[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 77 (Friday, June 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1028]]
                             FALLEN HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the heroic 
life of United States Army Staff Sergeant Joseph Garyantes who died May 
19, 2004, while securing freedom for the people of Iraq. Staff Sergeant 
Garyantes was patrolling Muqdadiyah, Iraq, just outside of Baghdad when 
his vehicle was attacked by sniper fire, ending the life of this 
dedicated soldier.
  Staff Sergeant Garyantes was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and for 
most of his childhood called the Rehoboth Beach area home. He attended 
Epworth Christian School in Laurel, and at an early age contemplated a 
life in the Christian ministry. Eventually his selflessness and 
unwavering desire to help others drew him to military service. From 
what I have learned about this remarkable young man, it is apparent 
that Staff Sergeant Garyantes truly enjoyed helping others overcome the 
difficulties in their lives. For example, he wrote a letter to the 
editor while stationed in Germany, in response to a young soldier's 
complaint about the difficulties of Army life. His response was not 
negative or demeaning, he offered solutions and words of encouragement 
to this fellow soldier.
  Staff Sergeant Garyantes, because of his inherent desire to lead and 
guide others to greatness, certainly would have found a way to inspire 
others in any career he chose, but he chose to join the U.S. Army. He 
chose to subject himself to the daily rigors of military service 
because he valued the well-being of others--ultimately at the cost of 
his own life. And although he will be missed tremendously by his wife 
and children, his family and friends, and his fellow soldiers, it is my 
hope that they can take comfort in his devotion to serving those in 
need, which will be his legacy.
  Mr. Speaker, it is not often that I have the opportunity to honor the 
life of a true hero and American patriot such as Staff Sergeant Joseph 
Garyantes. His devotion to his fellow man is truly amazing, and he 
deserves our utmost respect and admiration.

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