[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         PAYING TRIBUTE TO U.S. ARMY STAFF SERGEANT ERIC PETTY

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
to pay tribute to the life and memory of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Eric 
Petty, who honorably devoted his life to defending the freedoms of our 
nation. A member of the 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored 
Division, Eric was recently killed while guarding a weapons cache in 
Salman Al Habb, near Baghdad. His story is one of honor, selflessness 
and sacrifice. As we mourn the loss of an American patriot and hero, I 
think it is appropriate to call the attention of this body of Congress, 
and this nation, to the sacrifice that Eric made on behalf of a 
grateful nation.
  Honoring his father's service to our nation, Eric was a junior in 
high school when he joined the Army where his father had served as a 
warrant officer. He was a well-known figure in Grand Junction, 
Colorado, serving as a U.S. Army recruiter in my hometown for three 
years. Eric could have stayed on as a recruiter, but his deep love for 
his country and his sense of duty led him to take a position where he 
could be placed on the front lines. When his unit was attacked while 
guarding a large cache of ammunition, he ordered all of his soldiers to 
get into their vehicles, and was the last one to get in when he was 
shot. If it were not for his heroism and leadership, many more soldiers 
would have lost their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Eric Petty will be sorely 
missed. Although we grieve over the loss of this incredible individual, 
we can take comfort knowing his sacrifice was made while fulfilling his 
dream of serving our nation. I would like to extend my heartfelt 
respects to his beloved wife Kimberly, son Colton, parents, family and 
friends as they mourn his passing. It is my honor to pay tribute to the 
life of Eric Petty before this body of Congress and this nation.

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