[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E458-E459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN TRIBUTE TO PRIVATE FIRST CLASS MATTHEW A. COMMONS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB CLEMENT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2002

  Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to 
Private First Class Matthew A. Commons, an American hero.
  PFC Commons died on March 4, 2002 in Afghanistan while trying to 
rescue another American soldier. He was one of eight servicemen killed 
that day during an intensive battle with the Taliban and al Qaeda. PFC 
Matthew A. Commons was a professional soldier, a man who had earned the 
respect of his fellow

[[Page E459]]

soldiers, and he is remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of 
knowing him.
  Matthew Commons was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, raised in 
Indianapolis and also lived in Boulder City, Nevada and Alexandria, 
Virginia. In high school, Matthew was an accomplished honor student and 
class officer. He then spent a year at the University of Nevada at 
Reno, but decided in July 2000 to become an Army Ranger because he 
wanted to serve his country. He had planned to finish college after his 
four-year tour and become a history teacher like his father. In 
December 2001, he visited his father's history classes at Carl Sandburg 
Middle School in full battle fatigues to discuss his life as a Ranger. 
Matthew had also recently celebrated his 21st birthday with his Army 
buddies, a celebration that included hats and banners sent by his 
mother Patricia Marek, who had just moved to Alexandria, Virginia.
  Matthew's Army unit had been sent to Afghanistan on a secret 
assignment in January. Though he frequently spoke by telephone with his 
father, he had not been allowed to disclose his location. In speaking 
of his son, Greg recently said, ``I'm real proud of him. He loved his 
family, he loved his country and he loved the Rangers . . . He gave his 
life to save the life of another Ranger.''
  Military service is not new to the Commons family. Both of Matthew's 
grandfather's served in World War II, where his grandfather Marek 
earned a Purple Heart. Additionally, Matthew's father Greg served in 
the Marines in the Vietnam War.
  Besides his mother and father, Matthew leaves his brother Aaron, his 
father's second wife Linda Chapman, and two half-brothers, Thomas and 
Patrick. Matthew, who was buried at Arlington cemetery, has been 
awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with V Device for Valor.
  Mr. Speaker, I hold out the example of this fine young man, a great 
American, who paid the ultimate price in defense of freedom and 
liberty. I know I speak for the entire Congress when I extend 
sympathies to the entire Commons family and friends who are grieving 
during this difficult time. May they be comforted by the precious 
memories of their beloved son and brother.
  As a veteran myself, I greatly appreciate the unique challenges faced 
by the men and women serving in our military today. It is the ultimate 
sacrifice when a soldier dies for his country. We are able to enjoy the 
freedoms we have today because of men like Matthew Commons and the 
hundreds of thousands of Americans who have given their lives in the 
fight for American principles over the past 226 years.
  Matthew Commons answered the call of his country, and his death will 
forever place his name on the roll of heroes who sacrificed their own 
lives to protect the lives of others. His life and unyielding 
commitment to duty and honor should remind us all that the liberties we 
enjoy do not come without a price. Let us always remember these costs, 
and always remember Private First Class Matthew A. Commons.

                          ____________________