[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E789-E790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRESSIONAL TRIBUTE TO FIRST LIEUTENANT FREDERICK POKORNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2003

  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, United States Marine Corps First Lieutenant 
Frederick Pokorney was killed in action in Iraq on March 23, 2003. On 
that day, Nevada lost a true American patriot, proud Marine, and loving 
husband and father. The hearts of all Nevadans and all Americans go out 
to his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are for his wife, 
Carolyn Rochelle, and three year old daughter, Taylor Rochelle 
Pokorney.
  Fred's first love was his family with his favorite time being spent 
with his ``best little helper'', Taylor. His second love was the 
Marines.
  Fred was born in California and raised himself from an early age 
until he moved to Tonopah, Nevada to live with Wade and Susie Lieseke, 
whom he regarded as his parents. An excellent athlete, he was a 
standout football and basketball player at Tonopah High School.
  Fred enlisted in the Marines in February of 1993 and received his 
second Rifle Expert Award in 1994, the Navy Achievement Medal for 
Professional Achievement from September 1995 to November 1995, and a 
Letter of Commendation for efforts above and beyond the call of duty in 
1997. Fred completed Officers Candidates School in 1999 and was 
promoted to a command field artillery officer in March of 2001 after he 
had earned a degree in Political Science and History from Oregon State 
University.
  Fred met Carolyn, ``Chelle'' as Fred called her, while stationed in 
Bremerton, Washington at Bangor Submarine base. They were married on 
March 29, 1996. Fred was a proud father, a proud husband, and a proud 
Marine. He always gave one hundred and ten percent, especially in 
building a life for his family. Fred and Chelle recently celebrated 
their 7th anniversary via a phone call from his Marine encampment 
overseas on March 4, wishing Chelle a happy early anniversary and 
telling Taylor he loved her. It was his last call home.
  Fred, a man of large stature and friendly nature, believed in doing 
things the right way the first time. He spent his last days in the 
field trying to help and improve the conditions for his troops as they 
faced difficult combat assignments.
  On March 28, 2003, 500 of Fred's friends, teachers, neighbors and 
loved ones from the small town of Tonopah mourned their loss during a 
ceremony at Tonopah High School. Fred was remembered by Tonopah as a 
star athlete, intelligent student, a brave Marine, and a person of 
great energy and the highest character.
  ``Chelle'' has expressed her loss in these words ``Fred not only was 
my husband, but my

[[Page E790]]

gentle giant, my best friend. He wanted to give me and Taylor the best 
of everything. He embodied what it is to be a Marine--honor, courage, 
commitment. We shared a love that helped us through the trials and 
tribulations of life and marriage to me and the Marines. I find comfort 
in knowing that the last eight years were the best years of our lives, 
especially the past three years since the birth of our daughter Taylor. 
I will dread the nights, knowing that we will never share our bed 
together again. He will no longer hold me, comfort me and make me feel 
safe.''
  And, Lieutenant Pokorney's daughter, Taylor, expressed her loss in 
these words. ``My Daddy, my hero. I will take care of Mommy for you as 
you asked. We will be best friends. I will take her to Sea World for my 
birthday like we planned. I love you! I need you! I miss you!''

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