Spc. Christopher K. Hill......... 26 CA....... Ventura.
13-Mar-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Joel K. Brattain............ 21 CA....... Santa Ana.
20-Mar-04..... Army.............. Maj. Mark D. Taylor.............. 41 CA....... Stockton.
20-Mar-04..... Army.............. 1st Lt. Michael W. Vega.......... 41 CA....... Lathrop.
22-Mar-04..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Andrew S. Dang........ 20 CA....... Foster City.
30-Mar-04..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. William J. Wiscowiche. 20 CA....... Victorville.
4-Apr-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Michael W. Mitchell......... 25 CA....... Porterville.
4-Apr-04...... Army.............. Spc. Casey Sheehan............... 24 CA....... Vacaville.
6-Apr-04...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Marcus M. Cherry...... 18 CA....... Imperial.
6-Apr-04...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Kyle D. Crowley....... 18 CA....... San Ramon.
6-Apr-04...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Travis J. Layfield.... 19 CA....... Fremont.
6-Apr-04...... Marine............ Staff Sgt. Allan K. Walker....... 28 CA....... Lancaster.
8-Apr-04...... Marine............ Staff Sgt. William M. Harrell.... 30 CA....... Placentia.
8-Apr-04...... Marine............ 1st Lt. Joshua M. Palmer......... 25 CA....... Banning.
9-Apr-04...... Marine............ Pfc. Eric A. Ayon................ 26 CA....... Arleta.
11-Apr-04..... Marine............ 1st Lt. Oscar Jimenez............ 34 CA....... San Diego.
11-Apr-04..... Marine............ Pfc. George D. Torres............ 23 CA....... Long Beach.
12-Apr-04..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Brad S. Shuder........ 21 CA....... El Dorado.
13-Apr-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Victor A. 29 CA....... Westminister.
Rosaleslomeli.
15-Apr-04..... Marine............ Staff Sgt. Jimmy J. Arroyave..... 30 CA....... Woodland.
16-Apr-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Brian M. Wood............... 21 CA....... Torrence.
17-Apr-04..... Marine............ Capt. Richard J. Gannon II....... 31 CA....... Escondido.
18-Apr-04..... Marine............ Cpl. Christopher A. Gibson....... 23 CA....... Simi Valley.
20-Apr-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Leroy Harris-Kelly.......... 20 CA....... Azusa.
27-Apr-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Abraham D. Penamedina. 32 CA....... Los Angeles.
29-Apr-04..... Army.............. Spc. James L. Beckstrand......... 27 CA....... Escondido.
29-Apr-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Adam W. Estep............... 23 CA....... Campbell.
1-May-04...... Army.............. Spc. Ramon C. Ojeda.............. 22 CA....... Ramona.
1-May-04...... Army.............. Spc. Trevor A. Win'E............. 22 CA....... Orange.
3-May-04...... Army.............. Pfc. Lyndon A. Marcus, Jr........ 21 CA....... Long Beach.
3-May-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Marvin R. Sprayberry III.... 24 CA....... Tehachapi.
13-May-04..... Marine............ Pfc. Brian K. Cutter............. 19 CA....... Riverside.
14-May-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Brud J. Cronkrite........... 22 CA....... Spring Valley.
14-May-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Michael A. Mora............. 19 CA....... Arroyo Grande.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Thomas J. Slocum...... 22 CO....... Thornton.
3-Apr-03...... Army.............. Capt. Russell B. Rippetoe........ 27 CO....... Arvada.
3-Apr-03...... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Randall S. Rehn... 36 CO....... Longmont.
27-May-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Thomas F. Broomhead......... 34 CO....... Canon City.
7-Jul-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Barry Sandford Sr..... 46 CO....... Aurora.
29-Aug-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Mark A. Lawton........ 41 CO....... Hayden.
24-Dec-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Michael E. Yashinski........ 24 CO....... Monument.
9-Apr-04...... Marine............ Pfc. Chance R. Phelps............ 19 CO....... Clifton.
29-Apr-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Ryan E. Reed................ 20 CO....... Colorado Springs.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Staff Sgt. Phillip A. Jordan..... 42 CT....... Enfield.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Cpl. Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse.... 22 CT....... Waterford.
20-Jul-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Jason D. Jordan............. 24 CT....... Enfield.
26-Jul-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Wilfredo Perez, Jr.......... 24 CT....... Norwalk.
12-Aug-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Richard S. Eaton, Jr.. 37 CT....... Guilford.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Anthony D. D'Agostino....... 20 CT....... Waterbury.
12-Dec-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Jeffrey F. Braun............ 19 CT....... Stafford.
7-Apr-04...... Army.............. Spc. Tyanna S. Felder............ 22 CT....... Bridgeport.
9-Apr-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Felix M. Delgreco........... 22 CT....... Simsbury.
25-Jun-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Gregory E. MacDonald.. 29 DC....... Washington.
26-Aug-03..... Army.............. Spc. Darryl T. Dent.............. 21 DC....... Washington.
30-Mar-03..... Marine............ Sgt. Brian McGinnis.............. 23 DE....... Saint Georges.
3-Apr-03...... Army.............. Spc. Ryan P. Long................ 21 DE....... Seaford.
7-Sep-03...... Army.............. Spc. Jarrett B. Thompson......... 27 DE....... Dover.
6-Apr-04...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Anthony P. Roberts.... 18 DE....... Bear.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Brian Rory Buesing.... 20 FL....... Cedar Key.
3-Apr-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Wilbert Davis......... 40 FL....... Tampa.
4-Apr-03...... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith..... 33 FL....... Tampa.
7-Apr-03...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Andrew Julian Aviles.. 18 FL....... Palm Beach.
14-Apr-03..... Marine............ Cpl. Armando Ariel Gonzalez...... 25 FL....... Hialeah.
17-Apr-03..... Army.............. Cpl. John T. Rivero.............. 23 FL....... Tampa.
26-May-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Keman L. Mitchell........... 24 FL....... Hilliard.
27-May-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Michael B. Quinn...... 37 FL....... Tampa.
6-Jul-03...... Army.............. Spc. Jeffrey M. Wershow.......... 22 FL....... Gainesville.
3-Oct-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Charles M. Sims............. 18 FL....... Miami.
12-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. Robert A. Wise.............. 21 FL....... Tallahassee.
20-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. Robert D. Roberts........... 21 FL....... Winter Park.
8-Jan-04...... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Aaron A. 32 FL....... Inverness.
Weaver.
8-Jan-04...... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Ian D. 23 FL....... .....................
Manuel.
17-Jan-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Cody J. Orr................. 21 FL....... Ruskin.
17-Jan-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Edmond L. Randle............ 26 FL....... Miami.
1-Mar-04...... Army.............. Spc. Michael R. Woodliff......... 22 FL....... Port Charlotte.
17-Mar-04..... Army.............. Spc. Tracy L. Laramore........... 30 FL....... Okaloosa.
24-Mar-04..... Army.............. SSgt. Wentz Jerome Henry 33 FL....... Naples.
Shanaberger III.
6-Apr-04...... Marine............ Pfc. Christopher R. Cobb......... 19 FL....... Brandenton.
9-Apr-04...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Raymond E. Jones, Jr.. 31 FL....... Gainesville.
17-Apr-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Jonathan N. Hartman......... 27 FL....... Jacksonville.
20-Apr-04..... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Bradley C. Fox.... 34 FL....... Orlando.
29-Apr-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Jeremy Ricardo Ewing........ 22 FL....... Miami.
29-Apr-04..... Army.............. Spc. Justin B. Schmidt........... 23 FL....... Bradenton.
30-Apr-04..... Navy.............. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class 31 FL....... Apopka.
Jason B. Dwelley.
2-May-04...... Navy.............. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael 36 FL....... Daytona
C. Anderson.
2-May-04...... Navy.............. Petty Officer 2nd Class Trace W. 37 FL....... Orlando.
Dossett.
2-May-04...... Navy.............. Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald A. 37 FL....... Auburndale.
Ginther.
2-May-04...... Navy.............. Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert B. 35 FL....... Stuart.
Jenkins.
2-May-04...... Navy.............. Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott R. 33 FL....... Boca Raton.
Mchugh.
2-May-04...... Army.............. Capt. John E. Tipton............. 32 FL....... Fort Walton Beach.
3-May-04...... Army.............. 1st Lt. Christopher J. Kenny..... 32 FL....... Miami.
6-May-04...... Marine............ Cpl. Dustin H. Schrage........... 20 FL....... Brevard.
8-May-05...... Marine............ Cpl. Ronald R. Payne, Jr......... 23 FL....... Lakeland.
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Spc. Jamaal R. Addison........... 22 GA....... Roswell.
29-Mar-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Diego Fernando Rincon....... 19 GA....... Conyers.
[[Page H3507]]
29-Mar-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Michael Russell Creighton 20 GA....... Conyers.
Weldon.
3-Apr-03...... Army.............. Capt. Edward J. Korn............. 31 GA....... Savannah.
14-May-03..... Army.............. Spc. David T. Nutt............... 32 GA....... Blackshear.
12-Jun-03..... Army.............. Spc. John K. Klinesmith, Jr...... 25 GA....... Stockbridge.
14-Jul-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Michael T. Crockett......... 27 GA....... Soperton.
28-Jul-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Nathaniel Hart, Jr.......... 29 GA....... Valdosta.
20-Aug-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Bobby C. Franklin..... 38 GA....... Mineral Bluff.
13-Oct-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Benjamin L. Freeman......... 19 GA....... Valdosta.
23-Nov-03..... Army.............. Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry L. Wilson 45 GA....... Thomson.
11-Dec-03..... Army.............. Spec. Marshall L. Edgerton....... 27 GA....... Rocky Face.
17-Dec-03..... Army.............. Spc. Christopher J. Holland...... 26 GA....... Brunswick.
8-Jan-04...... Army.............. Spc. Nathaniel H. Johnson........ 22 GA....... Augusta.
12-Jan-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Ricky L. Crockett..... 37 GA....... Broxton.
15-Mar-04..... Army.............. Sgt. William J. Normandy......... 42 GA....... Augusta.
16-Mar-04..... Army.............. Master Sgt. Thomas R. Thigpen, Sr 52 GA....... Augusta.
2-Apr-2004.... Army.............. Pfc. William R. Strange.......... 19 GA....... Adrian.
10-Apr-04..... Air Force......... Airman 1st Class Antoine J. Holt. 20 GA....... Kennesaw.
10-Apr-04..... Army.............. Spc. Justin W. Johnson........... 22 GA....... Rome.
17-Apr-04..... Army.............. Spc. Marvin A. Camposiles........ 25 GA....... Austell.
27-Apr-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Marquis A. Whitaker......... 20 GA....... Columbus.
30-Apr-04..... Navy.............. Petty Officer 3rd Class 33 GA....... Eastman.
Christopher M. Dickerson.
1-Sep-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Cameron B. Sarno...... 43 HI....... Waipahu.
24-Mar-03..... Marine............ Sgt. Bradley S. Korthaus......... 28 IA....... Davenport.
10-Apr-03..... Marine............ Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey E. Bohr, Jr. 39 IA....... Ossian.
26-May-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Kenneth A. Nalley........... 19 IA....... Hamburg.
31-Jul-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Michael J. Deutsch.......... 21 IA....... Dubuque.
14-Aug-03..... Army.............. Pfc. David M. Kirchhoff.......... 31 IA....... Cedar Rapds.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Bruce A. 41 IA....... West Liberty.
Smith.
6-Nov-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Paul F. Fisher.............. 39 IA....... Cedar Rapids.
8-Nov-03...... Army.............. Pvt. Kurt R. Frosheiser.......... 22 IA....... Des Moines.
29-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. Aaron J. Sissel............. 22 IA....... Tipton.
5-Feb-04...... Army.............. Spc. Joshua Knowles.............. 23 IA....... Sheffield.
6-Apr-04...... Marine............ Pfc. Benjamin R. Carman.......... 20 IA....... Jefferson.
9-Apr-04...... Marine............ Cpl. Michael R. Speer............ 24 IA....... Davenport.
13-Mar-04..... Marine............ Pfc. Brandon C. Sturdy........... 19 IA....... Urbandale.
24-Mar-03..... Air National Guard Maj. Gregory Stone............... 40 ID....... Boise.
9-May-03...... Army.............. Cpl. Richard P. Carl............. 26 ID....... Glenns Ferry.
10-Dec-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Jerrick M. Petty............ 25 ID....... Idaho Falls.
31-Mar-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Cleston C. Raney............ 20 ID....... Rupert.
20-Mar-03..... Marine............ Capt. Ryan Anthony Beaupre....... 30 IL....... Bloomington.
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Andrew R. Pokorny..... 30 IL....... Naperville.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Pvt. Jonathan L. Gifford......... 30 IL....... Decatur.
24-Mar-03..... Marine............ Cpl. Evan T. James............... 20 IL....... La Harpe.
31-Mar-03..... Army.............. Spc. Brandon J. Rowe............. 20 IL....... Roscoe.
5-Apr-03...... Marine............ 1st Sgt. Edward Smith............ 38 IL....... Chicago.
7-Apr-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Lincoln D. Hollinsaid. 27 IL....... Malden.
12-May-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Jakub Henryk Kowalik.. 21 IL....... Schaumburg.
13-May-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Nicholas Brian 19 IL....... Irvington.
Kleiboeker.
19-May-03..... Marine............ 1st Lt. Timothy Louis Ryan....... 30 IL....... Aurora.
26-Jun-03..... Army.............. Spc. Corey A. Hubbell............ 20 IL....... Urbana.
8-Aug-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Brandon Ramsey.............. 21 IL....... Calumet City.
8-Aug-03...... Army.............. Pvt. Matthew D. Bush............. 20 IL....... East Alton.
2-Sep-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Christopher A. Sisson....... 20 IL....... Oak Park.
9-Sep-03...... Army.............. Spc. Ryan G. Carlock............. 25 IL....... Macomb.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. 1st Lt. Brian D. Slavenas........ 30 IL....... Genoa
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. William D. Dusenbery........ 30 IL....... Fairview Heights.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. John R. Sullivan............ 26 IL....... Countryside.
20-Nov-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Scott M. Tyrrell............ 21 IL....... Sterling.
1-Dec-03...... Army.............. Spc. Uday Singh.................. 21 IL....... Lake Forest.
26-Dec-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Michael Sutter........ 28 IL....... Tinley Park.
17-Mar-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Ivory L. Phipps............. 44 IL....... Chicago.
4-Apr-04...... Army.............. Cpl. Forest J. Jostes............ 22 IL....... Albion.
4-Apr-04...... Marine............ Pfc. Geoffery S. Morris.......... 19 IL....... Gurnee.
8-Apr-04...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Phillip E. Frank...... 20 IL....... Elk Grove.
9-Apr-04...... Army.............. Pfc. Gregory R. Goodrich......... 37 IL....... Bartonville.
11-Apr-04..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray........ 19 IL....... Patoka.
23-Apr-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Shawn C. Edwards............ 20 IL....... Bensenville.
29-Apr-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Landis W. Garrison.......... 23 IL....... Rapids City.
1-May-04...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Oscar D. Vargas-Medina 32 IL....... Chicago.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. David K. Fribley...... 26 IN....... Warsaw.
24-Mar-03..... Army.............. Spc. Gregory P. Sanders.......... 19 IN....... Hobart.
26-Mar-03..... Army.............. Spc. William A. Jeffries......... 39 IN....... Evansville.
4-Apr-03...... Marine............ Sgt. Duane R. Rios............... 25 IN....... Griffith.
22-Apr-03..... Army.............. Spc. Roy Russell Buckley......... 24 IN....... Portage.
10-May-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Smith...... 20 IN....... Anderson.
7-Jun-03...... Army.............. Pvt. Jesse M. Halling............ 19 IN....... Indianapolis.
16-Jun-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Shawn D. Pahnke............. 25 IN....... Shelbyville.
7-Jul-03...... Army.............. Spc. Chad L. Keith............... 21 IN....... Batesville.
8-Jul-03...... Army.............. Pvt. Robert L. McKinley.......... 23 IN....... Kokomo.
8-Jul-03...... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Craig A. Boling... 38 IN....... Elkhart.
5-Aug-03...... Army.............. Spc. Ronald D. Allen Jr.......... 22 IN....... Mitchell.
20-Sep-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Frederick L. Miller, 27 IN....... Hagerstown.
Jr.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Spc. Brian H. Penisten........... 28 IN....... Fort Wayne.
6-Nov-03...... Army.............. Spc. James A. Chance III......... 25 IN....... KoKomo.
23-Nov-03..... Army.............. Cpl. Darrell Smith............... 28 IN....... Otwell.
12-Dec-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Jarrod W. Black............. 26 IN....... Peru.
5-Jan-04...... Army.............. Spc. Luke P. Frist............... 20 IN....... West Lafayette.
21-Mar-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Christopher E. Hudson....... 21 IN....... Carmel.
4-4-2004...... Army.............. Pfc. John D. Amos II............. 22 IN....... Valparaiso.
6-Apr-04...... Marine............ Pfc. Deryk L. Hallal............. 24 IN....... Indianapolis.
1-Apr-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Jacob L. Butler............. 24 KS....... Wellsville.
15-Jun-03..... Marine............ Pfc. Ryan R. Cox................. 19 KS....... Derby.
25-Sep-03..... Army.............. Spc. Kyle G. Thomas.............. 23 KS....... Topeka.
30-Sep-03..... Army.............. Spc. Dustin K. McGaugh........... 20 KS....... Derby.
20-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. Joseph L. Lister............ 22 KS....... Pleasanton.
31-Jan-04..... Army.............. Cpt. Juan C. Cabralbanuelos...... 25 KS....... Emporia.
21-Mar-04..... Army.............. Pvt. Dustin L. Kreider........... 19 KS....... Riverton.
8-Apr-04...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Christopher B. Wasser. 21 KS....... Ottawa.
2-May-04...... Army.............. Pvt. Jeremy L. Drexler........... 23 KS....... Topeka.
29-Sep-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Darrin K. Potter............ 24 KY....... Louisville.
12-Oct-03..... Army.............. Spc. James E. Powell............. 26 KY....... Radcliff.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Michael D. Acklin II........ 25 KY....... Louisville.
21-Nov-03..... Army.............. Cpl. Gary B. Coleman............. 24 KY....... Pikeville.
27-Jan-04..... Army.............. Sgt. James T. Hoffman............ 41 KY....... Whitesburg.
19-Feb-04..... Army.............. 2nd Lt. Jeffrey C. Graham........ 24 KY....... Elizabethtown.
7-Apr-04...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. George S. Rentschler.. 31 KY....... Louisville.
8-Apr-04...... Marine............ Cpl. Nicholas J. Dieruf.......... 21 KY....... Versailles.
17-Apr-04..... Army.............. 1st Lt. Robert L. Henderson II... 33 KY....... Alvaton.
14-May-04..... Army.............. Sgt. James W. Harlan............. 44 KY....... Owensboro.
4-Apr-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Wilfred D. Bellard.......... 20 LA....... Lake Charles.
[[Page H3508]]
9-Aug-03...... Army.............. Spc. Levi B. Kinchen............. 21 LA....... Tickfaw.
9-Aug-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Floyd G. Knighten, Jr....... 55 LA....... Olla.
12-Aug-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Taft V. Williams............ 29 LA....... New Orleans.
29-Sep-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Kristian E. Parker.......... 23 LA....... Slidell.
8-Jan-04...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Craig Davis........... 37 LA....... Opelousas.
7-Mar-04...... Army.............. Capt. Gussie M. Jones............ 41 LA....... .....................
9-Apr-04...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Toby W. Mallet........ 26 LA....... Kaplan.
14-May-04..... Army.............. Command Sgt. Maj. Edward C. 50 LA....... Shreveport.
Barnhill.
2-Apr-03...... Army.............. Spc. Mathew G. Boule............. 22 MA....... Dracut.
4-Apr-03...... Marine............ Capt. Benjamin W. Sammis......... 29 MA....... Rehoboth.
4-Apr-03...... Marine............ 1st Lt. Brian M. McPhillips...... 25 MA....... Pembroke.
20-Jul-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Justin W. Garvey............ 23 MA....... Townsend.
1-Sep-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Joseph Camara......... 40 MA....... New Bedford.
16-Oct-03..... Staff............. Sgt. Joseph P. Bellavia.......... 28 MA....... Wakefield.
18-Oct-03..... Army.............. Pfc. John D. Hart................ 20 MA....... Bedford.
7-Nov-03...... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Kyran E. 43 MA....... Boston.
Kennedy.
18-Dec-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Glenn R. Allison............ 24 MA....... Pittsfield.
23-Dec-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Theodore L. Perreault....... 33 MA....... Webster.
21-Jan-04..... Army.............. Spc. Gabriel T. Palacios......... 22 MA....... Lynn.
25-Feb-04..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Stephen M. 29 MA....... Egremont.
Wells.
13-Mar-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Daniel J. Londono........... 22 MA....... Boston.
19-Mar-04..... Marine............ Cpl. David M. Vicente............ 25 MA....... Methuen.
25-Mar-04..... Marine............ LCpl. Jeffrey C. Burgess......... 20 MA....... Plymouth.
9-Apr-04...... Army.............. Spc. Peter G. Enos............... 24 MA....... South Dartmouth.
29-Apr-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Norman Darling.............. 29 MA....... Middleboro.
20-Mar-03..... Marine............ Staff Sgt. Kendall Dannon Waters- 29 MD....... Baltimore.
Bey.
7-Apr-03...... Army.............. Spc. George A. Mitchell.......... 35 MD....... Rawlings.
14-Apr-03..... Marine............ Cpl. Jason David Mileo........... 20 MD....... Centreville.
8-Nov-03...... Army.............. Command Sgt. Maj. Cornell W. 45 MD....... Baltimore.
Gilmore I.
8-Jan-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Jeffrey C. Walker........... 33 MD....... Havre de Grace.
25-Jan-04..... Army.............. Lt. Adam G. Mooney............... 28 MD....... Cambridge.
13-Feb-04..... Army.............. Pvt. Bryan N. Spry............... 19 MD....... Chestertown.
13-Mar-04..... Army.............. Spc. Jason C. Ford............... 21 MD....... Bowie.
3/31/2004..... Army.............. Pvt. Brandon L. Davis............ 20 MD....... Cumberland.
15-May-04..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Bruce E. 37 MD....... .....................
Price.
20-Mar-03..... Marine............ Maj. Jay Thomas Aubin............ 36 ME....... Waterville.
4-Apr-03...... Army.............. Spc. Daniel Francis J. Cunningham 33 ME....... Lewiston.
7-Nov-03...... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Sharon T. 43 ME....... Litchfield.
Swartworth.
3/29/2004..... Army.............. Spc. Jeremiah J. Holmes.......... 27 ME....... North Berwick.
20-Apr-04..... Army.............. Spc. Christopher D. Gelineau..... 23 ME....... Portland.
26-Apr-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Lawrence A. Roukey.......... 33 ME....... Westbrook.
26-Mar-03..... Marine............ Maj. Kevin Nave.................. 36 MI....... Union.
2-Apr-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Michael F. Pedersen......... 26 MI....... Flint.
3-Apr-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Todd J. Robbins............. 33 MI....... Pentwater.
8-Apr-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Jason M. Meyer.............. 23 MI....... Swartz Creek.
8-Apr-03...... Air Force......... Staff Sgt. Scott D. Sather....... 29 MI....... Clio.
8-Apr-03...... Marine............ Pfc. Juan Guadalupe Garza, Jr.... 20 MI....... Temperance.
14-Apr-03..... Army.............. Spc. Richard A. Goward........... 32 MI....... Midland.
3-May-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Sean C. Reynolds............ 25 MI....... East Lansing.
16-May-03..... Army.............. Master Sgt. William L. Payne..... 46 MI....... Otsego.
26-May-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Brett J. Petriken..... 30 MI....... Flint.
13-Jul-03..... Army.............. Capt. Paul J. Cassidy............ 36 MI....... Laingsburg.
6-Aug-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Brian R. Hellermann... 35 MI....... Freeport.
14-Sep-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Trevor A. Blumberg.......... 22 MI....... Canton.
13-Oct-03..... Army.............. Spc. Donald L. Wheeler........... 22 MI....... Concord.
20-Oct-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Paul J. Johnson....... 29 MI....... Calumet.
24-Oct-03..... Army.............. Spc. Artimus D. Brassfield....... 22 MI....... Flint.
8-Nov-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Mark D. Vasquez....... 35 MI....... Port Huron.
22-Nov-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Damian S. Bushart........... 22 MI....... Waterford.
8-Dec-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Jason G. Wright............. 19 MI....... Luzerne.
25-Dec-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Thomas W. Christensen. 42 MI....... Atlantic Mine.
25-Dec-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Stephen C. Hattamer... 43 MI....... Gwinn.
31-Jan-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Holly J. McGeogh............ 19 MI....... Taylor.
14-Apr-04..... Army.............. Spc. Richard K. Trevithick....... 20 MI....... Gaines.
3-Jul-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Edward J. Herrgott.......... 20 MN....... Shakopee.
17-Nov-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Dale A. Panchot....... 26 MN....... Northome.
25-Jan-04..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Patrick D. 32 MN....... Elk River.
Dorff.
8-Mar-04...... Marine............ Pfc. Matthew G. Milczark......... 18 MN....... Kettle River.
4/4/2004...... Marine............ Cpl. Tyler R. Fey................ 22 MN....... Eden Prarie.
4/5/2004...... Marine............ Pfc. Moises A. Langhorst......... 19 MN....... Moose Lake.
8-Apr-04...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Levi T. Angell........ 20 MN....... Saint Louis.
8-May-0?...... Army.............. Spc. James J. Holmes............. 28 MN....... East Grand Forks.
22-Mar-03..... Marine............ Sgt. Nicholas M. Hodson.......... 22 MO....... Smithville.
1-May-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Jesse A. Givens............. 34 MO....... Springfield.
26-May-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Jeremiah D. Smith........... 25 MO....... Odessa.
6-Jun-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Travis L. Burkhardt......... 26 MO....... Edina.
12-Jul-03..... Army.............. Spc. Joshua M. Neusche........... 20 MO....... Montreal.
18-Jul-03..... Army.............. Spc. Joel L. Bertoldie........... 20 MO....... Independence.
26-Jul-03..... Army.............. Spc. Jonathan P. Barnes.......... 21 MO....... Anderson.
26-Oct-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Jamie L. Huggins...... 26 MO....... Hume.
7-Nov-03...... Army.............. Capt. Joseph B. Smith............ 29 MO....... Monroe City.
23-Jan-04..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Michael T. 29 MO....... Macon.
Blaise.
9-Mar-04...... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Richard S. 42 MO....... Lake Ozark.
Gottfried.
25-Apr-04..... Army.............. Spc. Kenneth A. Melton........... 30 MO....... Westplains.
29-Apr-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Ryan M. Campbell............ 25 MO....... Kirksville.
21-Mar-03..... Marine............ 2nd Lt. Therrel S. Childers...... 30 MS....... Harrison County.
5-Apr-03...... Army.............. Cpl. Henry L. Brown.............. 22 MS....... Natchez.
8-Apr-03...... Army.............. Spc. Larry K. Brown.............. 22 MS....... Jackson.
28-May-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Kenneth R. Bradley.... 39 MS....... Utica.
1-Jun-03...... Marine............ Sgt. Jonathan W. Lambert......... 28 MS....... New Site.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Joe N. Wilson......... 30 MS....... Crystal Springs.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. Jeremy DiGiovanni........... 21 MS....... Tylertown.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Damian L. Heidelberg........ 21 MS....... Batesville.
2-Dec-03...... Army.............. Spc. Raphael S. Davis............ 24 MS....... Tutwiler.
13-Mar-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Clint D. Ferrin....... 31 MS....... Picayune.
7-Apr-04...... Marine............ Pfc. Christpher D. Mabry......... 19 MS....... Chunky.
29-Apr-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Jeffrey F. Dayton..... 27 MS....... Caledonia.
1-May-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Joshua S. Ladd.............. 20 MS....... Port Gibson.
22-Dec-03..... Army.............. 1st Lt. Edward M. Saltz.......... 27 MT....... Bigfork.
28-Mar-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Roderic A. Solomon.......... 32 NC....... Fayetteville.
2-Apr-03...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Brian E. Anderson..... 26 NC....... Durham.
22-Apr-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Alan Dinh Lam......... 19 NC....... Snow Camp.
17-Jun-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Michael L. Tosto............ 24 NC....... Apex.
6-Jul-03...... Army.............. Sgt. David B. Parson............. 30 NC....... Kannapolis.
21-Jul-03..... Army.............. Cpl. Mark A. Bibby............... 25 NC....... Watha.
31-Jul-03..... Army.............. Spc. James I. Lambert III........ 22 NC....... Raleigh.
6-Aug-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Leonard D. Simmons.......... 33 NC....... New Bern.
20-Sep-03..... Army.............. Spc. Lunsford B. Brown II........ 27 NC....... Creedmoor.
26-Oct-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Joseph R. Guerrera.......... 20 NC....... Dunn.
26-Oct-03..... Army.............. Lt. Col. Charles H. Buehring..... 40 NC....... Fayetteville.
[[Page H3509]]
7-Nov-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Scott C. Rose............... 30 NC....... Fayetteville.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Joey Whitener.................... 19 NC....... Nebo.
20-Feb-04..... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Henry A. Bacon.... 45 NC....... Wagram.
13-Mar-04..... Army.............. Spc. Jocelyn L. Carrasquillo..... 28 NC....... Wrightsville Beach.
7-Apr-04...... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Marvin L. Miller.. 38 NC....... Dunn.
9-Apr-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Elmer C. Krause............. 40 NC....... Greensboro.
3-May-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Gregory L. Wahl............. 30 NC....... Salisbury.
9-May-05...... Army.............. Sgt. Rodney A. Murray............ 28 NC....... Ayden.
22-Jul-03..... Army.............. Spc. Jon P. Fettig............... 30 ND....... Dickinson.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Sheldon R. Hawk Eagle....... 21 ND....... Grand Forks.
27-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. Thomas J. Sweet II.......... 23 ND....... Bismarck.
24-Jan-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Kenneth W. Hendrickson 41 ND....... Bismarck.
8-May-05...... Army.............. Spc. Philip D. Brown............. 21 ND....... Jamestown.
4-Apr-03...... Marine............ Capt. Travis A. Ford............. 30 NE....... Ogallala.
21-May-03..... Army.............. Spc. Nathaniel A. Caldwell....... 27 NE....... Omaha.
17-Jul-03..... Navy.............. Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class David 26 NE....... Gering.
J. Moreno.
9-Oct-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Swisher 26 NE....... Lincoln.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Daniel Bader.......... 28 NE....... York.
6-Nov-03...... Army.............. Spc. James R. Wolf............... 21 NE....... Scottsbluff.
1-Jan-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Dennis A. Corral............ 33 NE....... Kearney.
27-Jan-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Cory R. Mracek.............. 26 NE....... Hay Springs.
13-Apr-04..... Marine............ Pvt. Noah L. Boye................ 21 NE....... Grand Island.
17-Apr-04..... Army.............. Spc. Dennis B. Morgan............ 22 NE....... Valentine.
25-Sep-03..... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Robert E. Rooney.. 43 NH....... Nashua.
24-Jan-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Rany S. Rosenberg........... 23 NH....... Berlin.
3/30/2004..... Army.............. Master Sgt. Richard L. Ferguson.. 45 NH....... Conway.
29-Mar-03..... Army.............. Spc. Michael Edward Curtin....... 23 NJ....... Howell.
10-Apr-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Terry W. Hemingway.... 39 NJ....... Willingboro.
13-Apr-03..... Army.............. Spc. Gil Mercado................. 25 NJ....... Paterson.
25-Apr-03..... Army.............. Spc. Narson B. Sullivan.......... 21 NJ....... North Brunswick.
30-May-03..... Army.............. Spc. Kyle A. Griffin............. 20 NJ....... Emerson.
28-Jun-03..... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Gladimir Philippe. 37 NJ....... Linden.
16-Jul-03..... Army.............. 2nd Lt. Richard Torres........... 25 NJ....... .....................
1-Oct-03...... Army.............. Spc. Simeon Hunte................ 23 NJ....... Essex.
11-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. Marlon P. Jackson........... 25 NJ....... Jersey City.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. Ryan T. Baker............... 24 NJ....... Brown Mills.
2-Jan-04...... Army.............. Spc. Marc S. Seiden.............. 26 NJ....... Brigantine.
3-Feb-04...... Army.............. 2nd Lt. Seth J. Dvorin........... 24 NJ....... East Brunswick.
22-Mar-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Bruce Miller, Jr............ 23 NJ....... Orange.
25-Mar-04..... Army.............. Spc. Adam D. Froelich............ 21 NJ....... Pine Hill.
6-Apr-04...... Marine............ 2nd Lt. John T. Wroblewski....... 25 NJ....... Oak Ridge.
14-May-04..... Army.............. Spc. Philip I. Spakosky.......... 25 NJ....... Browns Mill.
4-Oct-03...... Army.............. Spc. James H. Pirtle............. 27 NM....... Le Mesa.
4-5-04........ Marine............ Pfc. Christopher Ramos........... 26 NM....... Albuquerque.
6-Apr-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Lee D. Todacheene........... 29 NM....... Farmington.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Donald J. Cline, Jr... 21 NV....... Washoe Valley.
13-Jun-03..... Marine............ 2nd Lt. Frederick E. Pokorney, Jr 31 NV....... Tonopah.
23-Jul-03..... Army.............. Capt. Joshua T. Byers............ 29 NV....... Sparks.
22-Mar-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Eric J. Orlowski...... 26 NY....... Buffalo.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Pfc. Tamario D. Burkett.......... 21 NY....... Buffalo.
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Spc. Michael L. Williams......... 46 NY....... Buffalo.
27-Mar-03..... Marine............ Cpl. Robert M. Rodriguez......... 21 NY....... Queens.
29-Mar-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. William W. White...... 24 NY....... Brooklyn.
29-Mar-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Eugene Williams............. 24 NY....... Highland.
2-Apr-03...... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Eric A. 41 NY....... Rochester.
Smith.
4-Apr-03...... Marine............ Cpl. Bernard G. Gooden........... 22 NY....... Mount Vernon.
6-Apr-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Gregory P. Huxley, Jr....... 19 NY....... Forestport.
11-Apr-03..... Marine............ Staff Sgt. Riayan A. Tejeda...... 26 NY....... New York.
18-May-03..... Army.............. Spc. Rasheed Sahib............... 22 NY....... Brooklyn.
25-May-03..... Army.............. Pvt. David Evans, Jr............. 18 NY....... Buffalo.
24-Jul-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter....... 22 NY....... Bay Shore.
27-Jul-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Heath A. McMillin........... 29 NY....... Canandaigua.
10-Sep-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Robsky, Jr.. 31 NY....... Elizaville.
15-Sep-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Kevin C. Kimmerly..... 31 NY....... North Creek.
20-Sep-03..... Army.............. Sgt. David T. Friedrich.......... 26 NY....... Hammond.
3-Nov-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Rayshawn S. Johnson......... 20 NY....... Brooklyn.
13-Nov-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Jacob S. Fletcher........... 28 NY....... Bay Shore.
14-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. Irving Medina............... 22 NY....... Middletown.
20-Nov-03..... Army.............. Capt. George A. Wood............. 33 NY....... New York.
19-Dec-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Charles E. Bush, Jr......... 43 NY....... Buffalo.
29-Jan-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Luis A. Moreno.............. 19 NY....... Bronx.
9-Feb-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Thomas D. Robbins........... 27 NY....... Schenectady.
19-Feb-04..... Army.............. Spc. Roger G. Ling............... 20 NY....... Douglaston.
18-Mar-04..... Army.............. Spec. Doron Chan................. 20 NY....... Highland.
27-Mar-2004... Marine............ Master Sgt. Timothy Toney........ 37 NY....... Manhattan.
4-5-2004...... Army.............. Spc. David M. McKeever........... 25 NY....... Buffalo.
8-Apr-04...... Army.............. Spc. Isaac Michael Nieves........ 20 NY....... Unadilla.
11-Apr-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Nathan P. Brown............. 21 NY....... South Glens Falls.
13-Apr-04..... Marine............ Cpl. Kevin T. Kolm............... 23 NY....... Hicksville.
18-Apr-04..... Marine............ Cpl. Jason L. Dunham............. 22 NY....... Allegany.
24-Apr-04..... Coast Guard....... Coast Guard Officer 3rd Class 24 NY....... Smithtown.
Nathan B. Bruckenthal.
24-Apr-04..... Navy.............. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class 27 NY....... Monroe.
Michael J. Pernaselli.
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Master Sgt. Robert J. Dowdy...... 38 OH....... Cleveland.
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Brandon Ulysses Sloan....... 19 OH....... Bedford Heights.
2-Apr-03...... Marine............ Pfc. Christian D. Gurtner........ 19 OH....... Ohio City.
8-May-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Marlin T. Rockhold.......... 23 OH....... Hamilton.
9-May-03...... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brian K. 39 OH....... Columbus.
Van Dusen.
19-May-03..... Army.............. Lt. Col. Dominic R. Baragona..... 42 OH....... Niles.
5-Jun-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Branden F. Oberleitner...... 20 OH....... Worthington.
10-Jun-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Gavin L. Neighbor........... 20 OH....... Somerset.
28-Jun-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Kevin C. Ott................ 27 OH....... Columbus.
23-Jul-03..... Army.............. Spc. Brett T. Christian.......... 27 OH....... North Royalton.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Spc. Steven D. Conover........... 21 OH....... Wilmington.
10-Dec-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Aaron T. Reese........ 31 OH....... Reynoldsburg.
10-Dec-03..... Army.............. Spc. Todd M. Bates............... 20 OH....... Bellaire.
15-Dec-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Kenneth C. Souslin.......... 21 OH....... Mansfield.
24-Dec-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Benjamin W. Biskie.......... 27 OH....... Vermillion.
27-Jan-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Lester O. Kinney II......... 27 OH....... Zanesville.
27-Jan-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Sean G. Landrus............. 31 OH....... Thompson.
8-Feb-04...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Richard P. Ramey...... 27 OH....... Canton.
18-Mar-04..... Marine............ Cpl. Andrew D. Brownfield........ 24 OH....... Summit.
9-Apr-04...... Army.............. Spc. Allen J. Vandayburg......... 20 OH....... Mansfield.
17-Apr-04..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Michael J. Smith, Jr.. 21 OH....... Jefferson.
5-May-04...... Army.............. Pfc. Jesse R. Buryj.............. 21 OH....... Canton.
24-Mar-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Blair....... 24 OK....... Wagoner.
19-May-03..... Marine............ Staff Sgt. Aaron Dean White...... 27 OK....... Shawnee.
6-Jun-03...... Navy.............. Petty Officer 3rd Class Doyle W. 21 OK....... Poteau.
Bollinger, Jr.
13-Aug-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Steven W. White............. 29 OK....... Lawton.
23-Aug-03..... Army.............. Spc. Stephen M. Scott............ 21 OK....... Lawton.
22-Oct-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Jason M. Ward............... 25 OK....... Tulsa.
[[Page H3510]]
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Ross A. Pennanen............ 36 OK....... Shawnee.
27-Jan-04..... Army.............. Luke S. James.................... 24 OK....... Hooker.
11-Apr-04..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence S. 32 OK....... Oklahoma City.
Colton.
30-Apr-04..... Marine............ Cpl. Scott M. Vincent............ 21 OK....... Bokoshe.
3-May-04...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Erickson H. Petty..... 28 OK....... Fort Gibson.
5-May-04...... Army.............. Spc. James E. Marshall........... 19 OK....... Tulsa.
11-May-04..... Army.............. Spc. Kyle A. Brinlee............. 21 OK....... Pryor.
22-Mar-03..... Army.............. Reserve Spc. Brandon S. Tobler... 19 OR....... Portland.
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Donald Ralph Walters........ 33 OR....... Salem.
30-Mar-03..... Marine............ Capt. Aaron J. Contreras......... 31 OR....... Sherwood.
8-Apr-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Robert A. Stever...... 36 OR....... Pendleton.
2-Jul-03...... Marine............ Cpl. Travis J. Bradach-Nall...... 21 OR....... Multnomah County.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Erik C. 29 OR....... Independence.
Kesterson.
8-Dec-03...... Army.............. Spc. Christopher J. Rivera Wesley 26 OR....... Portland.
8-Dec-03...... Army.............. Spc. Joseph M. Blickenstaff...... 23 OR....... Corvallis.
16-Dec-03..... Army.............. Spc. Nathan W. Nakis............. 19 OR....... Corvallis.
27-Jan-04..... Army.............. Travis A. Moothart............... 23 OR....... Brownsville.
11-Feb-04..... Army.............. Pfc. William C. Ramirez.......... 19 OR....... Portland.
4-Apr-04...... Army.............. Spc. Philip G. Rogers............ 23 OR....... Gresham.
17-Apr-04..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Gary F. VanLeuven..... 20 OR....... Klamath Falls.
8-May-04...... Army.............. Spc. Chase R. Whitham............ 21 OR....... Eugene.
17-May-04..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Bob W. Roberts........ 30 OR....... Newport.
22-Mar-03..... Army.............. Capt. Christopher Scott Seifert.. 27 PA....... Easton.
1-Apr-03...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Maglione.... 22 PA....... Lansdale.
3-Apr-03...... Army.............. Spc. Donald S. Oaks, Jr.......... 20 PA....... Erie.
4-Apr-03...... Army.............. Capt. Tristan N. Aitken.......... 31 PA....... State College.
6-Apr-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker...... 34 PA....... Apollo.
30-May-03..... Army.............. Spc. Zachariah W. Long........... 20 PA....... Milton.
30-May-03..... Army.............. Spc. Michael T. Gleason.......... 25 PA....... Warren.
1-Jul-03...... Army.............. 1st Sgt. Christopher D. Coffin... 51 PA....... Bethlehem.
3-Jul-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Corey L. Small.............. 20 PA....... East Berlin.
13-Jul-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Jaror C. Puello-Coronado.... 36 PA....... Mount Pocono.
28-Jul-03..... Army.............. Spc. William J. Maher III........ 35 PA....... Yardley.
12-Aug-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Timmy R. Brown, Jr.......... 21 PA....... Conway.
17-Aug-03..... Army.............. Spc. Craig S. Ivory.............. 26 PA....... Port Matilda.
18-Aug-03..... Army.............. Spc. Eric R. Hull................ 23 PA....... Uniontown.
27-Aug-03..... Army.............. Lt. Col. Anthony L. Sherman...... 43 PA....... Pottstown.
27-Aug-03..... Army.............. Spc. Rafael L. Navea............. 34 PA....... Pittsburgh.
18-Sep-03..... Army.............. Capt. Brian R. Faunce............ 28 PA....... Philadelphia.
29-Sep-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Christopher E. 30 PA....... McConnellsburg.
Cutchall.
29-Sep-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Andrew Joseph Baddick....... 26 PA....... Jim Thorpe.
13-Oct-03..... Army.............. Spc. Douglas J. Weismantle....... 28 PA....... Pittsburgh.
18-Oct-03..... Army.............. 1st Lt. David R. Bernstein....... 24 PA....... Phoenixville.
1-Nov-03...... Army.............. Spc. Maurice J. Johnson.......... 21 PA....... Levittown.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Ernest G. Bucklew........... 33 PA....... Enon Valley.
9-Nov-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Nicholas A. Tomko........... 24 PA....... Pittsburgh.
13-Nov-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Joseph Minucci II........... 23 PA....... Richeyville.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Timothy L. Hayslett......... 26 PA....... Newville.
14-Dec-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Kimberly A. Voelz..... 27 PA....... Carlisle.
8-Jan-04...... Army.............. Spc. Christopher A. Golby........ 26 PA....... Johnstown.
24-Jan-04..... Army.............. Spc. William R. Sturges, Jr...... 24 PA....... Spring Church.
9-Mar-04...... Army.............. Spc. Edward W. Brabazon.......... 20 PA....... Philadelphia.
19-Mar-04..... Army.............. Spc. Clint Richard Matthews...... 31 PA....... Bedford.
20-Mar-04..... Army.............. Spc. Matthew J. Sandri........... 24 PA....... Shamokin.
3-31-2004..... Army.............. Spc. Sean R. Mitchell............ 24 PA....... Youngsville.
4-3-2004...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Aric J. Barr.......... 22 PA....... Allegheny.
9-Apr-04...... Army.............. Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart......... 21 PA....... Oil City.
17-Apr-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Edward W. Carmen...... 27 PA....... McKeesport.
26-Apr-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker........... 30 PA....... Plymouth.
29-Apr-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Martin W. Kondor............ 20 PA....... York.
3-May-04...... Marine............ Gunnery Sgt. Ronald E. Baum...... 38 PA....... Hollidaysburg.
5-May-04...... Army.............. Pfc. Bradley G. Kritzer.......... 18 PA....... Irvona.
16-May-04..... Army.............. Spc. Carl F. Curran.............. 22 PA....... Union City.
16-May-04..... Army.............. Spc. Mark J. Kasecky............. 20 PA....... McKees Rock.
26-Jun-03..... Army.............. Spc. Richard P. Orengo........... 32 PR....... Toa Alta.
24-Jul-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Juan M. Serrano............. 31 PR....... Manati.
6-Oct-03...... Army.............. Spc. Ramon Reyes Torres.......... 29 PR....... Caguas.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Joel Perez.................. 25 PR....... Rio Grande.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Spc. Frances M. Vega............. 20 PR....... Fort Buchanan.
4-Nov-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Francisco Martinez.......... 28 PR....... Humacao.
5-Nov-03...... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Jose A. Rivera.... 34 PR....... Bayamon.
7-Apr-04...... Navy.............. Petty Officer 3rd Class Fernando 27 PR....... Ponce.
A. Mendezaceves.
27-Aug-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Gregory A. Belanger......... 24 RI....... Narragansett.
1-Sep-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Charles T. Caldwell......... 38 RI....... North Providence.
24-Sep-03..... Army.............. Spc. Michael Andrade............. 28 RI....... Bristol.
27-Jan-04..... Army.............. Capt. Matthew J. August.......... 28 RI....... North Kingstown.
4-5-2004...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Matthew K. Serio...... 21 RI....... North Providence.
4-4-2004...... Army.............. Sgt. Yihiyh L. Chen.............. 31 Saipan... Marianas.
5-Aug-03...... Army.............. Spc. Farao K. Letufuga........... 20 Samoa.... Pago Pago.
27-Oct-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Jonathan I. Falaniko........ 20 Samoa.... Pago Pago.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Pvt. Nolen R. Hutchings.......... 19 SC....... Boiling Springs.
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Sgt. George Edward Buggs......... 31 SC....... Barnwell.
13-May-03..... Air Force......... Staff Sgt. Patrick Lee Griffin, 31 SC....... Elgin.
Jr.
22-Jun-03..... Army.............. Spc. Orenthial J. Smith.......... 21 Sc....... Allendale.
21-Aug-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Michael S. Adams............ 20 SC....... Spartanburg.
23-Aug-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Vorn J. Mack................ 19 SC....... Orangeburg.
18-Sep-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Anthony O. Thompson......... 26 SC....... Orangeburg.
28-Oct-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Algernon Adams.............. 36 SC....... Aiken.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Spc. Darius T. Jennings.......... 22 SC....... Cordova.
7-Nov-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Paul M. Neff II....... 30 SC....... Fort Mill.
13-Dec-03..... Army.............. Spc. Rian C. Ferguson............ 22 SC....... Taylors.
2-Jan-04...... Army.............. Capt. Kimberly N. Hampton........ 27 SC....... Easley.
11-Apr-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Maj. Michael B. Stack....... 48 SC....... Lake City.
29-Apr-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Esau G. Patterson, Jr. 25 SC....... Ridgeland.
9-May-03...... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Hans N. 31 SD....... Lead.
Gukeisen.
18-Jun-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Michael R. Deuel............ 21 SD....... Nemo.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Scott A. 33 SD....... Willow Lake.
Saboe.
24-Dec-03..... Army.............. Capt. Christopher F. Soelzer..... 26 SD....... Sturgis.
24-Apr-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Cory W. Brooks........ 32 SD....... Phillip.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Patrick R. Nixon...... 21 TN....... Nashville.
14-Apr-03..... Army.............. Spc. Thomas A. Foley III......... 23 TN....... Dresden.
9-Jul-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Roger D. Rowe............... 54 TN....... Bon Aqua.
5-Aug-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. David L. Loyd......... 44 TN....... Jackson.
20-Aug-03..... Army.............. Spc. Kenneth W. Harris, Jr....... 23 TN....... Charlotte.
12-Sep-03..... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class William M. Bennett 35 TN....... Seymour.
16-Oct-03..... Army.............. Lt. Col. Kim S. Orlando.......... 43 TN....... Clarksville.
7-Nov-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Morgan D. Kennon...... 23 TN....... Memphis.
12-Nov-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Nathan J. Bailey...... 46 TN....... Nashville.
17-Nov-03..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Alexander 35 TN....... Bristol.
S. Coulter.
8-Jan-04...... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Gregory B. Hicks.. 35 TN....... Duff.
[[Page H3511]]
7-Apr-04...... Marine............ Capt. Brent L. Morel............. 27 TN....... Martin.
9-Apr-04...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Don S. McMahan........ 31 TN....... Nashville.
24-Apr-04..... Navy.............. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class 28 TN....... Knoxville.
Christopher E. Watts.
2-May-04...... Army.............. Spc. Ervin Caradine, Jr.......... 33 TN....... Memphis.
2-May-04...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Todd E. Nunes......... 29 TN....... Chapel Hill.
12-May-04..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Jeremiah E. Savage.... 21 TN....... Livingston.
15-May-04..... Air Force......... Senior Airman Pedro I. Espaillat, 20 TN....... Columbia.
Jr.
20-Mar-03..... Marine............ Cpl. Brian Matthew Kennedy....... 25 TX....... Houston.
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Johnny 35 TX....... Pecos.
Villareal Mata.
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Spc. James M. Kiehl.............. 22 TX....... Comfort.
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Edward J. Anguiano.......... 24 TX....... Brownsville.
23-Mar-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Ruben Estrella-Soto......... 18 TX....... El Paso.
2-Apr-03...... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Scott Jamar 32 TX....... Granbury.
2-Apr-03...... Army.............. Master Sgt. George A. Fernandez.. 36 TX....... El Paso.
3-Apr-03...... Marine............ Pfc. Chad E. Bales............... 20 TX....... Coahoma.
7-Apr-03...... Marine............ Cpl. Jesus Martin Antonio 21 TX....... Fort Worth.
Medellin.
7-Apr-03...... Air Force......... Capt. Eric B. Das................ 30 TX....... Amarillo.
7-Apr-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Anthony S. Miller........... 19 TX....... San Antonio.
22-Apr-03..... Marine............ Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Todd 30 TX....... Spring.
Arnold.
28-Apr-03..... Army.............. 1st Sgt. Joe J. Garza............ 43 TX....... Robstown.
28-May-03..... Army.............. Spc. Jose A. Perez III........... 22 TX....... San Diego.
16-Jun-03..... Army.............. Spc. Joseph D. Suell............. 24 TX....... Lufkin.
27-Jun-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Robert L. Frantz............ 19 TX....... San Antonio.
27-Jun-03..... Army.............. Cpl. Tomas Sotelo, Jr............ 20 TX....... Houston.
9-Jul-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Melissa Valles.............. 26 TX....... Eagle Pass.
11-Jul-03..... Army.............. Spc. Christian C. Schulz......... 20 TX....... Colleyville.
19-Jul-03..... Army.............. Lt. Jonathan D. Rozier........... 25 TX....... Katy.
24-Jul-03..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Hector R. Perez....... 40 TX....... Corpus Christi.
26-Jul-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Daniel K. Methvin........... 22 TX....... Belton.
6-Aug-03...... Army.............. Spc. Zeferino E. Colunga......... 20 TX....... Bellville.
11-Sep-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Henry Ybarra III............ 32 TX....... Austin.
18-Sep-03..... Army.............. Spc. James C. Wright............. 27 TX....... Morgan.
18-Sep-03..... Army.............. Spc. Richard Arriaga............. 20 TX....... Ganado.
1-Oct-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Analaura Esparza Gutierrez.. 21 TX....... Houston.
9-Oct-03...... Army.............. Spc. Joseph C. Norquist.......... 26 TX....... San Antonio.
13-Oct-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Stephen E. Wyatt............ 19 TX....... Kilgore.
22-Oct-03..... Army.............. Spc. John P. Johnson............. 24 TX....... Houston.
28-Oct-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Michael Paul Barrera........ 26 TX....... Von Ormy.
2-Nov-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Keelan L. Moss.............. 23 TX....... Houston.
8-Nov-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Gary L. Collins....... 32 TX....... Hardin.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Sgt. John W. Russell............. 26 TX....... Portland.
28-Nov-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Ariel Rico.................. 25 TX....... El Paso.
2-Dec-03...... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Clarence E. 50 TX....... Fort Worth.
Boone.
7-Dec-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Ray J. Hutchinson........... 20 TX....... League City.
22-Dec-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Stuart W. Moore............. 21 TX....... Livingston.
28-Dec-03..... Army.............. Pvt. Rey D. Cuervo............... 24 TX....... Laguna Vista.
28-Dec-03..... Army.............. Capt. Ernesto Blanco............. 28 TX....... San Antonio.
2-Jan-04...... Army.............. Eric T. Paliwoda................. 28 TX....... Goodyear.
16-Jan-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Roland L. Castro...... 26 TX....... San Antonio.
17-Jan-04..... Army.............. Spc. Larry E. Polley............. ....... TX....... Center.
18-Jan-04..... Army.............. Master Sgt. Kelly L. Hornbeck.... 36 TX....... Fort Worth.
21-Jan-04..... Army.............. Pfc. James D. Parker............. 20 TX....... Bryan.
23-Jan-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Ervin Dervishi.............. 21 TX....... Fort Worth.
2-Feb-04...... Army.............. Pfc. Armando Soriano............. 20 TX....... Houston.
11-Mar-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Joe L. Dunigan, Jr.... 37 TX....... Belton.
18-Mar-04..... Marine............ Pfc. Ricky A. Morris, Jr......... 20 TX....... Lubbock.
19-Mar-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Jason C. Ludlam............. 22 TX....... Arlington.
25-Mar-04..... Marine............ LCpl. James A. Casper............ 20 TX....... Coolidge.
26-Mar-04..... Marine............ Pfc. Leroy Sandoval, Jr.......... 21 TX....... Houston.
31-Mar-04..... Army.............. 1st Lt. Doyle M. Hufstedler...... 25 TX....... Abilene.
31-Mar-04..... Army.............. Spc. Michael G. Karr, Jr......... 23 TX....... San Antonio.
1-Apr-04...... Marine............ Pfc. Dustin M. Sekula............ 18 TX....... Edinburg.
4-Apr-04...... Army.............. Spc. Robert R. Arsiaga........... 25 TX....... San Antonio.
4-Apr-04...... Army.............. Spc. Israel Garza................ 25 TX....... Lubbock.
6-Apr-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Gerardo Moreno.............. 23 TX....... Terrell.
8-Apr-04...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Michael B. Wafford.... 20 TX....... Spring.
9-Apr-04...... Marine............ Cpl. Matthew E. Matula........... 20 TX....... Spicewood.
9-Apr-04...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Elias Torrez III...... 21 TX....... Veribest.
10-Apr-04..... Army.............. Spc. Adolf C. Carballo........... 20 TX....... Houston.
10-Apr-04..... Army.............. Sgt. William C. Eckhart.......... 25 TX....... Rocksprings.
11-Apr-04..... Marine............ Cpl. Daniel R. Amaya............. 22 TX....... Odessa.
11-Apr-04..... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer Wesley C. 38 TX....... Woodville.
Fortenberry.
14-Apr-04..... Army.............. Sgt. Christopher Ramirez......... 34 TX....... McAllen.
17-Apr-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Clayton W. Henson........... 20 TX....... Stanton.
17-Apr-04..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Ruben Valdez, Jr...... 21 TX....... San Diego.
26-Apr-04..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Aaron C. Austin....... 21 TX....... Sunray.
5-May-04...... Army.............. Cpl. Jeffrey G. Green............ 20 TX....... Dallas.
8-May-04...... Army.............. Spc. Isela Rubalcava............. 25 TX....... El Paso.
15-May-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Rene Ledesma.......... 34 TX....... Abilene.
29-Mar-03..... Marine............ Staff Sgt. James W. Cawley....... 41 UT....... Roy.
3-Apr-03...... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Nino D. Livaudais..... 23 UT....... Ogden.
17-Jul-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Mason Douglas Whetstone..... 30 UT....... Ogden.
17-Nov-03..... Army.............. Capt. Nathan S. Dalley........... 27 UT....... Kaysville.
26-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. David J. Goldberg........... 20 UT....... Layton.
25-Mar-03..... Marine............ Staff Sgt. Donald C. May, Jr..... 31 VA....... Richmond.
30-Mar-03..... Marine............ Sgt. Michael V. Lalush........... 23 VA....... Troutville.
2-Apr-03...... Army.............. Capt. James F. Adamouski......... 29 VA....... Springfield.
7-Apr-03...... Army.............. 2nd Lt. Jeffrey J. Kaylor........ 24 VA....... Clifton.
7-Apr-03...... Air Force......... Maj. William R. Watkins III...... 37 VA....... Danville.
13-Apr-03..... Marine............ Lance Cpl. David Edward Owens, Jr 20 VA....... Winchester.
4-May-03...... Army.............. Pvt. Jason L. Deibler............ 20 VA....... Coeburn.
8-Jun-03...... Army.............. Sgt. Michael E. Dooley........... 23 VA....... Pulaski.
1-Oct-03...... Army.............. Command Sgt. Maj. James D. 40 VA....... Alexandria.
Blankenbecler.
23-Oct-03..... Army.............. Capt. John R. Teal............... 31 VA....... Mechanicsville.
1-Nov-03...... Army.............. 1st Lt. Joshua C. Hurley......... 24 VA....... Clifton Forge.
5-Mar-04...... Navy.............. Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael 32 VA....... Richmond.
J. Gray.
14-Apr-04..... Army.............. Spc. Frank K. Rivers, Jr......... 23 VA....... Woodbridge.
10-May-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Andrew L. Tuazon............ 21 VA....... Chesapeake.
16-May-04..... Army.............. 2nd Lt. Leonard M. Cowherd....... 22 VA....... Culpeper.
28-Apr-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Kendall Thomas........ 36 VI....... St. Thomas.
2-Apr-03...... Army.............. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Erik A. 40 VT....... Bennington.
Halvorsen.
3-Apr-03...... Marine............ Cpl. Mark A. Evnin............... 21 VT....... Burlington.
6-Aug-03...... Army.............. Pvt. Kyle C. Gilbert............. 20 VT....... Brattleboro.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. 1st Lt. Pierre Piche............. 28 VT....... Starksboro.
2-Jan-04...... Army.............. Solomon C. Gangayan.............. 24 VT....... Jay.
9-May-03...... Marine............ Lance Cpl. Cedric E. Bruns....... 22 WA....... Vancouver.
1-Aug-03...... Army.............. Spc. Justin W. Hebert............ 20 WA....... Arlington.
7-Aug-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Duane E. Longstreth......... 19 WA....... Tacoma.
6-Oct-03...... Army.............. Pfc. Kerry D. Scott.............. 21 WA....... Mount Vernon.
1-Nov-03...... Army.............. 2nd Lt. Benjamin J. Colgan....... 30 WA....... Kent.
[[Page H3512]]
4-Nov-03...... Army.............. Spc. Robert T. Benson............ 20 WA....... Spokane.
17-Nov-03..... Army.............. Capt. James A. Shull............. 32 WA....... Kirkland.
28-Dec-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Curt E. Jordan.............. 25 WA....... Greenacres.
25-Jan-04..... Army.............. Staff Sgt. Christopher Bunda..... 29 WA....... Bremerton.
16-Mar-04..... Army.............. First Lieutenant Michael R. Adams 24 WA....... Seattle.
28-Apr-04..... Army.............. Spc. Jacob R. Herring............ 21 WA....... Kirkland.
12-May-04..... Army.............. Spc. Jeffrey R. Shaver........... 26 WA....... Maple Valley.
19-May-03..... Marine............ Sgt. Kirk Allen Straseskie....... 23 WI....... Beaver Dam.
26-May-03..... Army.............. Maj. Mathew E. Schram............ 36 WI....... Brookfield.
9-Jul-03...... Army.............. Sgt. 1st Class Dan H. Gabrielson. 39 WI....... Spooner.
22-Sep-03..... Army.............. Spc. Paul J. Sturino............. 21 WI....... Rice Lake.
26-Oct-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Rachel K. Bosveld........... 19 WI....... Waupun.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Spc. Eugene A. Uhl III........... 21 WI....... Amherst.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Sgt. Warren S. Hansen............ 36 WI....... Clintonville.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. 2nd Lt. Jeremy L. Wolfe.......... 27 WI....... Menomonie.
24-Dec-03..... Army.............. Maj. Christopher J. Splinter..... 43 WI....... Platteville.
16-Feb-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Nichole M. Frye............. 19 WI....... Lena.
10-Mar-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Bert. E. Hoyer.............. 23 WI....... Ellsworth.
13-Mar-04..... Army.............. Capt. John F. Kurth.............. 31 WI....... Columbus.
5-Apr-04...... Army.............. Pfc. Sean M. Schneider........... 22 WI....... Janesville.
29-Mar-04..... Marine............ Cpl. Jesse L. Thiry.............. 23 WI....... Casco.
6-Apr-04...... Marine............ Pfc. Ryan M. Jerabek............. 18 WI....... Oneida.
9-Apr-04...... Army.............. Spc. Michelle M. Witmer.......... 20 WI....... New Berlin.
17-Apr-04..... Army.............. Spc. Michael A. McGlothin........ 21 WI....... Milwaukee.
15-Nov-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Rich Hafer.................. 21 WV....... Cross Lanes.
1-Feb-04...... Army.............. Sgt. Roger C. Turner, Jr......... 37 WV....... Parkersburg.
18-Mar-04..... Army.............. Pfc. Ernest Harold Sutphin....... 21 WV....... Parkersburg.
30-Apr-04..... Marine............ Cpl. Joshua S. Wilfong........... 22 WV....... Walker.
23-Mar-03..... Marine............ Sgt. Brendon C. Reiss............ 23 WY....... Natrona.
14-Apr-03..... Army.............. Pfc. Joseph P. Mayek............. 20 WY....... Rock Springs.
30-Jul-03..... Army.............. 1st Lt. Leif E. Nott............. 24 WY....... Cheyenne.
25-Sep-03..... Army.............. Capt. Robert L. Lucero........... 34 WY....... Casper.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, Memorial Day is the unofficial start of
summer: pools open, barbecues are held in local parks and in backyards,
and families set out on car trips to take advantage of the long
weekend. But the excitement of the beginning of summer should not
obscure the holiday's true meaning--honoring the men and women who gave
their lives in service of our country.
This weekend, the National World War II Memorial will be dedicated in
Washington D.C. This memorial allows a grateful nation to thank the
World War II generation for their selfless sacrifices, which helped
preserve the freedoms we all enjoy. I am proud to join thousands of
Americans around the country in honoring them. They exemplify the
spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people to securing
freedom and democracy throughout the world. We are not just the
beneficiaries of their bravery. We are the stewards of their sacrifice.
This Memorial Day, we have thousands of brave men and women fighting
in Iraq and Afghanistan. As we remember those who have fallen, we must
continue to stand up for those who are still fighting overseas and
those who have finished their service with honor. Our government must
be accountable for the promises it makes to young men and women who are
asked to serve our country in this way.
Military retirees--who served a career in uniform to defend our
freedoms--are not asking for handouts; they are only asking for what
was promised to them. I introduced the ``Keep Our Promises to America's
Military Retirees Act,'' a bill to restore earned and promised health
care coverage to retired members of the uniformed services. Many people
joined the military believing they would earn a lifetime medical care
in exchange for 20 years of service, based on promises made by
recruiters and government officials. We must now honor that promise. I
am pleased that a majority of the House of Representatives has co-
sponsored the bill; now the House must act.
Another promise made to young men and women when they were recruited
was that their surviving spouses would receive a fair pension upon
retirement. However, the military's Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
unfairly slashes pension benefits for thousands of military spouses
just when they need it the most. In response to this injustice, I co-
sponsored the Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act. This is fair
legislation that would increase the minimum survivor benefit and
restore to 55 percent from 35 percent the basic annuity for surviving
spouses age 62 and older. I am pleased that this legislation recently
passed the House.
I am also fighting to end the Disabled Veterans Tax, which forces
disabled veterans and military retirees to give up one dollar of their
pension for every dollar of disability pay they receive. I believe that
our troops should be taken care of when we send them into battle and
that they should be given our respect when we bring them home. Our
brave men and women in uniform fought for our country. They shouldn't
have to fight the government to get the benefits they deserve.
The National World War II Memorial will inspire future generations of
Americans and stand as an important symbol of American national unity.
It will serve as a timeless reminder of our solemn obligation to
preserve peace for our children and the strength of our nation when
united in a common and just cause.
Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, this Memorial Day we recognize again not
only the soldiers who have died for their country over the
generations--but also the men and women serving in Iraq and
Afghanistan. I am proud of our soldiers in Iraq who are serving their
country with dedication and courage.
Four soldiers from Michigan's First District have made the ultimate
sacrifice in Iraq: Staff Sergeants Thomas W. Christensen and Stephen C.
Hattamer who were killed on Christmas Day; Staff Sergeant Paul J.
Johnson and Private First Class Jason G. Wright. I'd like to take a few
minutes to describe these good men.
Sergeant Christensen, a 42-year-old from Atlantic Mine, was a
reservist with the 652nd Engineer Battalion and had been overseas for
about a year when he was killed. His brother described him as a quiet
person who was handsome and smart. Sergeant Christensen had a passion
for hunting and fishing and that is why he called the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan his home.
Sergeant Hattamer, a 43-year-old from Gwinn, was a member of the same
Battalion as Christensen and enjoyed weight lifting, waterskiing, and
was famous for his chocolate cake using his mother's recipe. He is
survived by his wife and three children. Sergeant Hattamer's love of
country and children will live on through the scholarship the local
community established in his honor.
Sergeant Johnson, a 29-year-old from Calumet, was assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regimen of the famed 82nd Airborne.
He was described as the epitome of a paratrooper and he is survived by
his wife and son. He was from the ``Copper Country'' in the Keweenaw
Peninsula.
Private Jason Wright, a 19-year-old from Luzerne, was assigned to the
1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regimen of the famed 101st Airborne.
Private Wright was a good student who played baseball, basketball and
football in High School. He was protective of his three younger
brothers and was truly devoted to his family. Jason Wright will be
greatly missed by his family.
All four of these men served with honor and courage and my prayers
are with their families. On this and every Memorial Day hereafter when
we pause to honor our fallen soldiers, may God Bless their families and
America.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, today we are setting aside a special time
to pay tribute to fallen heroes. My South Texas district is mourning
the loss of three such heroes, Pfc. Dustin Sekula, Sgt. Christopher
Ramirez and Sgt. John Wayne Russell. These three men were very
different. One was a fresh-faced 18-year-old who had only been in the
Marines for 8 months. One was a 34-year-old veteran of the Gulf War and
Kosovo who was looking forward to retiring and joining the Border
Patrol. One was a 26-year-old, former high-school football player whose
own hero was his 34-year Army veteran father. Yet all shared a love of
country and a sense of patriotism and duty.
Sergeant Russell, a member of the Army's 101st Airborne was killed
when his Blackhawk
[[Page H3513]]
helicopter collided with another helicopter on November 17, 2003 over
Mosul, Iraq. Private Sekula, an infantry mortarman with the 2nd
Battallion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary
Force, died April 1, 2004 from enemy fire in the Al Anbar Province of
Iraq. Sergeant Ramirez, who served with the Army's 1st Infantry
Division, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry out of Ft. Riley, Kansas, was
killed two weeks later on April 14 when his patrol was ambushed in
Fallujah.
When you hear the stories that friends and families tell about
Dustin, John and Christopher, you understand just how special all three
were. They were role models to their peers, devoted sons, loyal friends
and active in their communities. All could have chosen to use their
talents in other career paths, yet they chose the path of military
service.
Military service will not make you rich. It requires long absences
from home and family, often in dangerous and inclement corners of the
world. Yet Americans like Dustin, John and Christopher continue to
volunteer to defend this country and protect our freedom, all the while
knowing it may cost them their lives.
John, Christopher and Dustin are true heroes and we owe them more
then we can ever repay. For their friends and families left behind, we
offer our prayers and the comfort of knowing that the sacrifices of
these young lives will not be forgotten. To those still on the front
lines we pledge our unity and support. As we approach the Memorial Day
holiday let us all take time away from the picnics and the sales to
remember every fallen American hero.
Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, as we pause to commemorate Memorial Day and
remember all those who have proudly served our nation, I am pleased
that we will finally dedicate the long-overdue World War II Memorial
here in Washington, D.C. Now Congress should re-dedicate itself to
improved services and benefits for our veterans and our troops and
future veterans.
Since the fighting began in Iraq last year, nearly 800 American
service men and women have died. It is my solemn privilege and honor to
name the casualties from my district.
Specialist Joseph M. Blickenstaff, U.S. Army, Sergeant Travis A.
Moothart, U.S. Army, Specialist Nathan W. Nakis, Oregon National Guard,
Lance Corporal Gary F. VanLeuven, U.S. Marines, Specialist Chase R.
Witham, U.S. Army.
In gratitude and in sorrow, I commemorate their courage and
sacrifice. They chose to serve and served honorably and well. It is now
our duty to keep these men in our hearts and in our memories as we
celebrate the joy of living free and strong.
Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, we rise today to pay tribute to the heroic
men and women from the great state of Michigan who served in the United
States Armed Forces and the civilian defense sector during World War
II. The sacrifices that these heroes made to protect our country and
defend freedom from the tyranny of totalitarianism will never be
forgotten.
From Benton Harbor to Detroit, from Calumet to Monroe, brave men and
women left behind their homes and loved ones to answer their country's
call to duty. Be it fighting in the Atlantic or the Pacific theater or
working in one of the many war production plants throughout our state,
courageous Michiganders truly helped make America the Arsenal of
Democracy. As our forces fight overseas today, like those of
yesteryear, we are vividly reminded of the debt of gratitude we owe our
men and women in uniform who serve to better our country.
Mr. Speaker, we come together as a people on Memorial Day to pay
tribute and remember those who have died while defending our Nation and
its values of democracy and freedom. This Memorial Day we make a
special tribute to the Greatest Generation with the dedication of the
National World War II Memorial. This Memorial is well overdue and will
ensure that our nation will never forget the brave and gallant service
of millions of Americans.
Today, we come together to praise and thank the many veterans who
answered their country's call to serve. The labor of the mothers,
fathers, sons and daughters of Michigan who helped defend our country
shall never perish from our memory. For the National World War II
Memorial stands tall to ensure that each passing generation understands
the sacrifices that the World War II generation made for our nation.
Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, I want to pay
special tribute to the thousands of men and women who gave their lives
in defense of this nation even though they were never able to fully
reap its vast benefits.
On January 29, 2004, the war on Iraq hit close to home as a young
member of my constituency was killed. Private First Class Luis A.
Moreno was a 19 year old Dominican-born immigrant who served in the
Army's First Armored Division. He had been deployed in Iraq only three
months before his untimely death.
What was most inspiring about this courageous young man was his
willingness to fight for a country that had yet to grant him
citizenship. Pfc. Moreno did not vote for the President who sent him
into battle. So the question is why? Why did Pfc. Moreno and others
like him, who could not enjoy the full benefits of this country, decide
to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of it?
The fact that he took up arms may surprise some, but anyone who has a
sense of America's past wars knows that this phenomenon has been
ubiquitous throughout our history. During America's early wars, African
Americans fought bravely for this nation even though they had not
gained equal status in society. Many Japanese Americans courageously
fought for this nation during World War II even as their families were
placed into internment camps. I suspect that, much like the
disenfranchised soldiers of those days, heroes like Pfc. Moreno
continue to make these sacrifices because they believe in the promise
of America; the promise of freedom and equality for all. It is this
same promise that keeps immigrants coming to our shores from all parts
of the world.
Mr. Speaker, as we honor the countless men and women who have given
their lives for this country, let us not forget that many of them
fought and died even though they were never able to enjoy what they
fought to preserve. It is too late for us to give rights to the
thousands of Black soldiers who fought and died on the battlefields of
World War II, or to allow Luis Moreno to vote in the next presidential
election. But it is not too late for us to ensure that America fulfills
its promise to those who continue to come to our shores in search of a
better life.
Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, almost three years ago, our nation was
shocked by the sickening reality of global terrorism infiltrating our
borders. Since September 11, 2001, the global war on terror has
resulted in the deployment of our troops to Afghanistan and other
perilous locations. At the same time, more than 130,000 young Americans
are serving in Iraq. During a time when the struggles of our troops
abroad are broadcast every day, our observance of Memorial Day calls
for sober reflection. We must remember that Memorial Day, at its core,
is our nation's somber tribute to those who have made the ultimate
sacrifice.
Seven hundred eighty-nine servicemen and servicewomen have lost their
lives since the beginning of our combat operations in Iraq, and 85 have
fallen in our military campaign in Afghanistan. Among these brave men
and women is a constituent from my district, United States Army
Specialist Rel Allen Ravago, IV, who was killed in Mosul, Iraq, on
November 23, 2003. My heart goes out to Mr. Ravago's friends and loved
ones, as it does to the innumerable Americans who have known troops
whose lives were cut short during our nation's wars. It is with a sense
of gratitude and humility that I will mark my observance of Memorial
Day.
In the past few weeks, much attention has been focused on the conduct
of our troops stationed in Iraq. Whether the grotesque abuses that have
shocked us all are the result of the depraved actions of a few
individuals or derelictions of duty rising up the chain of command is
an issue that must be determined through Congressional investigation.
Whatever the case may be, I am confident that Americans recognize that
the overwhelming majority of our troops are honorable, deeply
principled citizens. We are grateful to those who have left their
families, jobs, and the comforts of home to fight threats to freedom
and security.
We often find ourselves divided on the home front in terms of our
views on both foreign and domestic issues. Pundits chatter on about red
states and blue states in an attempt to highlight the supposedly
irreconcilable political cleavages within our society. It is with this
in mind that I reflect on the original observance of Memorial Day--then
called Decoration Day--on May 30, 1868. On the inaugural celebration of
what has become a national holiday, five thousand people journeyed to
Arlington National Cemetery to decorate the graves of the more than
20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there. Americans had
heeded Abraham Lincoln's admonition to act ``with malice toward none,
with charity for all'' and united to commemorate the fallen troops on
both sides.
If our nation was then able to transcend a brutal conflict that
pitted brother against brother, surely we can close ranks and join
together now in mourning the men and women who have most recently died
in Afghanistan and Iraq, and in other past battles. Memorializing our
fallen troops is not a partisan or political issue; it is a basic debt
of gratitude that all Americans owe to those who safeguard our freedom.
I hope all Americans will join us this Memorial Day in reflecting on
those who safeguard our freedom, democracy, and prosperity.
Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, today, I pay special tribute to Army
Specialist Jason Christopher Ford who was killed on March 13, 2004
[[Page H3514]]
in Tikrit, Iraq. Army Specialist Ford epitomized the duty, valor and
sacrifice that we honor in our members of the armed services.
Spc. Ford grew up in the Bladensburg, MD area. He was an optimistic
young man who had an abiding love for his family. He was a good
athlete--a swimmer, baseball player and avid bowler. Spc. Ford joined
the U.S. Army in 2002 for the chance to travel. After completing basic
training he was stationed in Germany and assigned to the 1st Battalion,
18th Infantry Regiment. In early March 2004 he was sent to Iraq. On
March 13, 2004 while on patrol, an improvised explosive device exploded
next to the Humvee Spc. Ford was riding in and he was killed.
Every day, the men and women of our armed services are exhibiting
courage and making sacrifices ensuring that 25 million human beings who
had been enslaved for a quarter of a century have been liberated. It is
because of their courage and sacrifice that a dangerous dictator no
longer menaces his own people or the world, but instead awaits the
justice that he denied millions. And it is because of their courage and
sacrifice that the universal aspirations of all men and women--freedom,
democracy, and basic human rights--are being extended half a world
away.
This generation of Americans, and future generations, are indeed
blessed that when freedom's call came, brave Americans like Spc. Ford
answered. We honor Spc. Ford's service to our country and his
willingness to answer the call to duty. Today we say a special prayer
for his family, friends and fellow soldiers. They must know that a
grateful nation mourns their loss and shares their pain.
Daniel Webster, the noted orator, Member of Congress and Secretary of
State, remarked nearly two centuries ago: ``God grants liberty only to
those who love it and are always ready to guard and defend it.'' Army
Specialist Jason Ford was ready and he defended liberty. Today we
remember and we pay our respect to a beloved son, brother, friend, and
now a fallen American patriot who has made the ultimate sacrifice for
our nation and the principles for which we stand--liberty, justice,
equality and decency.
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, and so it was said by Pericles, the
Athenian leader some 24 centuries ago, ``Not only are they commemorated
by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten
memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.''
As Memorial Day 2004 approaches, I am awed by a greater sense of
pride for our fallen soldiers and those serving aboard. We approach
this day with solemn affirmations of the sacrifices of our brave men
and women, and in celebration for every joy and freedom bestowed to us
from the Almighty.
This day was born of human necessity and the answer to an
overwhelming desire to honor those who have given the ultimate
sacrifice so that we may live without fear, but with hope. No matter
where he has fallen, a soldier stands in place for you, for me, for us
as a country and for freedom everywhere.
May they always be honored for their commitment and respected for
their bravery. For the stance taken by each man and woman is written
down in the archives of history. The stories and memories shape our
vision of the world and provide footsteps for future generations.
Bow one head; lay one flower; remember one soldier; pray
continuously; and may you be blessed this Memorial Day.
Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today, we honor the men and women in
uniform who have lost their lives in military service to our nation.
Memorial Day is for that reason a very solemn occasion. It is not a day
to celebrate our military glories. Rather, we remember our losses: lost
lives and the lost futures of our fallen soldiers. When the nation's
political leaders commit our country's citizens to war, it is a
concomitant that the lives of our soldiers are put at risk. Some will
not come home alive and undamaged. Our leaders have an obligation to
the citizens of the nation to know that and to take heed. My thoughts
and prayers are with the families and loved ones of our fallen
soldiers.
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, today, as the House of Representatives pauses
for a moment of silence in honor of our fallen service men and women in
Iraq and Afghanistan, I rise in memory of Lieutenant Seth Dvorin, a
member of the Army's 10th Mountain Division and a lifetime resident of
East Brunswick, New Jersey.
An avid athlete, Seth played high school baseball and football before
attending Rutgers University. In 2002, he joined the Army and was
commissioned as an officer of the 10th Mountain Division's Battery B,
3rd Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiments.
Like many men and women in the armed forces and Reserves, Seth was
deployed to Iraq. On February 4, 2004, he was killed when a device
exploded on a road near Iskandariyah, Iraq. Seth died in the service of
his country and his fellow soldiers. As a result of his bravery, others
are alive today.
News of Seth's passing spread quickly throughout my Congressional
district. Even those who never knew Seth personally still knew that we
had lost someone special. Yesterday, more than two hundred students
from John Witherspoon Middle School in Princeton gathered at Arlington
National Cemetery to lay a wreath in honor of fallen service men and
women. I was heartened to talk with these patriotic students today and
understand the depth of their appreciation for the brave people who
serve. Seth Dvorin was an American soldier and a respected member of
our community. His loss is a tragedy--there is no other word.
Mr. Speaker, I want the record to show that Seth's country
appreciates and mourns the sacrifice he made on our behalf. Men of his
character and courage are rare. New Jersey has lost one of its sons,
and we will miss him.
Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 793
Americans who have given their lives and the 4,524 who've been wounded
courageously serving their country in Iraq. It is fitting that we
should share in a moment of silence on the floor of this House to honor
their memory and sacrifice.
It is with particular sadness that I pay tribute to a Marine from my
district whose service will not be forgotten. On Tuesday, April 6,
2004, Lance Cpl. Travis J. Layfield, a 19-year-old from Fremont,
California, was killed during a firefight in the Anbar Province of
Western Iraq. Travis served courageously through unimaginable
circumstances. He is a credit to the US Marine Corps to which he was
deeply dedicated.
A 2003 graduate of Washington High School, Travis is a hero for his
service with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, 1st
Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Pendleton. Travis entered ROTC
while in junior high school, committed to a career in the Marine Corps.
Last year, he completed 12 weeks of basic training at the Marine Corps
recruit depot in San Diego. He left for the Middle East in February
2003, first heading to Kuwait and later Iraq.
There has been tremendous outpouring of love and respect for Travis
from his classmates and friends at his high school as well as from the
entire Fremont community. We have joined together to mourn the loss of
this proud young Marine. We shall long remember Lance Cpl. Travis J.
Layfield. He gave his life for peace and democracy and died, as a noble
Marine, serving our country.
Travis is but one example of the thousands of young Americans who
answered the call of service and paid the ultimate price in Iraq. As a
nation we mourn his passing and offer our solemn gratitude to him and
to all those who have given life or limb for their selfless service and
sacrifice to our country. Our thoughts are with Travis' family and the
families of all those who have served and continue to serve
courageously in our armed forces in Iraq.
Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on May 31st we will commemorate Memorial
Day. Across our great land, thousands of American flags, proudly
waving, will mark the final resting place of those who gave their lives
so that we in the United States and people in other lands might enjoy
the blessings of liberty. We are deeply saddened by their deaths, but
eternally grateful for their sacrifice.
One such sacrifice in freedom's name was made on March 22, 2004, when
a 20-year-old Marine Lance Corporal Andrew S. Dang's life was cut short
in a gun battle during patrol near Ar Ramady, Iraq. Cpl. Dang was from
Foster City, California, and he graduated from Aragon High School.
Those who knew Andrew Dang best describe him as someone with a passion
for science and technology who spent his free time building robots and
rockets. He was one of the founding members of Aragon's renowned
robotics team and by his senior year, he was taking multiple advanced
placement classes in physics and chemistry. He also excelled in
athletics as a wrestler and football player. The oldest of three
brothers raised by a single mom, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps less
than a year ago to make a better future for himself and to give back to
his country. His life had just begun when bullets stole it away.
Mr. Speaker, the commemoration of Memorial Day will be a difficult
time for Cpl. Dang's family and friends, filled with vivid memories of
a bright, enthusiastic and popular young man who will never come home.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to remember Mr. Dang and his fellow
soldiers who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, world renowned anthropologist
Margaret Mead once said, ``Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful
committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing
that ever has.'' These well articulated words embodies the core meaning
of what Memorial Day symbolizes. If it was not for those individuals
who banded together, many of us would not have the freedoms we enjoy
today.
Citizens of Tennessee, the Volunteer State, have a long, storied
history of military service
[[Page H3515]]
to our country. Many of its young have sacrificed themselves in the
name of liberty, freedom, and patriotism. On courthouses and city halls
across Tennessee, stone or bronze monuments list the names of the men
and women who gave their life for this country. It is fitting that
tribute be perpetually acknowledged to their ultimate sacrifice.
We must never lose touch with our traditions and history. Memorial
Day is more than a three-day holiday weekend. It's about reconnecting
with our past and being thankful for the freedom we all have today. We
all must share in the loss of those brave patriots who have come and
gone.
Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Lance Cpl. William W.
White in recognition of his bravery, courage, and sacrifice for our
country.
Lance Cpl. White, who grew up in Brooklyn, had been assigned to the
3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, part of the 1st Marine Division,
which is based in Camp Pendleton in California. On March 29, 2004, he
became the first soldier from New York City to die in the Iraq war
after his military Humvee rolled into a canal, and he drowned. He was
24 years old.
A 1998 graduate of Bushwick High School, White was committed to
serving his country as he was planning to join the fire department or
pursue a career in law enforcement upon his return. Until his final
days, he always shared a great concern and love for others, especially
his family. In his last letter home, he sent home a $100 bill to help
his brother pay a cell phone tab, instructing him to keep the money if
the brother had already paid the bill.
Lance Cpl. White was a disciplined student of martial arts and of the
Bible. He left behind his wife Mychaele of 18 months.
Mr. Speaker, Lance Cpl. William W. White was a true American hero,
making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. As such, he is more than
worthy of receiving our recognition today and I urge my colleagues to
join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to
Marine Sgt. Brian McGinnis of the Marine Light Attack Helicopter
Squadron 169, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country on March
30, 2004 in southern Iraq. In the words of his fellow Marines, Sgt.
McGinnis was a trusted mentor, a brother, and a hero.
Sgt. McGinnis, a graduate of William Penn High School and native of
St. Georges, Delaware joined the Marine Corps because as he stated, he,
``wanted to be a part of the best.'' As a member of the U.S. Armed
Services, Sgt. McGinnis had fulfilled his goal of becoming a part of
the best fighting force in the world. Sgt. McGinnis had the opportunity
to take part in activities he loved in the Marine Corps and had
received his crew wings the day before he met with tragedy in southern
Iraq. The most important aspect of Sgt. McGinnis' service in Iraq was
the sense of pride he felt knowing that he was serving his country.
Mr. Speaker, it is not possible to quantify the sense of loss our
great Nation feels when faced with the loss of life of our men and
women in the U.S. Armed Services. Nonetheless, I will say that Sgt.
Brian McGinnis will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, the
Marine Corps, and by his Nation. His service for our Nation and the
service of countless men and women before and after him will never be
forgotten.
Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, I would like to rise in
honor of a courageous young soldier who died September 7, 2003, of
injuries suffered August 30 when the truck he was driving in a supply
convoy was hit by a civilian vehicle in Iraq. U.S. Army Specialist
Jarrett B. Thompson was a member of the Lewes, Delaware-based 946th
Transportation Company, and sadly was our State's first war casualty
from a Reserve or National Guard unit.
At only 27 years of age, Jarrett was a brave young reservist who
valiantly served his state and country. A Dover resident who grew up in
Millington, Maryland and played high school football, Jarrett joined
the Army in March of 1994. Following a 3-year tour of active duty at
Fort Campbell, Kentucky, he continued his commitment to service as a
member of the Army Reserve. When he was called to active duty in
January 2003, Jarrett dutifully accepted service in the Middle East,
where his fellow reservists described him as an energetic, mission-
oriented soldier.
In civilian life, Jarrett was a design engineer for Ashland
Equipment, Inc. A proud son and devoted husband and father, Jarrett
will be deeply missed by his parents, Judy Coleman Thompson and Allen
B. Thompson, his wife Kelly, and their sons Conner and Collin. At his
funeral in September, Jarrett received a 21-gun salute and the Bronze
Star Medal in honor of his noble service to our Nation.
Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere privilege to honor the life of a proud
soldier and heroic representative of the State of Delaware. Army
Specialist Jarrett B. Thompson was an honorable defender of liberty,
and he deserves our gratitude and respect.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a brave young Army Ranger who
died Thursday, April 3, 2003, due to suicide car-bomber at a checkpoint
northwest of Baghdad. U.S. Army Specialist Ryan P. Long was a proud
Ranger who gave his life, along with two of his fellow soldiers,
helping the Third Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment operate a
checkpoint outside of Baghdad.
At only 21 years of age, Ryan was an inspirational young Delawarean
who graduated from Seafood High School in June of 1999, where he had
been vice commander of the Naval Junior ROTC program. Ryan joined the
Army and became an Army Ranger, where he was part of an elite group
chosen to carry out special missions. He was stationed in Fort Benning,
Georgia and was deployed twice to Afghanistan before his service in
Iraq, where he continued the noble fight against terror.
Ryan was a patriotic American who enjoyed soccer, golf, snowboarding,
and motorcycles. Ryan was a fourth generation soldier, his father is
retired Major Rudolf ``Rudy'' Long. Ryan followed in his family's
tradition and chose to serve his country. He will be deeply missed by
his parents, Rudy and Donna, and brother, his friends, teachers, and
fellow soldiers.
Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere privilege to honor the life of a proud
Ranger and heroic representative of the State of Delaware. Army
Specialist Ryan P. Long deserves our gratitude and respect.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the heroic life of U.S.
Army Staff Sergeant Joseph Garyantes who died May 19, 2004, while
securing freedom for the people of Iraq. Staff Sergeant Garyantes was
patrolling Muqdadiyah, Iraq, just outside of Baghdad when his vehicle
was attacked by sniper fire, ending the life of this dedicated soldier.
Staff Sergeant Garyantes was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and for
most of his childhood called the Rehoboth Beach area home. He attended
Epworth Christian School in Laurel, and at an early age contemplated a
life in the Christian ministry. Eventually his selflessness and
unwavering desire to help others drew him to military service. From
what I have learned about this remarkable young man, it is apparent
that Staff Sergeant Garyantes truly enjoyed helping others overcome the
difficulties in their lives. For example, he wrote a letter to the
editor while stationed in Germany, in response to a young soldier's
complaint about the difficulties of Army life. His response was not
negative or demeaning, he offered solutions and words of encouragement
to this fellow soldier.
Staff Sergeant Garyantes, because of his inherent desire to lead and
guide others to greatness, certainly would have found a way to inspire
others in any career he chose, but he chose to join the U.S. Army. He
chose to subject himself to the daily rigors of military service
because he valued the well-being of others--ultimately at the cost of
his own life. And although he will be missed tremendously by his wife
and children, his family and friends, and his fellow soldiers, it is my
hope that they can take comfort in his devotion to serving those in
need, which will be his legacy.
Mr. Speaker, it is not often that I have the opportunity to honor the
life of a true hero and American patriot such as Staff Sergeant Joseph
Garyantes. His devotion to his fellow man is truly amazing, and he
deserves our utmost respect and admiration.
Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay homage
to all of our fallen heroes in arms that have defended our Nation from
despotism, nazism, fascism, communism and terrorism.
The life we live has been shaped by those we honor today. Each
answered Liberty's call to duty in defense of their country. Our Nation
owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude for their service. Our humble
words can never adequately put into perspective their overwhelming
contribution to freedom.
We cannot forget the last full measure of devotion they gave us. Not
for fame or fortune, but for a love of country, with determination,
courage and honor, the men and women of our armed services have
dedicated their lives to the defense of our democratic ideals.
We honor their memory. The freedoms we enjoy today because of their
valor are their eternal legacy to us and our posterity.
I join a grateful nation in sending my thoughts and prayers to all
the bereaved families who have lost loved ones who served to protect
our sacred liberty.
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, May 31, America will celebrate
Memorial Day, our most solemn national holiday. First observed in 1868
to commemorate the Civil War dead, it was initially called Decoration
Day. This tradition of placing flags on the graves of our war dead
began at a time when our country still bore the scars of a four-year
war that claimed 620,000 American lives, a war that divided America as
nothing else has, before or since.
[[Page H3516]]
But as the House of Representatives pauses in 2004 to honor our
Nation's fallen heroes, we do so as one Nation united by the values of
liberty and democracy. When American families carry wreaths and flags
to veterans' graves across the country, we do so as one America. When
we visit the Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery in Owings Mills,
Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, or the new
World War II Memorial on the Mall, our memories will be of those we
knew and loved. And our thoughts and prayers will be with those still
in combat today.
This year, while our military struggles to bring stability to Iraq,
mounting American casualties cast new light on the meaning of valor and
sacrifice. Nearly 800 American men and women have died in Iraq in the
past fourteen months; yet on the faces of our soldiers, we see only
their resolve, their unwavering dedication.
I want to make special mention of the 8 young Marylanders who have
died in the Iraqi conflict: Private Brandon Davis, Specialist Jason
Ford, Command Sergeant Major Cornell Gilmore, Captain Jason David
Mileo, Specialist George A. Mitchell, First Lieutenant Adam G. Mooney,
Sergeant Jeffery Walker, and Staff Sergeant Kendall Damon Waters-Bey.
These brave men left the comfort and safety of our shores for Iraq, and
theirs was the ultimate sacrifice. They are our heroes in the truest
sense of the word. We extend our gratitude to them, we offer our
condolences to their loved ones, and we hold them up as an example of
America's best.
Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, as our Nation prepares for the dedication of
the National World War II Memorial next weekend, I rise to join my
constituents in paying solemn tribute to the nearly 200 World War II
veterans of Oscoda County, Michigan. Each and every one of these
veterans deserves our continued gratitude for their service, for their
sacrifice, and for their leadership.
On May 29th, the residents of Oscoda County will celebrate these
members of the greatest generation with a parade, ceremony, and
luncheon marking Oscoda World War II Veterans Recognition Day. This day
has an added significance: Together they will also be watching the
dedication ceremony in Washington, DC, for the National World War II
Memorial. I am fortunate that I will have the honor of participating in
this event, and will have the chance to thank these veterans in person
for the sacrifice they made for our freedom 60 years ago.
I am especially pleased that this event is focused on those veterans
that are still with us. On Memorial Day, our nation rightly honors
those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of preserving
liberty. But we too often forget to thank those who came home to
careers and family and civic leadership. By the grace of God they
returned home, but this does not diminish their service and sacrifice.
Indeed, their leadership and example since have put us further in their
debt.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the World War II generation, and
especially those who fought so bravely in Europe and the Pacific for
the freedom we enjoy today, are deserving of our highest honor and
deepest gratitude. We must never forget their sacrifice and their
courage. I therefore ask that the House join me in paying tribute to
that greatest generation, and especially to those who will be at the
Oscoda World War II Veterans Recognition events.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the nearly 800
American soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. No
one has sacrificed more than these brave men and women and their
families. The debt we owe them all is tremendous.
As we approach Memorial Day, we must never forget that people are
dying as a result of the decisions of this House. Many of our brave
soldiers will never again walk on this earth because of the choices we
make.
Late last year I spent a week in Bethesda Naval Hospital recuperating
from back surgery. During my stay there, I visited with wounded
soldiers who had come home forever changed by the war in Iraq. Meeting
with these soldiers and seeing their injuries gave me a firsthand look
at the true reality of war, and made me more committed than ever before
that our government cover all the expenses of any injury that results
from war. But that's just not happening.
Congress must work to equip every soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan
with the best equipment and supplies available, including state-of-the-
art bulletproof vests, and Camelbak water bottles so they can rehydrate
in the hot desert air. And the vehicles our soldiers use need to be
equipped with the best and strongest armor available. Dozens of un-
armored Humvees are falling victim to road-side bombs and rocket
propelled grenades. This year's Defense Authorization bill paid for
some of these things. It's about time.
We must make every attempt to provide for our service men and women
when they come home from the war, too. That's why Congress needs to
provide better health coverage to our veterans, and why we need to end
the Disabled Veterans Tax immediately to ensure that anyone who has
served in the military receives both health benefits and retirement
benefits. This outdated tax from 1891 needs to go.
Our lives wouldn't be the same without the selflessness of thousands
of courageous Americans. I am humbled by their courage and the
sacrifices they have made for their country.
Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the tremendous
sacrifice and bravery of the countless men and women who have fallen in
service to this great country. This Memorial Day, let us stop to
remember all of the American service men and women who have answered
the call to defend our Nation, many making that ultimate sacrifice for
the peace and preservation of this great union.
As we prepare to dedicate the National World War II Memorial, we are
again reminded of the brave, young men and women who have come before
us giving their lives in defense of this land. From the beaches of
Normandy to the Sea of Japan to the heart of the Rhine, 400,000
Americans gave their lives defending democracy and halting the spread
of tyranny during the Second World War. Now, immortalized in granite,
America pays tribute to our Greatest Generation and the selfless
sacrifices so many made in honor of our Nation.
Again, this country is engaged in battle. Fighting to maintain peace
and security across the globe, American soldiers in Iraq and
Afghanistan continue to make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure freedom
and democracy for all people. As the war on terror continues, Americans
must honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for the
protection of this Nation and the hope of another.
This Memorial Day I pay tribute to the millions of soldiers who have
fallen in service to this great Nation and the immeasurable sacrifices
they have made defending freedom and democracy throughout the world. It
is with a humble heart and proud spirit that I honor the lives of
America's fallen soldiers and remember with admiration their patriotism
and dedication to country in the face of adversity. Let us never forget
their sacrifices.
Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor those who have served
our country so selflessly and given their lives to defend our freedom.
We realize the sacrifice that these soldiers have made for our country
can never truly be repaid, so we honor them by remembering their heroic
deeds and what they have meant for America. Those who served and are
presently serving in our military have helped defend our Nation from
harm, allowing the citizens of my State of Maine and the citizens of
our entire country to enjoy the liberties that we cherish so deeply.
Maine's population, as much as any State, has felt the burden of war
for many years. With 154,000 veterans, a large percentage of Maine's
small population has served and protected our country. Most Mainers
have several relatives or friends who have defended our home. Our
State's dedication to service continues as over 3,000 Maine citizens
are putting their lives in harm's way overseas.
This Memorial Day is especially meaningful because we also remember
those who have recently made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in
a war where danger is still present today. Over 300,000 Americans have
bravely faced the violence that still ravages Iraq and sadly over 700
servicemen and servicewomen have made the ultimate sacrifice for our
country. Maine has not been immune from loss in this current conflict,
and my thoughts are with the loved ones of those who gave their lives
for our country. These sacrifices are fresh in our memory and should
not and will not be forgotten.
Today we say thank you to those who gave their lives. Tomorrow we
must make sure to honor their memory by caring for their families. We
must forever recognize and respect the ultimate sacrifices that so many
great men and women made so that the many citizens of our country can
enjoy the blessings that they do today.
Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Memorial Day, I rise
today to pay tribute to the brave men and women who gallantly gave
their lives so we may live in freedom.
Throughout the history of our nation, valiant soldiers have
struggled, distinguished themselves, advanced our cause, and fallen in
battle. Next weekend is the unveiling of a lasting tribute to our
greatest generation--many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice more than
50 years ago.
As Tom Brokaw so eloquently wrote:
They won the war; they saved the world. They came home to
joyous and short-lived celebrations and immediately began the
task of rebuilding their lives and the world they wanted.
I am in awe of them, these men and women who have given us
the world we have today. I feel privileged to have been
witness to their stories. As I came to know many of them I
[[Page H3517]]
became more and more moved by their everyday excellence--and
more and more convinced that this is the greatest generation
in our country's history.
I too, am in awe of the brave men and women who fought on the front
lines, and the millions of Americans who served on the home front.
Truly they are the greatest generation.
Young men and women committed their lives, knowing they might not see
their families again, for a cause that was greater than any individual
nation. Young men and women committed to building a free world.
And now we mark the dedication of a memorial that honors our greatest
generation, a memorial that will remind future generations of Americans
as well as visitors from around the globe of the cost of freedom that
we enjoy. It will serve as a reminder of the suffering and the
sacrifice of our soldiers.
We also must take the time this Memorial Day to remember the soldiers
who have given their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom. These soldiers
deserve no less awe and respect than those who fought and served more
than 50 years ago. From Oregon, 15 brave soldiers have made the
ultimate sacrifice while serving their country: Specialist Brandon
Scott Tobler of Portland, Sergeant Donald Walters of Salem, Captain
Aaron Joseph Contreras of Sherwood, Staff Sergeant Robert Anthony
Stever of Pendleton, Corporal Travis J. Bradachnall of Multnomah
County, Chief Warrant Officer Erik C. Kesterson of Independence,
Specialist Joseph M. Blickenstaff of Corvallis, Specialist Nathan W.
Nakis of Corvallis, Specialist Christopher Jude Wesley of Portland,
Sergeant Travis A. Moothart of Brownsville, Private 1st Class William
C. Ramirez of Portland, Specialist Philip G. Rogers of Gresham, Lance
Corporal Gary F. Van Leuven of Klamath Falls, Specialist Chase R.
Whitman of Eugene, and Lance Corporal Bob W. Roberts of Newport.
Each of these 20 soldiers and their families deserve thanks from all
Oregonians and all Americans. The Nation offers its collective thanks,
as well as its sincere hope that all the Americans still in Iraq will
return home to their families swiftly and safely.
Let us give thanks and praise to all men and women who worked
together and in many cases died together, so that we all live in a more
safe and more free world. We are all forever indebted to these brave
soldiers.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a courageous serviceman
who lost his life while bravely serving our country in Iraq. Jason
Ludlam made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and for the American
people.
In times of war, our soldiers and their families carry the gravest
imaginable burden upon their shoulders. The service these brave men and
women provide their country is immeasurable and will not be forgotten.
I truly sympathize with the families of fallen heroes for their
terrible loss. It is my hope that many good memories help bring these
families comfort in their time of need.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize and honor Jason Ludlam for the sacrifice he
made and for the service he gave his country.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a courageous serviceman who lost
his life while bravely serving our country in Iraq. Kenneth Melton made
the ultimate sacrifice for his country and for the American people.
In times of war, our soldiers and their families carry the gravest
imaginable burden upon their shoulders. The service these brave men and
women provide their country is immeasurable and will not be forgotten.
I truly sympathize with the families of fallen heroes for their
terrible loss. It is my hope that many good memories help bring these
families comfort in their time of need.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize and honor Kenneth Melton for the sacrifice
he made and for the service he gave his country.
Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my
colleagues in honoring the brave men and women who have fallen in
service in Iraq and Afghanistan. They gave the ultimate sacrifice to
guarantee the freedoms and rights we hold so dear and to help the
oppressed and give a voice to those who do not have one.
Army Sergeant Gregory Wahl, a constituent of mine from Valley Stream,
NY, was one of the brave men who gave his life in Iraq. He was riding
in a vehicle that flipped over in a canal during a combat patrol.
Gregory, according to his father, wanted to be there and he knew what
it was all about. He was confident in his mission and proud of his
military career, which spanned over 11 years. Gregory is survived by
his wife, Maricela, who together spent many hours enjoying their love
of cooking, and his daughter, Alexis, who inherited her father's blue
eyes. He loved his country and entered into combat with a lot of
courage and ambition for his future, the future of Maricela and Alexis,
and the future of the people he was fighting for, both Americans and
Iraqis. But Gregory is only one of many. We have lost many brave men
and women and it is important to remember their valor and dedication to
our country.
I would also like to honor and extend my sorrow to the families of
those who have fallen. While we get to go on with our daily lives,
parents, spouses, and children will have to adapt and learn to live
without their loved one. And for this they and the men and women of the
Armed Forces will always be in my prayers.
Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the well of the House of
Representatives to honor those who have so nobly given their lives in
defense of our freedoms and values. The men and women serving in the
armed services both here and abroad are American heroes. We are holding
this moment of silence today for our fellow countrymen and women that
have given the last full measure of devotion in battlefields throughout
the world. They will forever be remembered and revered in the memory of
this great Nation.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor three brave
soldiers from the 28th Congressional District of New York who lost
their lives while serving in Iraq. These three men, all from Buffalo,
left loving families, promising careers and secure futures to serve our
Nation in the Armed Forces. They traveled thousands of miles across the
world to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. I am humbled to
have served them in Congress.
Private First Class Tamario D. Burkett was killed in the line of duty
just days after combat operations began in Iraq, on March 23, 2003.
While securing bridges near Nasiriyah, Pfc. Burkett and his fellow
soldiers came under heavy fire. Pfc. Burkett, who lived with his family
on Peace Street, was just 21 years old. His family continues to
celebrate his memory and to mourn the promise of his young life.
On October 17, 2003, Specialist Michael L. Williams was killed near
Baghdad when the vehicle he was riding in ran over an explosive.
Specialist Williams, 46, reenlisted in the Army National Guard after
witnessing the horrendous attacks on September 11, which also happened
to be his birthday. He died doing what he had dedicated his life to:
protecting and serving the American people. He left behind a wife and
four daughters.
Private First Class Charles E. Bush, Jr., was killed just days before
Christmas on December 19, 2003, when a bomb exploded beneath his
vehicle. Pfc. Bush, 34, was a cook in the Army, but he had volunteered
as a door gunner to help protect the convoy. He could have stayed back,
but he chose instead to ride along that day to defend his fellow
soldiers. He left behind a devoted family and a young daughter.
This Memorial Day, we will pay respect to all the soldiers who have
lost their lives defending our nation. It is a tragedy that across the
nation, the legion of those we honor will now include hundreds of new
names--names of fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, siblings and
children who volunteered to serve their nation and who will never
return home.
In Buffalo, this day will be especially tragic as we honor these
three brave soldiers. Private First Class Tamario D. Burkett,
Specialist Michael L. Williams and Private First Class Charles E. Bush,
Jr. will forever be remembered for their patriotism, their valor and
their sacrifice. I pray with all the families who have loved ones that
no more lives will be lost and that all our soldiers will arrive safely
home soon. We cannot stand to lose any more.
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, General John Logan, the national
commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially declared the
first Memorial Day to be observed on May 30th, 1868. In a healing
moment for our Nation, flowers were placed on the graves of both Union
and Confederate soldiers at Arlington Cemetery. Our nation was united
in our grief.
On this Memorial Day, 136 years later, we are again united in our
grief and our respect for our fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen, and
Marines. Whether speaking of those from the wars of our past or those
from our current conflict in Iraq, we acknowledge their valiant service
and sacrifice, as well as the void that their loss has left for their
families, their communities, and our Nation. In my thoughts now, along
with all of those whom we have lost, are six young men from my
congressional district who have given their lives in Iraq:
Specialist Brandon Tobler, Corporal Travis Bradach-Nall,
Specialist Christopher Rivera Wesley, Private First Class
William Ramirez, Specialist Philip Rogers, Lance Corporal
Bob W. Roberts.
There are no words that Congress can utter today that would be as
noted as the silence of these soldiers. There is no way to express our
appreciation and sorrow to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice
for our country. We can only fulfill our duty to ensure that our men
and women in uniform receive the best training and equipment, adequate
pay and fair treatment during their service and after. We must then
assure our veterans new and old, that they will receive the treatment
they have been promised. Most importantly, we must
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pledge our valiant and tireless effort for peace and security at home
and abroad.
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Memorial Day, 2004, we honor
both the veterans who fought America's wars, and those who stand on the
front lines of today's combat engagements.
Each day it seems, news from Iraq carries the awful news of combat
deaths as we try to quell a nation and leave it in better hands than
before. Most importantly, our troops are still pursuing al Queda and
Osama bin Laden in the mountains of Afghanistan and elsewhere around
the world to root out the entity that attacked us on 9-11. This
generation's solemn mission is to undermine and eradicate the terrorist
movement, which continues to grow and evolve, from the face of the
Earth.
Today we honor all those who fought for this nation throughout our
history. Americans all over the world are remembering friends, family
members and countrymen who made the ultimate sacrifice for liberty and
democracy. In South Texas, the list of young people lost in the global
conflict with al Queda, and now in Iraq, is becoming longer than we can
bear. We continue to welcome home other sons and daughters who were
injured or captured. Please remember these brave young warriors and
their families on this Memorial Day.
As a member of Congress who sits on the House Armed Services
Committee, I know what we ask of people in uniform, and I know the
difficulties of service. As a veteran, I know what is expected of
soldiers and sailors in combat--or in the possibility of combat. The
very least we must do for the men and women who serve this nation is
provide adequately for their health care now and in their later years.
The attack on our nation on 9-11 served to remind us that firemen,
law enforcement officers and doctors also stand on the front lines in
the first war of the 21st Century. The world has entered this century
through pillars of fire, and the United States is called to fight a
global war again, this time against al Queda and the terrorism they
sponsor and continue to inspire. Americans, as always, fight for this
country, and South Texans always make an extraordinary contribution to
our military force.
Today, let us pledge anew to face the challenges of our world with
compassion, strength, and understanding as we stand on the watchtower
of freedom. On this Memorial Day, let us remember the heroes of our
history as we wish for peace as the poets and the dreamers do--but
remain ever ready to fight the battles that are righteous, where the
values of freedom and democracy are at stake.
Please take a moment of silence and remember the South Texas heroes
who answered this nation's call to military service, especially those
who gave this nation the ultimate measure of devotion. We remember them
all and their families today and always. Our South Texas heroes:
Killed aboard the USS Cole: Petty Officer 3rd Class
Ronchester Santiago, 22, from Kingsville and Fireman Gary
Swenchonis Jr., 26 from Rockport, TX
Army Spc. Edward J. Anguiano, 24, from Los Fresnos, 3rd
Combat Support Battalion from Los Fresnos; he went missing on
March 23, 2003, when his convoy was ambushed in Iraq; his
remains were recovered on April 24
1st Sgt. Joe J. Garza, 43, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, from Robstown;
he was killed on April 28, 2003, when he was struck by a
civilian vehicle in Iraq
Pfc. Juan Guadalupe Garza Jr., 20, 1st Battalion, 4th
Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division from San Benito; he was
killed in action on April 8, 2003, in central Iraq
Staff Sgt. Hector R. Perez, 40, 1st Battalion, 327th
Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air
Assault) from Corpus Christi; he was killed when his military
convoy came under fire north of Hawd, Iraq on July 24, 2003
Spc. Jose A. Perez III, 22, 6th Battalion, 27th Field
Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, from San
Diego, Texas; he was killed in an ambush of a convoy on May
28, 2003, in Taji, Iraq
Sgt. Christopher Ramirez, 34, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry,
1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, from McAllen; he died
from injuries sustained during combat operations in Al Anbar
Province, Iraq, on April 14, 2004
Sgt. John W. Russell, 26, 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation
Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), from
Portland; he was killed when two 101st Airborne Division UH-
60 Black Hawk helicopters collided in mid-air over Mosul,
Iraq, on November 15, 2003
Pfc. Dustin M. Sekula, 18, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine
Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary
Force, from Edinburg; he died due to injuries sustained from
enemy fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, on April 1, 2004
Lance Cpl. Ruben Valdez Jr., 21, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine
Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary
Force, from San Diego; he died from combat injuries in Al
Anbar Province, Iraq, on April 17, 2004
May the Lord bless their souls, and make strong their families, who
must live forever without them. And may this list grow no longer . . .
Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the
upcoming Memorial Day holiday.
This Memorial Day is particularly poignant as hundreds of thousands
of brave American service men and women are serving their country and
putting their lives on the line in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the
world.
Our service men and women--including many from my community on the
Central Coast of California--have left their homes, jobs, and families
to serve in Afghanistan and Iraq.
While we honor those who are currently serving and pray for their
safe return home, today we remember and pay tribute to the Americans
who have fought and given their lives for us, from Lexington and
Concord to the beaches of Normandy, the jungles of Vietnam, the
mountains of Afghanistan, and the desert of Iraq.
Every casualty on the battlefield is a blow to our nation, but we are
mindful that it is an unspeakable loss to the family and friends of the
one who has been lost.
We know too that the qualities embodied by our fallen soldiers--
heroism, honor, bravery, and sacrifice--cannot always be of great
comfort to those who knew them best.
My thoughts and prayers are especially with the loved ones of fallen
soldiers who hail from Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura
Counties on California's Central Coast.
The very least the Federal government can do for those who did their
duty and served our nation is to provide them quality health care and
retirement benefits. This is our duty.
Today, we pause and remember those who have died to preserve American
values. We honor those who fought, and who fight today to protect
American freedoms.
I will do everything I can to keep our troops safe and to preserve
the quality of life of our veterans. I look forward to working with my
colleagues on this endeavor.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our fallen
heroes and to pay tribute to our current military men and women who are
serving our Nation in a time of war. I especially want to thank
American Samoa's warriors for the sacrifices they have made so that you
and I and future generations may live in peace.
American Samoa's sons and daughters have served in record number in
every U.S. military engagement from WWII to present operations in our
war against terrorism. Our active duty service members are also serving
in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In March of this year, over 65 soldiers
from American Samoa's Army Reserve Unit were deployed to Iraq and
recently we received word that other units from American Samoa will
soon follow.
Last year, American Samoa lost two young warriors to the war in Iraq.
In August 2003, SPC Farao Kevin Letufuga died in Mosul, Iraq and it was
with heavy hearts that CSM Iuniasolua Savusa and I accompanied his body
home. Specialist Letufuga served as a member of the 101st Airborne
Division. He is the son of Mr. Fetineia'i and Siniva Letufuga of
Aoloau, American Samoa.
On October 27, 2003, PVT Jonathan I. Falaniko was killed in Baghdad,
Iraq in a rocket propelled grenade attack. Twenty-year-old Jonathan
Falaniko had been in the U.S. Army for less than 6 months. He attended
basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, in May 2003 and was deployed
to Iraq in August 2003. Private Falaniko was then assigned to the 70th
Engineer Battalion under the 1st Armored Division, Engineers Brigade of
which his father, Ioakimo Falaniko, was the command sergeant major and
the most senior enlisted soldier.
CSM Ioakimo Falaniko has been serving with distinction in the U.S.
Army for over 26 years and is still serving in Iraq. Command Sergeant
Major Falaniko is from the village of Amanave, American Samoa and his
wife Maliana is from Aua. Their son was laid to rest at the National
Cemetery in Arlington on Friday, November 7, 2003. I was privileged to
be invited by the Falaniko family to speak at Private Falaniko's
services. It was a very solemn and inspiring service that was also
attended by LTG Robert Flowers, Commander of the Army Corps of
Engineers, and the Sergeant Major of the Army, Jack Tilley.
In Samoan culture, it is customary to make speeches so that for
generations to come the name of our fallen heroes will not be
forgotten. This is why I am pleased that we are observing a moment of
silence today and are reserving a special section of the Congressional
Record for Members to honor fallen soldiers from their districts and to
offer their thoughts on Memorial Day. In remembrance of Specialist
Letufuga and Private Falaniko, I rise today to say that these two young
men lived and died honorably as true Samoan warriors. They gave their
lives so that you and I may live in freedom.
Across America, many others have also died while protecting our
Nation and today I pay special tribute to them. To those who
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have lost their sons and daughters and husbands and wives, I say let us
honor their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and
sacrifice to bring about peace and freedom in a troubled world.
To our veterans and current service members, and especially to
American Samoa's Reserve unit now serving in Iraq, I would like to
close by saying I am proud of you. As a Vietnam Veteran, I commend you
for your courage and I thank you for your service to our country. May
God bless you and may God bless America.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave men and
women of our Nation's Armed Forces who are performing so magnificently
in Iraq, under very difficult circumstances. America is exceedingly
blessed to have such citizens who are willing to put their lives on the
line to protect our Nation.
Some who serve in Iraq have made the supreme sacrifice by giving
their very lives in defense of our Nation. And to those heroes we owe
our eternal gratitude, and we give our deepest sympathy to their
families and loved ones.
Mr. Speaker, several families in my congressional district have lost
loved ones in Iraq. I list their names and hometowns for my colleagues
in Congress.
SGT Michael F. Pedersen, U.S. Army of Flint, MI, killed in action in
a helicopter crash on April 2, 2003.
SSG Scott Sather, U.S. Air Force of Clio, MI, killed in action on
April 8, 2003.
PFC Jason M. Meyer, U.S. Army or Swartz Creek, MI, killed in action
when struck by mortar fire on April 8, 2003.
SSG Brett J. Petriken, U.S. Army of Mundy Township, MI, killed in
action escorting a convoy on May 26, 2003.
SPC Artimus D. Brassfield, U.S. Army of Flint, MI, killed in action
when struck by mortar fire on October 24, 2003.
SPC Richard K. Trevithick, U.S. Army of Gaines, MI, killed in action
by an improvised explosive device on April 14, 2004.
Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to observe Memorial Day later this month,
it is incumbent upon us to remember the service and sacrifice of, not
only those who have fought in previous wars and conflicts, but also the
fine men and women who are currently serving our Nation in Iraq,
Afghanistan and around the world. We particularly want to express our
gratitude to those heroes who have given their lives in the service of
our country. May they rest in peace.
Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, we come together, as we do every year, to
observe this national day of remembrance--to honor the men and women
who've given their lives in the service of our country.
This year we sadly add the names of 19 sons and daughters of
Wisconsin, killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, to those rolls. We join with
their families in grieving the loss of: SPC Bert Hoyer, PVC Nicholas
Frye, MAJ Christopher Splinter, SGT Warren Hansen, SPC Eugene Uhl III,
2nd LT Jeremy Wolf, PFC Rachel Bosveld, SPC Paul Sturino, SGT Dan
Gabrielson, MAJ Mathew Schram, SGT Kirk Straseskie, CPT John Kurth, PFC
Sean Schneider, CPL Jesse Thiry, PFC Ryan Jerabek, SPC Michelle Witmer,
SPC Michael McGlothin, PO Michael Anderson, and SPC Robert Cook.
We mourn them as we mourn the loss of all Americans in uniform who've
made the ultimate sacrifice.
This is a day of great pride and great sorrow. It is a day of sweet
memories and bitter regrets. It is a day of despair and, yet, of
hopefulness.
Yes, despite our sadness, we do have reason to be hopeful.
For as long as men and women don the uniform and serve with
distinction, they embody the promise of America. This America founded
on the principles of equal justice under law. This America which for
centuries has stood as a beacon of liberty. This America which, by the
sacrifices of those we honor today, we still proudly proclaim the land
of the free and the home of the brave. We remember them today and
always.
Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and
remember the young men and women who have given their lives while
serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A monument now stands in our Nation's capital to recognize the
service and sacrifice of our service men and women during World War II.
The long-overdue monument comes at a time when our Nation is reminded
each day of the painful reality of war--not everyone returns home. The
2nd Congressional District of Washington state that I represent has not
stayed immune from this reality.
This coming Memorial Day I will join with veterans of wars past to
honor those who did not return home--including the four young men from
the 2nd District who gave their lives for this nation during Operation
Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
On Memorial Day, today, and every day, I honor Air Force Staff
Sergeant Juan M. Ridout of Oak Harbor, Washington; Army Private First
Class Kerry D. Scott of Concrete, Washington; Army Specialist Justin W.
Hebert of Silvana, Washington; and Army Specialist Nathan W. Nakis of
Sedro-Woolley, Washington.
You will not be forgotten.
Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to dedicate the World War II
Memorial in Washington DC next week, and remember the sacrifices of the
Greatest Generation who repelled the forces of tyranny and hate in
Europe and the Pacific 50 years ago, let us also pause to honor a new
generation of brave Americans that have made the ultimate sacrifice for
their country. We observe a moment of silence for those brave young men
and women that have given their life while serving our Nation in the
War on Terror.
Throughout the history of this Nation, the soldiers of our Armed
Forces have fought to preserve the ideals of democracy, freedom, and
liberty. The tragic events of September 11th, 2001, reminded us that
there is no permanent respite from the need to maintain our guard in an
unstable world. Even as Communism and the Cold War have faded into
history's mists, radical and dangerous new groups and individuals are
ready to rise to test the willingness of America to defend itself. The
sacrifices of our sons and daughters fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq
demonstrate that when duty calls, America is ready. Hundreds of
thousands of men and women in uniform have bravely answered the call to
duty and traveled far beyond our borders to preserve and protect our
nation in its time of need. Our Armed Forces are working today
throughout the globe to ensure that future generations of Americans can
live in a free and peaceful society.
Today, we pause to remember our young men and women who answered the
call, fought bravely, and sacrificed much to preserve our freedom. It
is with a heavy but grateful heart that we thank our fallen soldiers
and their families in these difficult times. We can never fully repay
their service, but we must never forget their sacrifice.
Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of Memorial Day, I rise to
recognize a fallen soldier from my district, First Lieutenant David R.
Bernstein, formerly of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
Lieutenant Bernstein, 24 at the time of his death, was a member of
the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 508th Infantry Regiment, 173rd Infantry
Brigade of Camp Ederle, Italy. He, along with Pfc. John D. Hart, 20, of
Bedford, Mass., were killed in Taza, Iraq on October 18, 2003 when
enemy forces ambushed their patrol using rock-propelled grenades and
small arms fire.
Although I never had the opportunity to know Lieutenant Bernstein,
what I have read about his life demonstrates what a tremendous and
exemplary young man he was. He was a member of the West Point swim team
for his 4 years at the United States Military Academy and enjoyed
running, bicycling and competing in triathlons. He was also an
accomplished student as exhibited by his selection as his high school
valedictorian at Phoenixville High School and finishing fifth in his
class at West Point. Lieutenant Bernstein, like so many fallen soldiers
throughout our history, looked forward to a bright future, but
sacrificed that future for the welfare, safety and liberty of our
Nation.
I take this opportunity today to thank Lieutenant David R. Bernstein
for his heroic service and sacrifice to our Nation and to also offer my
condolences to his parents, Richard and Gail, and the entire Bernstein
family.
Mr. Speaker, on this Memorial Day, I will remember First Lieutenant
David R. Bernstein as an example of the sacrifices made by so many to
keep our Nation strong and free. I ask my colleagues and the public to
join me in remembering and honoring our Nation's fallen heroes.
Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the
courageous servicemen and women who have given their lives to protect
us in this time of war. These selfless warriors have dedicated their
lives to fighting for this great country and our freedoms, and it is
only fitting that we honor them this Memorial Day.
As President John F. Kennedy once said, ``Mankind must put an end to
war or war will put an end to mankind.'' Although we are forced with
the difficult decision of sending our servicemen and women into the
battlefield, it is they who make the conscious decision to leave their
families and friends behind. Every day of every month, these valiant
members of our armed forces make the call to duty--always aware of the
challenges they face and the painful reality that they may not make it
back home. Yet, they still make the admirable choice, and they do it
honorably and without complaint. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen,
Marines, and Coast Guardsmen and women are the true heroes and heroines
in this world, and they are the ones who will help to bring an end to
war.
As we observe this Memorial Day, our hearts will be filled with
gratitude to the brave men and women in uniform who have laid down
their lives for this great country. And, the voices of those who have
fallen will echo in
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our memories as we are comforted by the legacy of courage that they
have established for us. We must all remember that freedom, and the
blessings it brings, often exacts the ultimate sacrifice. Therefore,
Mr. Speaker, I stand today to pay tribute to the remarkable servicemen
and women who have lost their lives so that we may continue ours. They
have proudly served our country, and now we proudly recognize and honor
them. May God's grace be upon each and every one of them.
Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, on the eve of the 136th observance of
Memorial Day, the House of Representatives paused in a moment of
silence to honor all of our fallen heroes. Men and women across the
United States and from other countries continue to serve in the defense
of our great nation and the ideals we hold most important. These brave
heroes are prepared to make this same sacrifice should their duties
require it, and that is a grave responsibility we must honor.
This year I also want to recognize an unsung group of fallen military
heroes, the countless members of our Armed Forces that served and died
for our country but were never United States citizens. Many American
military heroes, past and present, were born outside of the United
States. From the thousands of non-citizens who fought for our
independence as a nation, to those who fought for the Union Army during
the Civil War, to the more than 36,000 non-citizen members of today's
Armed Forces, these men and women have sacrificed for our country and
the preservation of our precious freedom. We succeeded today in
amending the Fiscal Year 2005 National Defense Authorization Act to
authorize creation of a memorial to recognize these fallen heroes at
Arlington National Cemetery, our nation's premier military cemetery and
shrine honoring the men and women who served in the Armed Forces.
As a combat veteran and member of the House Appropriations
Subcommittee on Defense, I am keenly aware and appreciative of the
sacrifices our service members make. In the past, I received the good
will and recognition of this nation for my service. This Memorial Day,
I want to extend these sentiments to our service members, my fellow
veterans, and our fallen heroes from the United States and allies
nations around the world.
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor three young
men from my district who sacrificed their lives while serving in the
Armed Forces in the war on terror.
Jason Plite of Delta Township, Eaton County, Michigan, was a senior
airman in the Air Force who died while on a mission to rescue two
injured Afghan children. He was an extraordinary young man who took
part in an elite Special Forces program to become an airborne paramedic
and was serving his second tour in Afghanistan. Jason was both artistic
and athletic, serving as captain of his high school swim team and
painting murals for local businesses. A sensitive individual who loved
his country, his family and his friends, Jason was always there when
someone needed him. He was 21 years old.
D.J. Wheeler of Concord, Michigan, died in Tikrit while serving as
gunner on an armored vehicle that was attacked with a rocket-propelled
grenade. D.J., whose nickname was ``Sunshine'', enlisted right after
the 9/11 attacks. He delighted in handing out dollar bills and candy to
Iraqi children and was known for his sense of humor and generous
spirit. While attending Lumen Christi High School he played offensive
lineman on the football team. In spite of his towering height, he was
gentle and loving with friends and family. He was 22 years old.
Bradley Fox of Adrian, Michigan, was an Army gunner in Iraq. He
enlisted at age 19, serving in the first Gulf War, Kosovo, Panama and
Afghanistan. He was severely wounded when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle
was hit by a roadside bomb and he was evacuated to Germany for
treatment. Brad was on life-support for a month before he succumbed to
his injuries with his wife at his side. His fellow soldiers told his
mother, his wife, and children how proud they were to have served with
him and what a dedicated leader he had been. Working on his master's
degree, he was planning to teach after he completed 20 years in the
Army. He was 35 years old.
My tribute to these young men should be measured by showing that they
did not strive and die in vain, but that through their sacrifice,
future generations can live in greater peace, prosperity, and hope.
Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to all the
many men and women who have died in defense of our nation. Next week is
Memorial Day where we join our constituents in honoring those who gave
their lives to ensure that we enjoy the principles of liberty, justice,
and democracy. During that time, we remember, honor, and reflect on the
men and women who paid the ultimate price for their country. Flags fly
at half-mast, relatives and friends place wreaths and flowers on the
graves of those they loved, and communities host parades adorned in
red, white, and blue. These tributes are small tokens we perform in an
effort to convey our gratitude to those who have served for the cause
of freedom and democracy.
Over this last year, my district alone has lost three soldiers: Pfc.
Matthew Bush, Spc. William Dusenbery, and Capt. John Tipton. Further,
in my district, Jack Montague, a civilian KBR employee for the
Halliburton Corporation, died while working in Iraq. Today and
throughout this Memorial Day week, we honor their memories and their
families who bear the heaviest burden of our freedom. They are not
simply statistics; these fallen soldiers were dads, brothers, sons,
neighbors, and community leaders. While the grief and pain may not have
faded, I hope it is comforting for them to know that their fallen
heroes are loved, honored, respected and their cause was just.
In addition, let us remember that thousands of servicemembers will
spend this Memorial Day stationed in other countries defending our
freedoms far away from their families. Mr. Speaker, I join my
colleagues today in a moment of silence to remember our fallen soldiers
and pray for peace.
Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, throughout the history of the United
States, men and women have paid the ultimate price for freedom.
Memorial Day is a day dedicated to the remembrance of those who gave
their life in the name of freedom.
The U.S. House of Representatives has assembled in the Capitol to pay
special tribute to those who have lost their life in the war against
terrorism. Henceforth, the battle has been in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I salute those from Georgia who have died on the battlefields in Iraq
and Afghanistan:
U.S. Army Specialist Jamaal R. Addison of Roswell.
U.S. Army Private First Class Diego Fernando Rincon of Conyers.
U.S. Army Private First Class Michael Russell Creighton Weldon of
Conyers.
U.S. Army Captain Edward J. Korn of Savannah.
U.S. Army Specialist David T. Nutt of Blackshear.
U.S. Army Specialist John K. Klinesmith of Stockbridge.
U.S. Army Sgt. Michael T. Crockett of Soperton.
U.S. Army Sgt. Nathaniel Hart Jr. of Valdosta.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Bobby C. Franklin of Mineral Bluff.
U.S. Army Private Benjamin L. Freeman of Valdosta.
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major Jerry L. Wilson of Thomson.
U.S. Army Specialist Marshall Edgerton of Rocky Face.
U.S. Army Specialist Christopher J. Holland of Brunswick.
U.S. Army Specialist Nathaniel H. Johnson of Augusta.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ricky L. Crockett of Broxton.
U.S. Army Sgt. William J. Normandy of Augusta.
U.S. Army Master Sgt. Thomas R. Thigpen, Sr. of Augusta.
U.S. Army Specialist William R. Strange of Adrian.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Antoine J. Holt of Kennesaw.
U.S. Army Private First Class Marquis A. Whitaker of Columbus.
U.S. Army Specialist Justin W. Johnson of Rome.
Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, as the House pauses to remember all the
brave American men and women of our Armed Forces who have been lost in
Iraq and Afghanistan, I am proud to honor the service and sacrifice of
Sgt. Thomas Robbins, who grew up in New York's Capital Region.
Sgt. Robbins, a cavalry scout with the Army Stryker Brigade's 1st
Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Lewis, Washington, lost his
life this February due to injuries sustained in northwestern Iraq.
Sgt. Robbins is survived by his wife, Gina, their beautiful daughter,
Marisa, his father, Douglas, and mother, Charlene.
I know the pain of such a tremendous loss. In August of 1970, I was
called to my home in Green Island, New York, to learn that my brother
Bill had been killed in Vietnam. H.M.3 William F. McNulty, a medic in
the Navy, transferred to the Marine Corps, had been out in the field in
Quang Nam province patching up his buddies when he stepped on a land
mine and lost his life. Our family misses him every day.
On this Memorial Day, Mr. Speaker, I also recall the service of my
Dad, Jack McNulty, and friends like Leo O'Brien, Lou DiNuzzo, Peter
D'Alessandro, and other World War II veterans who were part of what we
now call ``the greatest generation.'' We can all be very proud of the
beautiful new World War II Memorial on the National Mall. This monument
will stand for generations in honor of those who put their lives on the
line for all of us, for our families, and for all that we hold dear.
[[Page H3521]]
On a daily basis, we should remember that had it not been for all of
the men and women who wore the uniform of the United States military
through the years, like my good friend Ned Haggerty, who earned two
Purple Hearts in Korea, the rest of us would not have the ability to
boast that we live in the freest and most open democracy on the face of
the Earth. Freedom isn't free. We have paid a tremendous price for it.
Let us never forget that.
Mr. Speaker, our veterans are the reason why, when I get up each
morning, I thank God for my life--and veterans for my way of life.
Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, southwest Missouri learned early in the War
on Terrorism of the sacrifices necessary to defend our way of life. Two
men from the 7th Congressional District died in less than a week of
hostilities in Afghanistan.
Stanley L. Harriman, 34, a Chief Warrant Officer in the United States
Army, was the first American killed in combat in Afghanistan on March
2, 2002. His death brought the harsh realities of war home to the
Ozarks. Harriman was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort
Bragg, North Carolina. While Harriman's hometown is Wade, North
Carolina, he had family ties to Southwest Missouri. He attended and
graduated from Strafford High School in 1985. ``Stanley died for you
and you and you,'' his wife, Sheila Harriman, told reporters at Fort
Bragg, N.C., ``and for your freedom. All Stanley ever wanted to do was
be an American soldier.''
Two days later, Army Sergeant Philip Svitak of Joplin was killed in
action. Svitak was killed by friendly fire while in combat with Taliban
and al Qaeda forces in eastern Afghanistan during Operation Anaconda on
March 4, 2002. Svitak was 31. He was assigned to the 160th Special
Operations Group at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. His wife and two children
survived him. He was the only son in a family of veterans. Both his
mother and father served in Vietnam. Roseann Svitak said her son ``told
me before he went, `Mom, the terrorists have to be stopped.' He said,
`If they send me over there and anything happens to me . . . I'm proud
to die for my country.' ''
Daniel Kisling, Jr. of Neosho died of injuries suffered in a
helicopter crash in Afghanistan on January 30, 2003. Kisling and three
other servicemen were aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that crashed
during a training exercise. Staff Sergeant Daniel Kisling, Jr. served
in the U.S. Army for eight years. At the time of the fatal crash he was
assigned to the 101st Airborne Division based at Ft. Campbell,
Kentucky. He was the crew chief aboard the Black Hawk helicopter.
Daniel Kisling was survived by his parents Daniel Leon and Velinda
Kisling of Neosho, Missouri, and his sister Lisa. Kisling was married
to Georgie McNeill for 14 years. They have three children: Nathan, age
13; Jessie, age 10; and Riley, age 3. A fourth child was born to the
couple after Sgt. Kisling's death.
In early May, 2003, Private-First-Class Jess A. Givens was killed in
a tank accident along the banks of the Euphrates River west of Baghdad,
Iraq. Jesse Givens, son of Connie Givens of Springfield, Missouri,
attended Springfield Glendale High School. He was 34 years old. His
wife and five-year-old child, who live in Ft. Carson, Colorado, survive
him. Givens was with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. His siblings
live in Joplin and Springfield.
Twenty-one-year-old Jonathan Paul Barnes from McDonald County was
killed in a grenade attack July 26, 2003 in Iraq. Barnes was a member
of the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment. He
joined the Army in April, 2001. At the time of his death he was
guarding a hospital with two fellow soldiers who were also killed.
James Barnes, Jonathan's father, who lives in Anderson, Missouri, and
pastors the Greenwood Community Church near Southwest City, Missouri,
described his son as a ``strong boy, who loved God and his country. He
wanted to go,'' his father said. ``He died doing what he wanted to
do.'' Jonathan Barnes was survived by his wife Amanda and daughter
Michelle of Goodman, Missouri.
1st Lt. Benjamin J. Colgan was killed on November 1, 2003 in Baghdad
while responding to a rocket propelled grenade attack. His wife Jill
Kathleen Asay of Aurora, Missouri, said, ``He loved his country and
wanted to make a difference in the world, and he gave his life to make
a better life for the people of Iraq and for all Americans.'' Colgan
had been in the U.S. Army 12 years. He was in the 2nd Battalion, 3rd
Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division. Jill Asay gave birth to
the couple's third child in December 2003. Daughters Grace, age 2, and
Paige, age 1, also survived their father.
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant James `Doug' Douglas Mowris was among 7 U.S.
servicemen killed January 29, 2004 in an explosion in Ghazni,
Afghanistan, about sixty miles southwest of the country's capital city.
``My husband was proud to serve,'' Mrs. Mowris said. ``He gave the
greatest sacrifice anyone can give; that was his life . . . . He was a
good husband and wonderful father.'' Doug Mowris was a member of the
414th Military Police Company based in Joplin, Missouri. Mowris had
been in the U.S. Army or Army Reserves since 1984. Mowris was 37 years
old. He was survived by his wife of 15 years, Michelle, and children
Craig, age 14, and McKenzie, age 9.
These men died, leaving friends, family, and children to grieve and
remember. We also remember another group of Americans who are civilian
casualties of the War on Terror. John Willett and Craig Amundson were
Ozarks natives who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York
and Washington.
All of these brave men are the faces of this war. They remind me
every day of what we are fighting for.
Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, as our nation mourns the loss of 2nd Lt.
Leonard Cowherd, I rise today to honor this fallen son of Virginia. I
would like to reflect on his honorable service and sacrifice to the
United States of America.
I join his family, wife, and friends who now stand strong as they
carry on the memory of his life. I extend a special condolence to his
wife Sarah Cerri Cowherd, his parents Lenny and Mary Ann Cowherd of
Culpeper, his brother Colby Cowherd, his sister Laura Cowherd, and his
twin brother, Charles Cowherd. 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd will forever be
in our hearts.
2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd called the Culpeper region home and graduated
from the Wakefield Country Day School in Rappahannock County. Always
striving to better himself, he applied for and accepted a nomination to
the United States Military Academy, graduating in 2003. Upon concluding
an excellent academic career, he married the love of his life, Sarah
Cerri Cowherd.
Soon after their wedding, 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd answered his
country's call to defend our flag and took command of a tank platoon
assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored
Division. In Iraq, 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd gave the ultimate sacrifice
in the performance of his selfless duty. The life of 2nd Lt. Leonard
Cowherd will stand forever as a perfect model for all men and women in
uniform. He is a testament to his family, the American Military, and
the United States of America.
2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd possessed the deepest conviction in the
freedoms symbolized by the flag of the United States of America. Our
flag symbolizes strength and conviction, perseverance and steadfast
morals, justice and liberty. Where our flag stands, so stands freedom.
The flag of the United States of America stands in the sands of Iraq
because of 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd and so does freedom.
I join the people of the United States of America, the Commonwealth
of Virginia, family and friends, and all those who hold the memory of
2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd close--that today and everyday following, we
honor his sacrifice and celebrate his life.
Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to thank my
Colleagues, Congressman Rangel and Congressman Walsh, for organizing
all of us to take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have
made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom worldwide.
As we hold this moment of silence, and on the occasion of Memorial
Day, let us not lose sight of brave veterans as well. Recently the
House had the opportunity to honor these fine Americans through
legislation that would have added $1.3 billion to the Veterans Affairs
health care budget, and that would have increased funds by $500 million
over the next 5 years for the Survivor Benefit Plan, which pays a
military survivor 55 percent of their late spouse's retiree benefits,
but is reduced to 35 percent at age 62. Both measures were defeated
before they ever saw any debate by the full House. That this Congress
would even consider the idea of cutting military families' benefits
shows a disconcerting emphasis on misguided budget priorities.
In previous congressional sessions, I have voted to authorize
increases in cost-of-living adjustments for veterans receiving
disability compensation and their surviving family members, to expand
long-term care services for veterans and allow Veterans Affairs to
generate increased revenue to help pay for health care costs, and to
increase funding for Veterans Affairs' state extended care facilities
construction grant program by $10 million. I firmly believe that
additional benefits are critical to the future success, stability, and
retention levels for our armed forces. More importantly, this is the
right thing to do for Texas, our great Nation, and the hardworking
families of our brave troops and veterans.
There is absolutely no excuse to duck our responsibilities to the men
and women of our armed forces, and it is my sincere hope that my
colleagues do not continue to confuse budget priorities when it comes
to standing up for these all too important Americans.
Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, it is proper that
the House take a moment to remember the brave American men and women of
our armed forces who
[[Page H3522]]
have died defending freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In particular, I want to take this time to remember heroes from my
district in western Wisconsin.
First Lieutenant Jeremy L. Wolfe, U.S. Army, of Menomonie, Wisconsin.
Lieutenant Wolfe was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 101st Aviation
Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell,
Kentucky. He died serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on
November 15, 2003.
Major Christopher J. Splinter, U.S. Army, of Platteville, Wisconsin.
Major Splinter was assigned to the 5th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer
Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He died serving in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom on December 24, 2003.
Private First Class Bert E. Hoyer, U.S. Army Reserve, of Ellsworth,
Wisconsin. Private Hoyer was assigned to the 652nd Engineer Company,
Ellsworth, Wisconsin. He died serving in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom on March 10, 2004.
Private First Class Gregory R. Goodrich, U.S. Army Reserve, of
Bartonville, Illinois. Private Goodrich's mother lives in Hillsboro,
Wisconsin. He was assigned to the 724th Transportation Company,
Bartonville, Illinois. Private Goodrich died serving in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 9, 2004.
These young men paid the ultimate price to enhance our security and
protect our liberties; they also gave the people of Iraq the greatest
gift of all: their freedom. I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to
their families and friends. Young leaders like these exemplify all that
is good and decent about America.
On behalf of a grateful nation, we thank all our brave men and women
serving in hard and dangerous conditions to bring stability and freedom
to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. God bless those who are serving
and those who have fallen. Their sacrifice is honored by all Americans.
Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the
brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have given their lives
serving their country in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As Memorial Day approaches, I hope that each man, woman, and child in
this country pauses to remember those who have made the ultimate
sacrifice defending our Nation.
Over the past two years, five young men from the district I represent
have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan:
Staff Sergeant Brian Thomas Craig, died in Afghanistan on April 15,
2002;
Sergeant Keelan Moss, died in Iraq on November 2, 2003;
Private First Class Armando Soriano, died in Iraq on February 1,
2004;
Private First Class Leroy Sandoval, Jr., died in Iraq on March 26,
2004; and
Sergeant Gregory Wahl, died in Iraq on May 3, 2004.
No words can express our gratitude for the sacrifices these young men
made to defend our country.
All those who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan are
heroes, and we will forever be grateful for their sacrifice.
As this Memorial Day approaches, I once again ask my colleagues and
my fellow Americans to join me in remembering those who have served,
those who are serving, and especially those who have given their lives
serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, as we approach another
celebration of Memorial Day, it is incumbent that we pay homage to the
Nation's veterans and war dead with more than just words. Rather, we
reflect on how our actions honor or may dishonor this great republic
for which they enlist to defend. Indiana's veterans and war dead share
in this tribute.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of
remembrance for those who have died in our Nation's service.
Those that we remember--veterans--are precious benchmarks for how
well we have maintained all of the freedoms and democratic principles
they fought and died for.
Veterans fought for the survival of all the things that made the
United States, the leader of the free world: Freedom of religion,
freedom of speech, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for each
citizen and not the least--our great Constitution which undergirds this
Republic.
It is in defense of our democratic principles and the freedoms that
we uphold and value for each citizen with no respect to wealth, social
rank, or might, that we form a military, that we have veterans, that we
honor them on Memorial Day.
My memorial to Hoosier veterans and the war dead is to revere what
they fought and died to preserve:
We, the People of the United States, in Order to form a
more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic
Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the
general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty, to
ourselves, and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this
Constitution for the United States of America.
We are trustees of a future that remembers and honor the past and
living freedoms. As we honor them this Memorial Day, let us refresh our
commitment to the trust we bear for the days and years ahead. That is
the fitting memorial--to honor their service with meaning as we
remember daily why they serve.
With special tribute to the war dead of the seventh congressional
district of Indiana in the Iraq theatre: Pvt. Jesse M. Halling and Pfc
Derek L. Hallal.
Mr. GONZALES. Mr. Speaker, I rise humbly today in recognition of the
brave men and women of the United States military, past and present.
Memorial Day has become a day in which many Americans have the
opportunity to spend time with their friends and family. It is
important to remember, however, that the purpose of this day is to
honor, as a Nation, those who have sacrificed their lives in service to
their country. These defenders of freedom were husbands and wives,
parents and children, friends, and neighbors. They had plans for the
future and a love for their country. I urge each and every American to
take a moment this Memorial Day to remember and honor those who have
given the ultimate sacrifice.
I would like to take this opportunity to pay special recognition to
three individuals from the 20th Congressional District of Texas who
were killed in service to their Nation in Iraq.
Army Pfc. Anthony Scott Miller was the first soldier from San Antonio
killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This friendly 19-year-old enlisted
because, according to his brother, he saw it as a way to better
himself. Anthony had only been in the Army for a year when an Iraqi
surface-to-surface missile hit a tactical operations center of the
Army's 3rd Infantry Division, killing Anthony and three others.
Staff Sgt. Rodrigo Gonzalez was born in Mexico and his family
immigrated to the U.S. when he was just 1 year old. Like many members
of his family, including his twin brother Ricardo, Rodrigo was a true
patriot--he chose to serve in the U.S. military. His family has said
that Rodrigo loved this country and that he had plans to purse a
medical career after finishing his participation in the military. He
had been in Kuwait for only 3 weeks when the Black Hawk helicopter he
was in crashed.
Army Staff Sgt. Roland Lee Castro was a soldier, a husband, and a
father. Roland went to Iraq in April 2003. He returned home last summer
due to an injury, but, while recovering in San Antonio, Roland told his
mother, ``I've got to bring my soldiers back safely.'' Shortly
thereafter, the 26-year-old returned to Iraq to serve with his field
artillery unit. There, he was accidentally shot. He leaves behind his
wife, Liliana, and their 4-year-old daughter, Raquel Lee.
This Memorial Day, I ask that we remember Rodrigo, Roland, Scott, and
the many other inspiring men and women who have lost their lives in
service to this great nation. On behalf of all Americans, I wish to
thank military personnel and their loved ones for their profound
sacrifices, God bless.
Mr. GOODE. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day, I rise today to
salute two members of the military from the Fifth District of Virginia,
who gave their lives in service to the United States in the war on
terrorism.
LTC William R. Watkins III, lived in Halifax County, and SGT Michael
Dooley lived in Bedford County. Both of these men loved this Nation and
served bravely in Iraq in the war against terrorism. Their untimely
deaths in the spring of 2003 came as they defended the freedoms that we
cherish.
Because Lieutenant Colonel Watkins and Sergeant Dooley joined their
fellow soldiers in removing the Taliban and Saddam Hussein from power,
the terrorists no longer have Afghanistan and Iraq from which they can
operate with impunity and with statesponsored support to plot, plan,
and mastermind another event like September 11 in our country.
Because of the bravery of Lieutenant Colonel Watkins and Sergeant
Dooley and the other hundreds of men and women who have given their
lives, the United States and much of the World is safer, and we thank
all of those who are in uniform this Memorial Day.
Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully rise during
this moment of silence to honor and acknowledge members of the armed
forces from my district, Missouri's Fifth, and commend those who have
given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our grateful nation for
their valor, strength and commitment. I also commend those six Missouri
soldiers injured while serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan who
are being treated at the VA Hospital in Kansas City. These courageous
men have performed admirably and served unconditionally on behalf of
our country. I extend to them my deepest respect and gratitude.
I was honored to visit Private Phillip Ramsey of Kansas City on
several occasions at Walter Reed Hospital. Private Ramsey suffered
injuries this past September to his left arm and right leg when an
explosive device hit
[[Page H3523]]
his convoy en route between Tikrit and Baghdad, Iraq. He has
exemplified courage and strength in his service to our nation and was
awarded the Purple Heart and promoted to Specialist for his bravery. He
is now back in Kansas City after spending eight months in recovery at
Walter Reed Hospital and continues his service in the military. He has
made his family and our country proud.
Army Spc. Joel L. Bertoldie of Independence, Mo. was killed on July
18, 2003 when his vehicle ran over an explosive in Fallujah, Iraq. I
was privileged to present his family with a flag flown over the Capitol
in his honor, and to join them at his memorial service to pay tribute
to a fine son, father and citizen. A former Truman high school student,
Specialist Bertoldie served honorably in Operation Iraqi Freedom and
was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, National Defense Service
Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal for his valor. His spirit will live on in
his son, and his memory will inspire all those whose lives he touched.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join with my colleagues to praise these
heroic soldiers and the sacrifices they have made. God bless them and
God bless our Nation.
Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, Memorial Day is our opportunity, as a
nation, to pause and pay tribute to the millions of Americans who gave
their lives for this country. We enjoy our freedom and prosperity
because we are citizens of a nation that believes in service,
dedication, and honor. We believe in liberty and our men and women have
always willingly stepped up when called upon in defense of freedom.
This year, the Memorial Day weekend celebration on the National Mall
will specifically honor America's World War II generation. The National
World War II Memorial, which was authorized by Congress in 1993 in
memory of those who served and died in World War II, will be dedicated
in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, May 29, 2004. Sixteen million
Americans fought valiantly, far from home, to protect not just our
nation, but the entire world.
More than 400,000 Americans died during this war. Thousands more gave
their lives during subsequent wars in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf,
and most recently in Afghanistan and Iraq.
I would also like to take a moment to give my thanks to the soldiers
from my home state of Utah. Over the past few years, nearly four
thousand Utahns from the National Guard and Reserves, were sent into
harm's way in the Middle East, or supported those on the front lines. I
am so proud of these men and women--from the Wasatch Front, from St.
George, Vernal, Cedar City, and other cities. I am proud of their
commitment, grateful for their service, and deeply sorry for the
families of those who won't be returning home.
God bless this Nation, and the men and women who serve so valiantly
and with honor.
____________________