[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E676-E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING MARINE CORPORAL RANDAL ROSACKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I stand 
before you today to honor a young man tragically taken from us while in 
the service of his country. Last Monday, Marine Corporal Randal 
Rosacker, a native of Alamosa, Colorado, was killed while serving in 
the conflict in Iraq. I am truly humbled to honor him before this body 
of Congress and this Nation. The sacrifice of Randy and his fellow 
Marines will be long remembered by our grateful Nation.
  Randy was the oldest of three children and was known as a born 
leader. In High School, his teammates voted him captain of the baseball 
team. Randy had always wanted to become a marine and joined when he 
turned 18, despite scholarship offers to play college football. By 
doing so, Randy was upholding the finest military traditions of both 
his family and this Nation and I know Randy's family and friends take 
pride in the uniform he wore and the ideals for which he fought. Our 
Nation will long endure due to the strength and character of men and 
women like Randy who serve our country.
  Each generation must renew its commitment to defend our liberties. 
Today in Iraq, a new generation of young Americans is fighting

[[Page E677]]

bravely for freedom's cause. I know that those who seek the true 
meaning of duty, honor, and sacrifice will find it in dedicated 
servants like Marine Corporal Randal Rosacker.
  Mr. Speaker, I cannot fully express my deep sense of gratitude for 
the sacrifice of this young Marine and his family. Throughout our 
history, men and women in uniform have fought our battles with 
distinction and courage. At the dawn of this new century, the United 
States military has once again been called to defend our freedom 
against a new and emerging threat. Marines like Randy embody America's 
determination to lead the world in confronting that threat, and Marine 
Corporal Rosacker's devotion to that cause will not be forgotten. Randy 
has done all Americans proud and I know he has the respect and 
admiration of all of my colleagues here today.

                          ____________________