[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 77 (Friday, June 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1041-E1042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             FALLEN HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. DAVE WELDON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life 
and service of Dustin Schrage, a Corporal with the United States Marine 
Corps, who lost his life in Iraq while on a daring, classified mission 
on May 3, 2004.
  A graduate of Satellite Beach High School in Florida, Schrage joined 
the Marines right after graduation in 2001. He served his country 
honorably and with distinction. At the time of his death, Corporal 
Schrage was a member of the 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division 
assigned to the 2nd Battalion. He was a rifleman and a squad leader 
much loved by his unit.
  Corporal Schrage died in the line of duty while participating in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom II. He was found on May 6 after attempting to 
cross a body of water while conducting combat operations on May 3 in AI 
Anbar Province, Iraq. He had served in Iraq for one year prior to his 
death. He gave his life defending and

[[Page E1042]]

protecting the United States from terrorism and bringing freedom and 
democracy to the people of Iraq who have only known tyranny.
  Known for his infectious good humor, Schrage was fondly remembered by 
many of the members from his unit in letters written to his mother and 
father, Nina and Preston Schrage.
  A devoted Marine and true patriot, it has been said of Corporal 
Schrage that he was one of a kind, possessing a quick wit and 
displaying a unique talent. His ultimate sacrifice for his country will 
long be remembered.
  President Lincoln once wrote that as a nation we should ``have faith 
that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to 
do our duty.'' Dustin dared to do his duty and in so doing he gave the 
ultimate sacrifice for our continued freedom. We owe him a debt of 
gratitude that can never be repaid.

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