[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            THE LOSS OF MASTER SERGEANT RICHARD L. FERGUSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2004

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise to 
recognize the death of Master Sergeant Richard L. Ferguson, United 
States Army--a brave soldier who served with dignity and honor in Iraq. 
I join his family and the people of Rhode Island in mourning this great 
loss.
  On Tuesday, March 30, Master Sergeant Ferguson was killed in Samarra, 
Iraq, when the vehicle in which he was riding overturned in a non-
hostile incident. He served with 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces 
Group out of Fort Carson, Colorado. Raised in Coventry, Rhode Island, 
Master Sergeant Ferguson joined the Army at the age of 17 and served 
his nation honorably as a member of the elite Special Forces. His 
assignments sent him around the globe on important and challenging 
missions, and it was while stationed in Germany that he met his wife, 
Marianne. Marianne now lives in Colorado with their children, Jonathan, 
Jordan, and Jason.
  Master Sergeant Ferguson's many years in the Army demonstrate his 
dedication to our nation's freedom, a belief shared by others in his 
family that were also called to service; his father, Lee F. Ferguson, 
Sr., served in Korea, his brother, Lee Jr., was a member of the 82nd 
Airborne, and his brother Eric is in the Air National Guard. Richard 
Ferguson also leaves a sister, JoAnn Phillips of Coventry, and a 
daughter, Audrey. Those who knew him well spoke highly of his love of 
his family, and his patriotism. He was described as a leader who 
demonstrated humility, commitment and courage.
  His 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 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.

                          ____________________