[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO SPECIALIST MATHEW G. BOULE, UNITED STATES ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 2003

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to United States Army 
Specialist Mathew G. Boule, 22, who died on April 2 in service to his 
country.
  Mathew Boule was a resident of a community in my district, Dracut, 
Massachusetts, who was serving with the armed forces deployed as part 
of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mathew Boule was the first confirmed 
casualty of the conflict from the state of Massachusetts.
  After graduating from high school, Mathew Boule signed up for a five-
year Army tour. He learned discipline and the value of camaraderie 
during his tour of duty, and was proud to tell his family of his plans 
to someday pilot military planes.
  Mathew Boule's parents Leo and Sue are proud of their son, not just 
for the supreme sacrifice he paid on behalf of his country, but for the 
time he shared with them during his life. Sue Boule eagerly and happily 
boasts of her son's generosity. ``The kind of kid who would give you 
the shirt off his back,'' she fondly recalls. His giving of his life, 
along with the other brave soldiers who have lost their lives so far in 
this conflict, has contributed immensely to the freedom and security of 
the United States, Iraq, and the world.
  In Mathew's honor, his parents continue their efforts to collect care 
packages for their son's unit, a project which has both mobilized and 
unified his hometown.
  Mathew was a proud member of the United States army, a loving son and 
brother. Mathew Boule served his family, his hometown, and his country, 
valiantly and faithfully. Specialist Boule died serving the country he 
loved, with comrades he loved and with the love of his family in his 
heart. Our nation is humbled and grateful for his sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time we recognize Specialist 
Mathew G. Boule, United States Army, who gave his life in service to 
his country.

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