[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 98 (Thursday, July 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1380-E1381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING PFC WESLEY SWANSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 14, 2004

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American 
hero, Private First Class Wesley Swanson of Greeley, Colorado.

[[Page E1381]]

  In 1999, Wesley graduated from Greeley West High School and soon 
after attended Aims Community College as well as the University of 
Northern Colorado. After the tragedy of September 11, 2001 Wesley 
signed up for the University of Northern Colorado Reserve Officer 
Training Corp.
  Wesley joined the Army and was sent over to Iraq in October of 2003. 
While in Iraq, he served as a 21 Bravo Combat Engineer. His mission was 
to clear an area for vehicles and troops by using high explosives.
  While Wesley was in Balad, which is about 30 miles north of Baghdad, 
a bomb exploded and a suicide bomber rammed into his HMMWV vehicle, 
knocking Wesley off of the gun position on top. He was taken to the 
hospital for treatment of torn muscles and ligaments in his neck and 
shoulder.
  Since then, Wesley has spent the past several months at Fort Carson 
with his wife, Jennifer, who is pregnant with their first child. He is 
currently working as a recruiter, but wants to make the Army his career 
so he plans on re-enlisting.
  Wesley comes from a military family. His grandfather served in World 
War II and his uncle died while serving in Vietnam.
  I am proud to honor Wesley for his courage and sacrifice on behalf of 
all Americans. Wesley's courage has helped to protect our democracy and 
keep our homeland safe. I urge all of my fellow colleagues to applaud 
Wesley for his service to our great Nation.

                          ____________________