[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 1, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E970-E971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             FALLEN HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, in the rural landscape of family farms and 
small towns of central Pennsylvania, the fabric of America is woven. It 
is a fabric of patriotic Americans who work hard, respect their 
neighbors, and stand proud for this nation. It is a fabric of families 
that heaps admiration on the fathers and mothers and the sons and 
daughters who serve in our Armed Forces with selfless dedication. And 
it is this same fabric of families who sacrifice so much for this 
country.
  Our soldiers stand resolved to protect our families and our children 
from danger and attack. To these American military heroes, it is 
understood that we must do everything possible to win the war on terror 
and keep Americans safe. Failure is not an option. If freedom

[[Page E971]]

has a price, we hold in the highest regard these men and women who have 
the courage to pay it.
  We mourn the loss of the following heroes in central Pennsylvania: 
Gunnery Sgt. Ronald E. Baum, 38, of Hollidaysburg, PA; Pfc. Bradley G. 
Kritzer, 19, of Irvona, PA; Spc. Clint Richard Matthews, 31, of 
Bedford, PA; Sgt. Timothy L. Hayslett, 26, of Newville, PA; Staff Sgt. 
Christopher E. Cutchall, 30, of McConnellsburg, PA; Pfc. Richard W. 
Hafer, 21, Seward, PA.
  America's pursuit of freedom is a beacon of light in an otherwise 
starless sky. I continue to be immensely proud of our soldiers who are 
fighting this war on terror and I lament those who have made the 
ultimate sacrifice. They have left homes, families, and jobs to 
extinguish a threat, and they stand as testament to the strength of our 
resolve and the durability of our fabric.
  America will never forget these heroes.

                          ____________________