[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN MEMORY OF S. SGT. BENJAMIN L. GILLESPIE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES V. HANSEN

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 1996

  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, serving in the U.S. Military is one of the 
most honorable and noble professions one could aspire to. It requires 
sacrifice, dedication, and commitment. Many of our Nation's finest men 
and women have served, and are serving in our Armed Services--keeping 
this Nation strong and free.
  This service is not without risk or loss. I want to bring to our 
attention today that my State, and indeed, our Nation has lost an 
extraordinary young man while in service to his country. S. Sgt. 
Benjamin L. Gillespie, U.S. Army, of the 168th Armored Battalion, 
stationed at Fort Carson, CO, was killed in an unfortunate humvee 
accident on July 26 while conducting a training exercise.
  Sergeant Gillespie was born April 20, 1965, to Ardell and Almon Dean 
Gillespie of North Salt Lake City, UT, and graduated from Woods Cross 
High School in 1983. He leaves behind his parents, as well as his 
beloved wife, Veronica, and son Brandt, as well as many other close 
family members in Utah, Arizona, and Tennessee.
  He enlisted with the United States Army on September 15, 1983, and 
was stationed in Bamberg, Germany, with the 2/2 ACR where he worked 
with the East/West German border patrol. Later, he served at Fort 
Carson with the 27th Cavalry. Later, he served with the Salt Lake City 
Recruiting Battalion, stationed out of South Salt Lake from 1990-94, 
before returning to the duty which he loved, which was working directly 
with the troops with the 168th, again at Fort Carson. He earned many 
honors during his distinguished career, including two Army Commendation 
Medals, six Army Achievement Medals, the Gold Recruiter Badge with 
three Sapphire Achievement Stars, the Recruiter's Ring, the Order of 
the Cobra, and two Meritorious Service Medals.
  He was well-beloved by everyone who knew him. His commanding officer 
stated that he was one of the finest young men and soldiers he had ever 
known. Clearly, Sergeant Gillespie was one of the best this country has 
to offer, and we all mourn that his time was cut short. It is my hope 
and prayer that the pain and sadness that his family feels at this time 
will eventually be replaced by the comfort and assurance that his 
service will not be forgotten, and the knowledge that he has now 
entered into the rest of the Lord in whom he had great faith.
  At this time, Mr. Speaker, our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers 
are with the family of Sergeant Gillespie; particularly his young wife 
and son. May they be blessed and watched over during this difficult 
time.

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