[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 10, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E157-E158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE LOSS OF CAPTAIN MATTHEW J. AUGUST

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2004

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise to 
recognize the loss of a soldier in Iraq, a Rhode Island citizen who 
served with dignity and honor. I join the people of Rhode Island in 
mourning this great loss.
  On Tuesday, January 27, U.S. Army Captain Matthew J. August was 
killed in Khalidiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device 
exploded next to his convoy. Captain August was commander of B Company, 
1st Engineer Battalion out of Fort Riley, Kansas. A resident of North 
Kingstown, Rhode Island, Capt. August graduated in 1993 from Bishop 
Hendricken High School--my alma mater--and then further distinguished 
himself as a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 
1997. It was at West Point that he met his wife, Captain Maureen 
August, who also served in Iraq in the 1st Armored Division.
  Last week, I was honored to join Captain August's wife, his parents, 
Donna and Richard August, his older brother Mark, his younger sister 
Melanie, and other family and friends at a memorial service in Rhode 
Island. Those who knew him well spoke highly of his kindness, his 
commitment to his wife and family, and his patriotism and love of 
service. He was described as a natural leader who earned the respect of 
all those he encountered.
  This loss causes us to reflect on the bravery demonstrated by our men 
and women in uniform 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 remember those who have fallen not only as soldiers, but 
also as

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patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 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.

                          ____________________