[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOHN AMOS, II

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and honor that I 
pay tribute to an outstanding American, a true patriot, and a hero to 
his country, Private First Class John Amos II. Pfc. Amos was killed in 
action on Sunday, April 4, 2004, while serving in Kirkuk, Iraq for the 
1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division of the 
United States Army. He bravely sacrificed his life to ensure the safety 
of his fellow soldiers, the Iraqi people, and the very idea of freedom 
throughout the world. He was remembered at funeral services held on the 
morning of Tuesday, April 13, 2004, in his hometown of Valparaiso, 
Indiana.
  John Amos was raised in Griffith, Indiana and later moved to 
Valparaiso, Indiana where he graduated from Valparaiso High School in 
2002. After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United 
States, John's dedication to his country led him to enlist in the 
United States Army right after his graduation from Valparaiso High 
School. Although the physical and mental demands were extremely 
difficult, John remained undeterred in his desire to serve in the 
military. The son of an Air Force Veteran, John understood the 
hardships of military life and accepted them with the courage and 
fortitude befitting a soldier dedicated to the defense of his country.
  Pfc. Amos deployed for Iraq as part of the 1st Battalion, 21st 
Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. John was on patrol near 
Kirkuk, Iraq when an explosion hit his military vehicle and prematurely 
took his life. John wanted nothing more than to dedicate his life to 
the military, and he honored his unit on April 4, 2004, by sacrificing 
himself to preserve the values he treasured.
  Although it was his ambition to serve his nation as a soldier, 
nothing was more important to Pfc. Amos than his family. He is survived 
by his mother, Susan Amos, his father, John Amos, a sister, Rebecca 
Amos, two half brothers, Hunter and Tyler Amos, grandfather, Hank Amos, 
and grandparents Doug and Lucy Whitehead, as well as a nation and a 
community who will never forget the sacrifice that he made to protect 
our freedom. His father, John Amos, was an Air Force Veteran who John 
looked to for guidance and advice while contemplating service in the 
military. John remained close to his family until his death, and he 
will never be forgotten by those he left behind.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army 
Private First Class John Amos II. Pfc. Amos is the 21st resident of 
Indiana to sacrifice his life in Iraq, and his passing comes as a 
difficult setback to a community already shaken by the realities of 
war. Pfc. Amos will forever remain a hero in the eyes of his family, 
his community, and his country; thus, let us never forget the sacrifice 
he made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

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