[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 86 (Thursday, June 12, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S7827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING SERGEANT DUANE RIOS

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with great sadness and 
tremendous gratitude to honor the life of yet another brave Hoosier 
killed in action in Iraq. Sgt. Duane Rios of Griffith, IN was 25 years 
old. On Saturday, April 5, 2003, while serving as an engineer with the 
1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Duane was mortally wounded. Duane had 
reached Eastern Baghdad, where he was killed in a firefight. Sgt. Rios 
was a brave American who left behind family, friends and the comforts 
of home to defend the principles of democracy and freedom that we all 
enjoy.
  Duane Rios is the fourth Hoosier to be killed while bravely serving 
our Nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, I mourn along with 
Duane's family, friends, fellow Marines and community. While all are 
very proud of Duane, there is also a tremendous sense of loss. Duane's 
life was too short, yet he will always be remembered for his heroism 
and dedication to his country. Such a life shall serve as an 
inspiration to all as we continue to fight for the liberation of Iraq.
  Duane Rios was a charismatic and friendly person who never passed 
someone without smiling and saying hello. Duane attended Griffith High 
School, graduating in 1996. After graduation he married his high school 
sweetheart, Erica. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. It 
was with great pride that he left for Iraq, prepared to do his duty and 
was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, if fate dictated, for a 
country he loved dearly.
  President Chester Arthur once said: ``Men may die, but the fabrics of 
free institutions remain unshaken.'' These words force us to see the 
larger picture and give some solace as we mourn the loss of Duane Rios 
and honor the sacrifice he made for America and for all humanity.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Duane Rios in the official 
record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country and for his 
profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace. When I think 
about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain 
that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like 
Duane's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah, who said: 
``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away 
tears from off all faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn the loss of such 
young lives, and may God bless the United States of America.

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