[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E3]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              PERSON OF THE YEAR--SGT MARQUETTE WHITESIDE

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                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2004

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor SGT Marquette Whiteside, 
a 24-year-old resident of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. SGT Whiteside was 
active in the Red Cross and the 4-H Club. Upon graduation from Watson 
Chapel High School, he took a job while he waited to hear from the 
military. Once accepted, SGT Whiteside trained in Germany where he 
specialized in weapons artillery.
  Time Magazine's honoree for 2003 Person of the Year is the American 
Soldier, and SGT Whiteside was chosen to be profiled. SGT Whiteside is 
a member of Survey Platoon, Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion in the 
1st Armored's 3rd Field Artillery Regiment. There is no soldier more 
deserving of this honor than SGT Whitefield. Scheduled to be relieved 
of duty in early 2004, SGT Whiteside signed on for an additional 3 
years with the Army, with just a 6-month break between tours.
  My sincere gratitude and deep appreciation go to SGT Marquette 
Whiteside, a man who has dedicated himself to protecting his country in 
the noblest sense.
  I am honored to represent this fine soldier in the U.S. House of 
Representatives. Not just a soldier, SGT Whiteside is also a son, a 
brother, and a father. My thoughts and prayers are with Marquette's 
mother, Catherine; his two brothers, and his 6-year-old, daughter, 
Brashawn, who all anxiously await his permanent and safe return home.

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