[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 40 (Friday, March 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E453]]
                    HONORING LTC ROBERT ZANGAS, USMC

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2004

  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, we honor a 
man today who lost his life serving our country. Bob Zangas of Level 
Green, Pennsylvania first went to Iraq as a marine and returned later 
as a civilian to help rebuild that country.
  His job was in public affairs, helping Iraqi journalists and media 
spread good news about their country. But his work transcended this 
simple description. He was also a teacher. One of his proudest moments 
was teaching Iraqi women his craft so they could open women's centers 
around the country. He was fully aware that he was one of the few 
western men who had the opportunity to interact with Iraqi women as 
they began to enjoy the freedom of pursuing careers of their own.
  Bob was moved by his time in Iraq. He described a land that ``is in 
desperate need of everything, where he felt he, ``was pouring a cup of 
water out into a dry desert''--but believing some day it would make 
flowers grow. He lived on a hope that he made a difference and he most 
certainly did. He believed that our mission in Iraq was right and just. 
He saw firsthand the gratitude of the Iraqi people, and their gratitude 
to the Americans who were there to help.
  Bob Zangas was proud to represent his country and dedicated to 
helping his fellow man. Americans and Iraqis alike mourn his passing, 
but celebrate his accomplishments. His wife Brenda described him as, 
``a true, patriotic American, humanitarian and Marine and foremost a 
father and husband.'' His brother described him as an ``American's 
American'' and talked of his ``supreme sacrifice in selfless service.'' 
Bob Zangas closed one of his last letters with the challenge to, ``hang 
on to your dreams.'' That is just what he did--to the very end. It is a 
dream of compassion, a dream of freedom, and for that the whole world 
is grateful. Thank you Lt. Col. Bob Zangas. Thanks to you we shall hold 
on to our dreams.

                          ____________________