[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E636-E637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO SPC. GREG SANDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and honor that I 
pay tribute to an outstanding American, a true patriot, and a hero to 
his country, Spc. Greg Sanders. Spc. Sanders was killed in action on 
Monday, March 24, 2003 while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom for the 
3rd Infantry Division of the United States Army. He bravely sacrificed 
his life to ensure the safety of his fellow soldiers, the Iraqi people, 
and the very idea of freedom throughout the world. He will be 
remembered at a candlelight vigil in his hometown of Hobart, Indiana on 
Wednesday, April 2, 2003.
  Greg Sanders was a native of Hobart and graduated from Hobart High 
School in May 2001, where he thrived both as a student and as an 
athlete. An honor roll student and member of the Hobart High School 
track team, Greg was also named co-captain of his high school cross 
country team, which advanced to the regional finals in each of his last 
two seasons. Greg's outstanding motivational skills and unmatched 
charisma helped mold him into a natural leader. His work ethic 
propelled him to great accomplishments, both academically and 
athletically. It was this same work ethic, coupled with his dedication 
to the United States, which led Greg to commit to the United States 
Army during his junior year at Hobart High School.
  Mr. Speaker, after completing his high school career, Greg was sent 
to Fort Knox, Kentucky for a grueling basic training. Although the 
physical and mental demands were extremely difficult, Greg remained 
undeterred in his lifelong desire to serve in the military. The son of 
a Naval veteran, Greg understood the hardships of military life and 
accepted them with the courage and fortitude befitting a soldier 
dedicated to the defense of his country. After completing basic 
training, Greg moved with his wife, Ruthann, to Fort Stewart, Georgia, 
where she later gave birth to their daughter, Gwendolyn. It was from 
here that Greg Sanders's journey to Iraq began.
  Spc. Sanders deployed for Kuwait on January 23, 2003 as part of the 
3rd Battalion of the 69th Armored Regiment. His duty was to load the 
120 mm cannon on the M-1 Abrams tank as the armored caravan stormed 
through southern Iraq, a duty he carried out bravely and successfully 
until a sniper prematurely took his life. Greg dreamed of dedicating 
his life to the military, and he honored that unit on March 24, 2003 by 
sacrificing himself to preserve the values he treasured.
  Although it was his lifelong dream to serve his nation as a career 
soldier, nothing was more important to Greg Sanders than his family. He 
is survived by his wife and daughter, his mother, Leslie, and his three 
siblings, Dean, Clare, and Lauryn, as well as a nation and a community 
who will never forget the sacrifice that he made to protect our 
freedom. His father, Rich Sanders, was a Navy veteran who died of a 
heart attack at the young age

[[Page E637]]

of 37, and Greg looked to him for guidance and advice while 
contemplating a career in the military. Greg remained close to his 
family until his death, and he will never be forgotten by those he left 
behind.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring the memory of Spc. Greg Sanders, and in 
sending our heartfelt condolences to his family. Greg is a hero, not 
only to his family and friends, but also to Northwest Indiana and to 
the United States of America. He fought bravely for the ideals of 
freedom, truth, and liberty, and as our nation mourns his loss, let us 
honor his life and his dedication to the service of his country.

                          ____________________