[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 125 (Thursday, September 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1767-E1768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE LOSS OF SOLDIERS IN IRAQ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 2003

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise to 
recognize the loss of three soldiers in Iraq, all of whom served with 
dignity and honor and for whom the people of Rhode Island now mourn.
  On Wednesday, August 27, U.S. Army Sergeant Gregory Belanger died 
after his vehicle was hit with an explosive device. A resident of 
Narragansett, Rhode Island, Sergeant Belanger was a member of the Army 
Reserves and served with the Headquarters Service Company, 325th 
Military Intelligence Battalion, which was deployed to Iraq in March. 
In addition to his service to his nation, Sgt. Belanger was known among 
his friends and family for his impressive culinary skills, having 
earned an associate's degree from Johnson & Wales University. I express 
my condolences to Sgt. Belanger's finacee Tara Woundy and his family in 
Deerfield, Massachusetts.
  Additionally, two members of Rhode Island's 115th Military Policy 
Company were lost on

[[Page E1768]]

September 1, when their Humvee was hit by an improvised explosive 
device. Sergeant Charles Todd Caldwell of Attleboro, Massachusetts, and 
Staff Sergeant Joseph Camara of New Bedford, Massachusetts, had been 
deployed to Iraq in May and were conducting security operations along a 
main supply route at the time of the incident. A third Reservist, 
Specialist Edmund Aponte of Providence, was wounded in the attack, and 
we pray for his quick and fully recovery.
  Staff Sergeant Camara, who commanded the three-person patrol unit, 
was a police officer in New Bedford and a 21-year veteran of the 
National Guard. In addition to his commitment to his police duties, 
Sgt. Camara will be remembered for his dedication to his wife, Anna, 
and his three children, Matthew, Angela, and Ashley.
  Sergeant Caldwell, who worked as a senior financial investment 
specialist in Norwood, Massachusetts, served in the National Guard 
since 1997. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, whom he married 
shortly before his deployment.
  These losses remind us of the bravery of our servicemembers as they 
carry out their obligations in the face of danger. When their nation 
called them to duty to preserve freedom, liberty and the security of 
their neighbors, they answered without hesitation. We will remember 
them not only as soldiers, but also as patriots, who made the ultimate 
sacrifice for their country, as well as their families. May we keep 
their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers as they struggle to endure 
this difficult period and mourn the heroes America has lost.
  We will continue to hope for the safe and speedy return of all of our 
troops serving throughout the world.

                          ____________________