[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN FLETCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                                   of

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring attention to the story of a 
former constituent whose anions in Iraq are a testament to our nation's 
armed forces. Justin Fletcher, a brave and courageous soldier in the 
U.S. Army, selflessly put himself in the line of fire to defend 
America's security interests and ensure a free Iraq. It is a privilege 
to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of this fine young man before 
this body of Congress and this Nation.
  Justin was flying an observation run over Tal Afar, the Iraqi city 
sixty miles from the Syrian border, with his commander Stephen Suhr 
when they were shot down by a hand-held rocket launcher forcing them to 
make a crash landing. The two soldiers quickly got out of the crashed 
Kiowa Warrior observation helicopter, found their guns and removed 
themselves from the line of fire.
  After discovering their ammunition was at the crash site, Justin 
provided cover while Stephen recovered the ammunition. The two soldiers 
were able to make their way to a U.S. Stryker vehicle where they were 
stranded for over two and a half hours fighting off insurgents. During 
the encounter, Justin suffered a broken back, a broken tooth, and a 
laceration on his face. He received the Purple Heart for those wounds 
he sustained during combat.
  Mr. Speaker, Justin Fletcher is a dedicated soldier who has taken 
time away from his family and friends to put himself in harms way to 
defend America and preserve the ideals of freedom. It is a privilege to 
recognize his courage and conviction here today before this body of 
Congress and this Nation. Thank you for your service Justin, and I wish 
you a speedy recovery.

                          ____________________