[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 19, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                STATEMENT HONORING PFC. JOHN S. AMOS II

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and honor that I 
rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding American, a true patriot, 
and a hero to his country, Army Pfc. John D. Amos II. Pfc. Amos died 
Sunday, April 4, 2004 while bravely serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom 
for the Army's 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry 
Division (Light), Schofield Barracks. 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.
  Pfc. John Amos' unit was sent to the Tamin area of Kirkuk to set up a 
vehicle inspection point near the police academy. When his unit 
arrived, residents were conducting a demonstration in the streets 
surrounding the academy. With the streets cluttered by protesters, 
Amos' unit began inspecting vehicles and groups of people before they 
moved through the crowd. Amos was walking in a line of six soldiers 
when a car attempting to clear the checkpoint exploded. Pfc. Amos was 
posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
  Pfc. Amos, a native of Griffith, Indiana, graduated from Valparaiso 
High School in 2002. Throughout his life, John always had the urge to 
protect his fellow man. In September 2001, John witnessed a fatal car 
accident. He tried to help the victim, called 911 and waited for help 
to arrive. The victim didn't make it and it affected John deeply. It's 
one of the reasons that prompted him to join the U.S. Army. After the 
terrorist attacks in 2001, John felt especially compelled to defend the 
United States.
  John Amos is survived by his mother, Susan Amos, his father, John 
Amos, his sister, Rebecca Amos, two half-brothers, Hunter and Tyler 
Amos, his grandfather Hank Amos, and grandparents Doug and Lucy 
Whitehead. John's spirit and compassion will never be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring the memory of Pfc. John Amos, and in 
sending our heartfelt condolences to his family. John is a hero, not 
only to his family and friends, but also to Northwest Indiana and to 
the United States of America. He fought bravely for the ideals of 
freedom, truth, and liberty, and as our nation mourns his loss, let us 
honor his life and his dedication to the service of his country.

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