[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT KENNETH R. HOBSON, II

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                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 1998

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in paying 
tribute to the memory of one of our Nation's brave young soldiers who 
gave his life in service to this country. Sergeant Kenneth R. Hobson, 
II lost his life in the tragic bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, 
Kenya.
  This 27-year-old hero from Nevada, MO, was assigned to the U.S. Army 
Defense Attache, Kenya, in April 1998 as an administrative specialist. 
He dedicated almost ten years of his life to serving our country in the 
U.S. Army, enlisting in July 1989. Sergeant Hobson was a soldier whose 
bravery and skill were tested during the Persian Gulf War. As a result 
of his commitment to duty and freedom in that conflict, he was awarded 
the Southwest Asia Medal with two bronze service stars and two Kuwait 
Liberation Medals. He also served our Nation proudly in Germany during 
two previous tours there.
  Sergeant Hobson was an accomplished soldier--the recipient of the 
Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, three Good Conduct 
Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, 
the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Air Assault Badge, and the Expert 
Marksmanship Badge.
  Sergeant Hobson loved his country and believed in our Nation's tenets 
and principles. His beliefs were manifested in his dedication to the 
duties he was charged with and the commitment he displayed in service 
to our Nation, half a world away. Although his life was cut short by a 
terrorist's cruel attack, it is my sincere hope that his values and 
beliefs, instilled in him by his parents, Kenneth and Bonnie Sue, will 
be carried on by his wife, Deborah and daughter, Megan.
  I invite my colleagues to join me in remembering Sergeant Kenneth R. 
Hobson, II and his family. I pray that we all let his courage and 
selfless commitment guide our public service and that we ensure his 
memory will never be forgotten.

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