[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S16103-S16104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                 Tribute to Specialist Aaron J. Sissel

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a fellow 
Iowan and a great patriot, Iowa National Guard Specialist Aaron J. 
``George'' Sissel. Specialist Sissel gave his life in service to his 
country on November 29, 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when 
the convoy in which he was traveling came under enemy fire. This brave 
young man was only 22 years old at the time of his death.
  I ask my colleagues in the Senate, my fellow Iowans, and all 
Americans to join me today in paying tribute to Specialist Sissel for 
his dedication to the cause of freedom and for his sacrifice in defense 
of the liberties we all so dearly prize. He selflessly served his 
Nation, sacrificing his life for the great principles that underpin 
both our way of life and the hopes and dreams of all humankind--the 
principles of liberty, justice, and equality. In a statement released 
following his death, Specialist Sissel's family offered the following 
words about their son and brother: ``Aaron 'George' died doing what he 
loved and believed in. We are very proud of him.''
  We can all be very proud of men like Specialist Sissel. Our Nation's 
history is distinguished by the presence of extraordinary men and women 
willing to risk their lives in defense of our country, but also by 
families who sacrifice those they love for the sake of the great 
principles of American life. While we share the pride felt by 
Specialist Sissel's family, we also share their grief. My deepest 
sympathy goes out to the members of Specialist Sissel's family, to his 
friends, and to all those who have been touched by his untimely 
passing. May his mother, Jo, his father and stepmother, Kirk and Cindy, 
his sister, Shanna, and his fiancee, Kari Prellwitz, be comforted with 
the knowledge that they are in the thoughts and prayers of many 
Americans, and that they have the eternal gratitude of an entire 
nation.
  Specialist Sissel did not die in vain; rather, he died in defense of 
the Nation he loved and the principles in which he believed. Indeed, 
Specialist Aaron J. ``George'' Sissel has entered the ranks of our 
Nation's greatest patriots, and his courage, his dedication, and his 
sacrifice are all testaments to his status as a true American hero.


                    SP4 David J. Goldberg, U.S. Army

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, my heart is heavy. Utah has once again 
given one of her sons to the cause of liberty.
  Any loss of our fine young men or women is a tragedy. However, I 
believe this is particularly so with the loss of SP4 David J. Goldberg. 
He was a fine young man, loved dearly by his parents and wife. Though 
of a young age, he had already accepted the responsibilities of a man 
and had volunteered to serve his Nation during a time of war. This 
sense of responsibility, especially to his fellow soldiers, was one of 
the defining characteristics of his life. I have learned from the many 
who knew him and loved him that the specialist was always there for his 
fellow soldiers, frequently volunteering for extra assignments when 
others were not available. He will be greatly missed.
  And so, another name has been added to Utah's List of Honor: SP4 
David J. Goldberg. He joins an illustrious list that includes CPT 
Nathan S. Dalley, West Point graduate and a member of the Army's 1st 
Armored Division, SSG James W. Cawley, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve; SSG 
Nino D. Livaudais of the Army's Ranger Regiment; Randall S. Rehn, of 
the Army's 3rd Infantry Division; SGT Mason D. Whetstone of the U.S. 
Army and former Special Forces soldier Brett Thorpe.
  Their names and the service they performed is something that I shall 
never forget. I shall always honor them and their families.


                    cpt nathan s. dalley, u.s. army

  Mr. President, on November 17, God called home one of our best and 
brightest, CPT Nathan S. Dalley. At the young age of 27, Captain Dalley 
entered the hallowed list of those sons and daughters of Utah who have 
given their lives for their country.
  Captain Dalley epitomized what a soldier should be: a born leader, 
mindful of his responsibilities, and eager to help and encourage 
others. He was exceptional in many ways, yet a decent man that treated 
everyone with respect. You see, I had the honor of

[[Page S16104]]

knowing Captain Dalley. I was proud to nominate him to the United 
States Naval Academy; however, he decided to pursue his career in 
public service with the Army and attended West Point. It should also be 
noted that he was also accepted to the Air Force Academy; remarkable 
achievements by any standard.
  While preparing these remarks, I went through my files and found 
these words from this young man's Advanced Placement History teacher, 
who wrote a nomination recommendation:

       As impressive as [Nathan Dalley's] academic qualities are, 
     I find his personal qualities to be even more impressive . . 
     . His kindness and friendliness to everyone set him apart in 
     the classroom, and in the larger school setting. In my class 
     he was a remarkably effective cooperative learner and peer 
     tutor. Nate understands that his contributions to the 
     community as a whole are as important as his personal 
     academic success, and I have every confidence that he will be 
     successful in his future pursuits.

  Captain Dalley not only met these high expectations, but exceeded 
them.
  To his mother, his sisters and his fiancee, I would like to say that, 
although I have no words to minimize your grief, I hope there is some 
comfort in knowing that all who knew your son respected him and knew 
him to be a good friend.
  I will never forget Nathan Dalley or the others from Utah's list of 
honor. Their sacrifice will make a difference, their will be freedom in 
Iraq, and those who would destroy liberty will be brought to justice. 
So today we add CPT Nathan S. Dalley to this illustrious list that 
includes SSG James W. Cawley, United States Marine Corps Reserve; SSG 
Nino D. Livaudais of the Army's Ranger Regiment; Randall S. Rehn, of 
the Army's 3rd Infantry Division; SGT Mason D. Whetstone of the United 
States Army; SP4 David J. Goldberg of the Utah-based 395th Finance 
Battalion, Army Reserve and former Special Forces soldier Brett Thorpe.
  We will honor them always and stand fast behind their families.

                          ____________________