[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CORPORAL ANTONIO SLEDD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM DAVIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to 
honor Corporal Antonio Sledd for his courage and sacrifice for our 
country. On October 8, 2002, Tony was killed when two Kuwaiti 
terrorists opened fire on members of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit 
training in the Persian Gulf.
  Tony was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but grew up in Tampa, where 
he attended Gaither High School. After graduating in 2000, Tony joined 
the Marines and earned the National Defense Service medal for serving 
during a time of conflict and a Deployment Ribbon for serving abroad 
for more than 90 days. At his funeral, he was awarded the Purple Heart 
and promoted from Lance Corporal to Corporal.
  Friends and family remember Tony for his enthusiasm and devotion to 
his country. It was Tony who encouraged his twin brother, Michael, to 
join the Marines. Tony was planning a lifetime of service--after 
serving in the military he hoped to earn a degree in criminology, so he 
could pursue a career in the FBI.
  Tony's friends call him a hero and remember his sense of humor and 
how he went out of his way to take care of others. In honor of Tony, 
the community created a Gaither High School Education/Scholarship Fund 
to help future students who share Tony's dreams.
  On behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I would like to extend my 
deepest sympathies to Tony's family. He was an American hero who will 
be remembered for his courage and sacrifice.

                          ____________________