[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A LIFE OF SERVICE AND COURAGE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2004

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a young man 
from my district who exemplified great courage while serving his 
country. Private First Class Ervin Dervishi was fatally wounded two 
weeks ago in Iraq when his unit was attacked by grenade fire.
  Private Dervishi displayed his extraordinary commitment to fight for 
freedom and justice. Freedom and justice are the building blocks of 
democracy, and these values are the heartbeat of all immigrants, like 
Private Dervishi, who fight for our country every day.
  Born in Albania, Private Dervishi came to America with his brother 
and his parents in search of a better life for their family. He quickly 
enrolled in his local high school and became a heralded athlete on the 
soccer field. Not merely settling for citizenship alone, Private 
Dervishi wanted to contribute to society. That's why he began 
participating in a two-year volunteer program called Young Explorers 
with the Waxahachie Police Department. At his memorial service, Private 
Dervishi's adviser for Young Explorers, Police Chief Nathan 
Bickerstaff, praised this young man for his enthusiastic nature and 
fascination with law enforcement. Police Chief Bickerstaff smiled as he 
recalled Private Dervishi telling him that someday he would become a 
police officer.
  Private Dervishi moved to Fort Worth and joined the Army's 4th 
Infantry Division in Fort Hood, Texas, after graduating from Western 
Hills High School. After deployment to Iraq, Private Dervishi showed 
exemplary combat skills and was present at the capture of Saddam 
Hussein. He was laid to rest with military honors, and Brig. Gen. 
Robert Crear presented the family with two distinctive posthumous 
decorations--the Purple Heart and Bronze Star--for their son's service. 
High-ranking officials of the Albanian government, including President 
Alfred Moisiu, have also recognized Private Dervishi's mark in the 
world by conferring the Golden Eagle Medallion on Private Dervishi. 
This award is rarely given, but it marks Private Dervishi as a martyr 
for freedom and peace for two countries.
  Private Dervishi is remembered by his family and peers as a true 
friend who was devoted to family and country and dedicated to the 
causes of justice, freedom, and peace.
  Private Dervishi understood more about freedom in his short life than 
many will in an entire lifetime. He lived an extraordinary life, rich 
with love, laughter, and pride. As a Member of Congress, I rise today 
to acknowledge Private Dervishi and his family for their sacrifice and 
service to the cause of freedom and the war against terror.
  In his eulogy, Police Chief Bickerstaff vowed to carry a photo of 
Private Dervishi as a reminder of his ultimate sacrifice, saying ``he 
will always be a hero in my eyes.''
  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Dervishi family. May you be 
strengthened and comforted in this devastating time.

                          ____________________