[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S8956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                  private first class Nicholas Skinner

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
patriot, PFC Nicholas Skinner, U.S. Marine Corps. Private First Class 
Skinner courageously gave his life on August 26, 2004, in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom when he was shot during a heavy exchange of 
gunfire in Najaf, Iraq. Private First Class Skinner is survived by his 
father Randy Skinner, his mother Laura Hamann, his older brother James 
and his younger sister Stephanie. This brave young soldier was only 20 
years old. In his short life he made a lasting impression on his 
friends, family and fellow soldiers.
  I ask my colleagues in the Senate and my fellow Americans to join me 
today in paying tribute to my fellow Iowan, Private First Class 
Skinner, for his sacrifice on behalf of our country. My deepest 
sympathy goes out to his family and friends. Private First Class 
Skinner was a great man that dedicated himself to his duty as a 
soldier. Private First Class Skinner told his grandmother that he 
joined the Marines because ``They're over there fighting for me and my 
country, I want to go over there and fight for you and my country.'' 
Private First Class Skinner is the example of a fine man and a strong 
soldier. I salute him for his sense of duty and his service to the 
American people.
  We can all be proud of this extraordinary soldier. He did not die in 
vain, but died for his country that he loved to serve. Private First 
Class Skinner has entered the ranks of our Nation's greatest patriots. 
He will always be honored as a hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice for 
liberty. He will be greatly missed.

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