[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF ARMY SGT. CRAIG DAVIS OF OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 20, 2004

  Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a fine 
American, a devoted husband and son, and beloved father who gave his 
life serving our Nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Sgt. Craig Davis, 37, served with the U.S. Army's 603rd 
Transportation Company, 142nd Corps Support Battalion--part of the 
Warrior Brigade stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana. On the 8th of 
January, he and eight of his fellow soldiers were killed when their 
helicopter was shot down near Fallujah, Iraq. Craig was on his way to 
Baghdad for medical treatment at the time of the incident.
  Craig leaves behind a wife, Rosalind, and their two children who 
reside in Fort Polk. Craig's mother is Clara Mae Davis of Opelousas, LA 
and his father is Lionel Gabriel of Houston, TX. He also leaves behind 
two stepsisters: Cathy Gabriel and Sandra Gabriel.
  Craig dedicated his life to military service, joining the Army 
immediately upon his graduation from Opelousas High School in 1984. 
Family and friends describe him as a ``team player'' who approached 
every assignment with strength and determination.
  On January 8, he undoubtedly approached what would be his last 
assignment with that same strength. He bravely gave his life to help 
make this world a better place for his two children and indeed for us 
all.
  Mr. Speaker, please join Craig's friends, family and me as we honor 
his memory and thank him for his heroic service to our country.

                          ____________________