[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 108 (Monday, September 13, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S9122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                       Specialist dustin s. colby

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to SP Dustin 
S. Colby, a fellow Iowan from the Mason City/Clear Lake area. The Iowa 
National Guard regretfully announced the death of Specialist Colby when 
he was killed on August 27, 2004, along with fellow soldier SSG Bruce 
J. Pollema, when their military motor vehicle rolled over into a ditch 
near Camp Dodge. Specialist Dustin Colby was a member of the 2168th 
Transportation Company based in Sheldon, IA. SP Colby is survived by 
his mother, Misty L. Thoe, and his father, Jerry L. Colby, as well as 
numerous siblings. This brave young soldier was only 20 years old.
  The family of Dustin Colby issued the following statement in response 
to the news of their son's death:

       Dustin was a dedicated son, grandson, brother, cousin, 
     nephew, boyfriend, friend and Soldier. He loved life, his 
     family, and being a soldier.

  My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. Specialist 
Colby brought happiness to many people, and his memory will never die 
because of the impact he had on the people he knew. It is fitting that 
we pay tribute to his life and his service to his country.


                       Sgt. James Daniel Faulkner

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, with a heavy heart and deep sense of 
gratitude I honor the life of a brave young man who grew up in 
Clarksville, IN. Sgt. James Daniel Faulkner, 23 years old, died on 
September 8 when the armored personnel carrier he was driving at the 
head of a convoy was struck by enemy fire in Baghdad. With his entire 
life before him, James chose to risk everything to fight for the values 
Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
  James graduated from Clarksville High School in 1999. He attended 
Indiana University Southeast for 1 year before deciding that he wanted 
to seek different opportunities. Shortly thereafter James, along with a 
longtime friend from high school, joined the Army in November of 2000. 
James was a combat engineer who served his country with pride. He was 
assigned to the 1st Cavalry's 20th Engineer Battalion, based in Fort 
Hood, TX. Just a few weeks ago, James visited with his family for the 
last time while on leave before returning to Iraq to fulfill his tour 
of duty, which started in March of this year.
  James was the 34th Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving his 
country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This brave young soldier leaves 
behind his fiancee, Lisa Moreno, whom he was set to marry in July; his 
mother, Pam Gilkey; his father, James Faulkner; his stepfather; his 
three sisters; and his two brothers.
  Today, I join James' family, his friends and all Americans in 
mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this 
tremendous loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely 
fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and 
strength of character that people will remember when they think of 
James, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of 
conflict and grief.
  According to Clarksville High School's director of counseling Pat 
Hunt, James had enjoyed athletics and was a strong student. James 
starred on the track and cross-country teams and was a member of the 
National Honor Society. He was known by all for his dedicated spirit 
and his love of country. His mother, Pam, recounted a conversation she 
had with her son to the Louisville Courier-Journal, remembering when 
she questioned her son's reasons for his recent re-enlistment. She said 
James replied by simply saying he was ``proud to serve his country.''
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring James' 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 James' actions will live on far longer than any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of James Daniel Faulkner in the 
official record of the United States 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 James' 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 James.

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