[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E981-E982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             FALLEN HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, as America celebrates Memorial Day, it is 
important for us to remember those dedicated soldiers who have made the 
ultimate sacrifice for our country. The freedoms we enjoy today are a 
direct result of the sacrifices made by young men and women throughout 
our nation. Each generation must renew its commitment to defend our 
liberties, and a new generation of young Americans are today fighting 
bravely for freedom's cause. The War on Terrorism has claimed over 750 
American lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, and four of those brave 
soldiers came from my district in Colorado. I know that those who seek 
the true meaning of duty, honor, and sacrifice will find it in 
dedicated servants like Marine Corporal Randal Rosacker, Staff Sergeant 
Mark Lawton, Private First Class Chance Phelps, and Sergeant First 
Class Randy Rehn. Our nation will long endure due to the strength and 
character of men and women like these four courageous soldiers who 
served our country.
  Randal Rosacker was the oldest of three children and was known as a 
born leader. In high school, his teammates voted him captain of the 
baseball team. Randal had always wanted to become a marine and joined 
the corps when he turned eighteen, despite scholarship offers to play 
college football. By doing so, Randal was upholding the finest military 
traditions of both his family and this nation, and I know Randal's 
family and friends take pride in the uniform he wore and the ideals for 
which he fought.
  As a young man, Mark Lawton was an excellent athlete and ran track 
for Moffat County High School. Prior to his service with the Army 
Reserves, Mark spent fourteen years in the Marine Corps, serving in the 
first Gulf War. In his civilian life, Mark worked for a local coal 
company as a heavy equipment operator. Most importantly, he was a 
family man who leaves behind a wife and two sons. While his family's 
feelings of loss and sorrow are deep, they can take solace in the fact 
that Mark died in the service of the people and ideals of our nation.

[[Page E982]]

  A tall and athletic nineteen-year-old, Chance Phelps attended Moffat 
County and Palisade high schools where he was known for his fun-loving 
nature and being an avid outdoorsman. He came from a family with a rich 
military tradition, his father John being a Vietnam veteran, and his 
sister Kelley working at the Pentagon. After the terrorist bombings of 
9-11, Chance knew that he had to do something for his nation, and 
resolved to join the Marines. As a dedicated member of our Armed Forces 
and as a patriot, he answered the call of duty, embarking on a journey 
to defend freedom and independence.
  Randy Rehn was known as an athlete and a prankster. At Niwot High 
School, he was a football player and an all-state wrestler. He was a 
loving husband and the new father of a six-month-old girl. I know that 
Randy's daughter, family and friends take pride in the uniform he wore 
and the ideals for which he fought.
  Mr. Speaker, I cannot fully express my deep sense of gratitude for 
the sacrifice of these young soldiers and their families. Throughout 
our history, men and women in uniform have fought our battles with 
distinction and courage. At the dawn of this new century, the United 
States military has once again been called to defend our freedom 
against a new and emerging threat. Soldiers like Randal, Mark, Chance, 
and Randy embody America's determination to lead the world in 
confronting that threat, and their devotion to that cause will not be 
forgotten. These brave soldiers have made all Americans proud and I 
know they have the respect and admiration of all of my colleagues here 
today.

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