[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1631-E1632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO PRIVATE FIRST CLASS KEN W. LEISTEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARLENE HOOLEY

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2004

  Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to the life 
of an Oregon Soldier, beloved patriot, and proud son. Private First 
Class Ken W. Leisten was recently

[[Page E1632]]

killed in Taji, Iraq--far away from friends, family, and the Willamette 
Valley that he loved so much.
  Ken was the last of the Leisten men--the pride and joy of his grandma 
and a large extended family that lives from California to the Midwest. 
Private Leisten made his community stronger because of the choices he 
made, the way he lived his life.
  Unlike many of his comrades, Private Leisten was a full-time 
guardsman. He was permanently assigned to the 1st Battalion, 162nd 
Infantry HQ, but he volunteered to serve in Iraq with the 2nd 
Battalion--so someone else wouldn't have to. Typical. This decision was 
the rule instead of the exception for this exceptional young man.
  The lasting tragedy of his noble sacrifice is that Private Leisten 
was exactly the kind of American that we need more of, the type of 
soldier--the kind of citizen--that makes us all better people.
  Sacrifice--the willful regard for others at his own expense--was Ken 
Leisten's life philosophy; it is his legacy. In actions large and 
small, Private Leisten took the time to care.
  A soldier in a hostile land, Ken Leisten set about making a 
difference by reaching out. He shared his limited water with Iraqi 
children in the village where he served to establish and then keep 
peace.
  Think about it; safe drinking water in a hot, unforgiving desert. Not 
many people would share their canteen, but Ken did. He consciously made 
the effort to share what little he had with those around him--because 
he knew their need was greater.
  Part teacher, mentor, cheerleader, and coach--Ken spent his brief 
life assisting his fellow soldiers learn the art of war while helping 
them maintain balance: responsibilities as soldiers with their needs as 
parents, spouses, and workers.
  One thousand Americans have perished since this administration 
committed our time, talent, and treasure to the liberation and 
reconstruction of Iraq. And unfortunately it is all too easy for the 
incredible life and terrible death of one citizen-soldier to get lost 
in the numbers.
  I say this because despite the noise surrounding the war, a silent 
truth endures: there is no more sacred or loving gift than laying down 
your life for the protection of another. Private Ken Leisten gave us 
this gift.
  Let us commit ourselves to ensuring Ken Leisten's example is our 
example; that his sacrifice--celebrated, applied--and never, ever 
forgotten.
  Private Ken Leisten made a difference in the lives of Iraqi children 
he knew he would never see again--he laid down his life so that the 
People of Iraq might have a chance at self governance and peace.
  We, in this Chamber and beyond these marble walls, are all 
accountable to the spirit of Ken Leisten. We must redouble our efforts, 
rekindle the flame of liberty, and renew our America to earn the 
freedom that Private Leisten gave his life for.

                          ____________________