[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S6339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                    Specialist Michael J. Wiesemann

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep 
sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man who went to 
high school in North Judson, IN. SP Michael J. Wiesemann, 20 years old, 
died at the Forward Operating Base Q-West, Quyarrah Air Base, Iraq, on 
May 29, 2004.
  Michael graduated from North Judson-San Pierre High School in 2002 
and joined the Army as a steppingstone to college and a better life, 
according to his mother. After joining the Army, Michael became a 
cavalry scout and was assigned to the Army's 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry 
Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, out of Fort Lewis, WA. 
With his entire life before him, Michael chose to risk everything to 
fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land 
halfway around the world.
  Michael was the 28th Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving his 
country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This brave young soldier leaves 
behind his mother, Karen; his stepfather, Robert; and his fiancee, Abby 
Trusty, whom he met in high school.
  Today, I join Michael's family, his friends, and the entire North 
Judson community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our 
sorrow over his death, we can also take pride in the example he set, 
bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. During his dedicated 
military service, Michael earned the Global War on Terrorism Service 
Medal and an Expeditionary Medal. It is his courage and strength of 
character that people will remember when they think of Michael, a 
memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict 
and grief.
  When looking back on the life of her former student, Michael's high 
school English teacher, Carolyn Wyller told the Indianapolis Star that 
Michael ``was artistic and had a good sense of humor.'' Family and 
friends say Michael was known for his love of laughter and his big 
heart. Today and always, Michael will be remembered by family members, 
friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero and we honor the 
sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Michael's sacrifice, 
I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the 
families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we 
cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living 
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor 
power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember 
what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This 
statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am 
certain that the impact of Michael's actions will live on far longer 
than any record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Michael J. Wiesemann in the 
official Record of the Senate for his service to this country and for 
his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I think 
about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain 
that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like 
Michael's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, 
``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away 
tears from off all faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Michael.

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