[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 77 (Thursday, May 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ARMY SPECIALIST BRANDON JACOB ROWE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DONALD A. MANZULLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2003

  Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I recently had the honor of attending the 
memorial service for a heroic young man from Roscoe, Illinois, who 
selfishly gave his life to protect our families and our freedoms in the 
United States and to give the Iraqi people a future without terror and 
oppression.
  Brandon Jacob Rowe would have turned 21 years old on April 14, 2003. 
But on March 31, the Army Specialist from the 101st Airborne Division 
was killed in an ambush near Najaf, Iraq. Brandon, who earned a waiver 
and was promoted to Specialist early, was one of two machine gunners in 
his infantry rifle platoon. According to Major Gen. Robert T. Clark, 
who presented Brandon's mother with her son's Purple Heart at the 
memorial service, machine gunners are the most important soldiers in a 
rifle platoon because they provide the firepower that protects the rest 
of the men. As Brandon's older brother, Brent, so aptly put it, ``He 
was my short little brother, but he was one hell of a man.''
  I never met Brandon Rowe. But I learned of his character and his love 
for his country after meeting his courageous family. Brandon's mother, 
his father, his brothers, his sister, and his aunts, uncles and cousins 
are obviously in tremendous pain right now after losing him. Even amid 
that anguish, their pride for Brandon and their support of his mission 
shines through. Brandon made a tremendous impression on his family and 
all who knew him. I wish I had known him, Mr. Speaker.
  I have enclosed a tribute to Brandon written by his Aunt Cecile 
shortly after his death. Brandon's sister, Leah, read the tribute at 
his memorial service on April 12 at Hononegah High School in Rockton, 
Illinois:

                   Unnamed Soldier, Roscoe, Illinois

       Now we can tell his name. His name is Brandon Jacob Rowe. 
     He had other names--our son, our stepson, our grandson, our 
     brother and brother-in-law, our nephew, our cousin, our 
     boyfriend, our dear friend, our co-worker, our comrade-in-
     arms, our buddy, our neighbor and more. For what seemed to us 
     a long, long while, though it was only a few days, he was 
     known through media reports only as the first combat casualty 
     from the 101st Airborne in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
       His name is Brandon Jacob Rowe and he died in Iraq because 
     he was committed to a cause. His death is not senseless, but 
     full of purpose and meaning. He appreciated his freedom, and 
     felt that everyone deserved to be free. He was proud of the 
     job he was doing to serve his country.
       He died trying to make life better for others, trying to do 
     his part to rid the world of those who oppress the innocent. 
     Brandon put his life, his heart, on the line so others he 
     didn't even know wouldn't have to continue to live in terror. 
     He had great admiration for his grandfather, who fought for 
     our country's freedom and earned a Purple Heart as an Army 
     paratrooper during the Second World War. Brandon wanted to do 
     something with his life that had real value and merit. 
     Brandon's life certainly had both.
       Brandon was known for his sense of humor and fun, but he 
     had a quiet, deep spirituality that others did not always 
     see. They did know he was strong, and kind, and always 
     looking out for others' welfare before his own. He sensed 
     when others were lacking, or hurting, or needing a friend; he 
     became that friend. Brandon always put others before himself, 
     concerned about the welfare of his buddies, his teammates, 
     his family and friends.
       From his first smile to his last, the kindness and 
     sweetness in his face shone out of him. His goodness drew 
     people to him for all of his nearly 21 years. One could not 
     see his smile without feeling happier, without feeling glad 
     to know him.
       We in his family love and honor Brandon, and thank all 
     those who have shown love and support at this difficult time. 
     We are grateful to his hometown friends and the members of 
     the 101st Airborne he was so proud to be associated with, and 
     with whom he served his country. He offered up the ultimate 
     sacrifice. It was not in vain, Brandon, and we will not ever 
     forget.

                          ____________________