[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 49 (Thursday, April 8, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                         SGT David M. Mc Keever

  Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I rise to express my sympathy over the loss 
of David M. McKeever, a sergeant in the United States Army. Sergeant 
McKeever was killed on April 5, 2004, in Baghdad, Iraq, when his Army 
unit was ambushed while guarding a hospital. He had 15 days left in 
Iraq when he was killed. He was 25 years old.
  Sergeant McKeever was assigned to the 1st Armored Division and had 
been recently promoted from the rank of specialist to sergeant. He was 
stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO before later moving to 
the Army base at Giessen, Germany in September 2002. He was one of 
thousands of brave American service men and women serving in Iraq who 
confront danger every day. Their tremendous risks and sacrifices must 
never be taken for granted.
  His wife, Niki, grew up in Kearney, NE. Last October, Sergeant 
McKeever, a Buffalo, NY native, visited family in Kearney while on 
leave. Sergeant McKeever leaves behind his wife; son, Dylan, now 1 year 
old; parents, David T. and Carol of Buffalo; brother, Thomas; and four 
older sisters. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of them at this 
difficult time. America is proud of David M. McKeever's service and 
mourns his loss.
  Sergeant McKeever will be buried in Kearney. He will be remembered as 
a dedicated soldier with an optimistic outlook on life.
  For his service, bravery, and sacrifice, I ask my colleagues to join 
me and all Americans in honoring Sergeant McKeever.


                     u.s. army pfc cleston c. raney

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today with great sadness and 
tremendous gratitude to honor the life of a brave young soldier from 
Idaho. U.S. Army PFC Cleston C. Raney of Rupert was only 20 when, on 
March 31, 2004, he lost his life in Iraq. Private Raney was killed by a 
roadside bomb doing what he considered his duty: fighting for the 
freedoms we all hold dear. Today, I recognize his service and express 
my sincere condolences to the family and friends of this exceptional 
young man.
  Private Raney was born in Twin Falls, ID, and attended school in 
Rupert and Burley. Driven by a strong sense of purpose, he joined the 
Army in November of 2002 and began his military career as a combat 
engineer in Fort Riley, KS, in April 2003. In September 2003 he was 
deployed to Iraq. He served honorably until his death.
  Private Raney's death was part of the deadliest day of the war for 
the Army's 1st Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Riley, KS. Four 
fellow soldiers from the same division were also killed. This fact 
underscores the great threats that continue to face our young men and 
women in the Armed forces. It is also a testament to their great 
bravery, commitment, and resolve. Private Raney's death was the 
ultimate sacrifice by a brave young America, made so that we and others 
around the world can live in freedom.
  His family is very private and has asked that the media allow them to 
grieve without the glare of cameras and the insistent questioning from 
reporters, but they did share some thoughts publicly about Cleston and 
his love of life and family. He was a young man at the beginning of so 
many opportunities in his life. He loved his family and enjoyed 
participating in activities with them, particularly beating his cousin 
Gina at pool. He was so typical of many 20-year-old young men, and yet 
his sacrifice for his country is anything but typical.
  Private Raney's decision to serve our country places him in my 
highest esteem. With gravity and sincerity, I honor him. My thoughts 
and prayers are with his grieving loved ones as they work to find peace 
in this difficult time. I know my colleagues here in Congress and many 
Americans throughout our country do the same.

                          ____________________