[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 4 (Monday, January 24, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S134-S136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                     sergeant thomas eugene houser

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise in remembrance of a brave Iowan 
who has left his countrymen to join the ranks of those who have paid 
the highest price in the defense of freedom. Sergeant Thomas Eugene 
Houser was a native of Council Bluffs, IA and was killed on January 3, 
2005, in action against enemy forces in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq. 
He was twenty-two years old.
  An active young man, SGT Houser participated in football, wrestling, 
and track while attending St. Albert's Catholic High School and is 
remembered by his family and friends as a compassionate soul who, as 
his mother says, could ``talk to anyone.'' As a boy, he dreamed of 
following in the tradition of military service set by his father and 
grandfather, a dream which he fulfilled courageously as a member of the 
1st Marine Division.
  I ask my colleagues to join me and all Iowans in remembering SGT 
Houser. My prayers go out to his family and friends who feel his loss 
so deeply. Such men as Thomas Houser inspire us to hold in ever higher 
esteem the ideals of freedom and service. His valor shall certainly not 
be forgotten.


                   Private First Class Gunnar Becker

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to PFC Gunnar 
Becker, a member of the United States Army, who died on January 13, 
2005, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  PFC Becker was a member of the 63rd Armored Regiment, 1st Infantry 
Division.
  Answering America's call to the military, PFC Becker joined the U.S. 
Army shortly after graduating from Artesian-Letcher High School in 
2003. His friends remember him as a good-natured, outgoing person with 
boundless enthusiasm and confidence to match. Kelvin Peterson, a good 
friend remembers him as always being able to put a smile on people's 
faces. Kelvin said, ``He knew how to make a person laugh and have a 
good time, because that's what he was all about, having a good time.''
  PFC Becker served our country and, as a hero, died as a proud member 
of our Armed Forces. He served as a model of the loyalty and dedication 
that comes with preservation of freedom. The thoughts and prayers of my 
family, as well as our Nation's, are with his family during this time 
of mourning. As well, our thoughts continue to be with all those 
families who have children, spouses, parents, and other loved ones 
serving overseas.
  PFC Becker lived life to the fullest and was committed to his family, 
his Nation, and his community. It was his incredible dedication to 
helping others that will serve as his greatest legacy. Our Nation is a 
far better place because of PFC Becker's contributions, and, while his 
family, friends, and Nation will miss him very much, the best way to 
honor his life is to remember his commitment to service and his family.
  I join with all South Dakotans in expressing my sympathies to the 
friends and the family of PFC Becker. I know that he will always be 
missed, but his service to our Nation will never be forgotten.


       Specialists Jimmy Buie, Joshua Marcum and Jeremy McHalffey

  Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President. I rise today to honor the lives of three 
brave Arkansans and to pay tribute to the sacrifice they made on behalf 
of our freedom. Jimmy Buie, Joshua Marcum, and Jeremy McHalffey were 
all beloved by their families, admired by their friends, and respected 
within their communities. Today, they are remembered as heroes by the 
grateful Nation for whom they gave their lives.
  SPCs Buie, Marcum, and McHalffey were proud members of the Arkansas 
National Guard's 39th Infantry Brigade. Together, they served with the 
2nd platoon of Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion of the 39th, a close-knit 
group who quickly earned a reputation for dependability and whose 
soldiers were known to do absolutely anything for each other. This was 
especially true for SPC Marcum, SPC McHalffey, and SPC Buie, who were 
all roommates at their company's base at Camp Gunslinger, just north of 
Baghdad.
  It was obvious to those who served with them that in addition to 
being outstanding soldiers, these three men were so much more. While 
the easy-going SPC Buie and SPC Marcum could always be counted on to 
brighten a mood with their humor and infectious smiles, the hard-
charging SPC

[[Page S135]]

McHalffey often motivated his colleagues with his determination and 
focus. While the three had differing approaches to their service, they 
were united in the belief that they were doing what was right; helping 
rebuild the lives of a people they had never met and bringing stability 
to a nation they had never known.
  SPC Buie joined the military upon his graduation from high school in 
1980. Later, while working for a dental products manufacturer, he met a 
woman named Lisa who would become the love of his life. The two were 
inseparable, and the natural chemistry between them soon led to 
marriage. SPC Buie quickly took to Lisa's two sons and found great 
pleasure in spending time with them, whether they were building a go-
cart or playing catch.
  In his hometown of Batesville, SPC Buie worked as a mechanic at Mark 
Martin Ford Mercury, where he rightfully earned the reputation of a 
quiet, hard-working guy who always got the job done. He joined the 
National Guard in August of 2004 and was deployed to Iraq after 
spending a month of training at Fort Hood, Texas. While serving in 
Iraq, he spoke with Lisa every Sunday evening. During these 
conversations, he always remained upbeat and spoke of the joy he found 
in improving the lives of Iraqis, particularly the local farmers, whom 
he pitied for their poor living conditions. These words and actions 
spoke volumes of SPC Buie, a humble man who found comfort in knowing 
folks were praying for him back in Arkansas, and who used that 
inspiration to improve the lives of those around him.
  SPC Marcum was from the small northern Arkansas town of Evening 
Shade, where he lived with his wife, Lisa, and their five children. 
Friends and family describe him as one of the nicest people you could 
ever meet, a unique individual who disliked cursing, avoided arguments, 
and had a special calming effect on those around him. He was also the 
type of person who found pleasure in bringing joy to others; a gift of 
his that was attributable to his sense of humor and his loving heart.
  While serving in Iraq, SPC Marcum, who had always wanted to be a 
soldier, was remembered by his comrades as a quiet guy who naturally 
went out of his way to lend a helping hand to those in need. He kept in 
frequent contact with his wife throughout his deployment and sought to 
comfort her by keeping her up to date on his welfare and relaying his 
positive experiences along the way. With his time in Iraq nearing its 
end, he was looking forward to returning to his friends and family back 
in Arkansas and often spoke of taking a float trip down the Spring 
River soon after.
  SPC McHalffey was born in the small northeastern Arkansas town of 
Paragould but later moved to Springfield, MO, where he graduated from 
high school in 1995. Throughout his life, he had a love for the 
outdoors and if you ever needed to find him during hunting season, he 
was most likely in the woods with his father, looking for turkey or 
deer. At the age of 18, he joined the United States Marine Corps, and 
would proudly serve for 4 years. Upon his return to Springfield, he 
worked for the Greene County Sheriff's Office and later for Showcase 
Building Supply. In 2002, he met a dispatcher named Lacy Tindele at a 
firefighters' training camp. The couple quickly fell in love and their 
engagement soon followed.
  SPC McHalffey's deep love for his country is what originally 
motivated him to enlist in the Marine Corps and it is also what later 
motivated him to serve in Iraq. As his brother Mike reflected, ``He was 
the type of guy to volunteer. If something needed to be done, Jeremy 
would jump in.'' SPC McHalffey initially wanted to re-enlist in the 
Marines but was told the process could take months. As a result, he and 
Lacy chose to move to Little Rock, to continue his career in law 
enforcement and to join the Arkansas National Guard, because he was 
told it had a significantly shorter waiting time. The couple chose the 
nearby community of Mabelvale, where SPC McHalffey commuted to his new 
job as a detention deputy at the Pulaski County Jail until his 
deployment. Lacy spent much of her time planning the couple's small 
wedding, which was to take place upon her fiancee's return from Iraq in 
a few months.
  The lives of these three Arkansas soldiers was forever intertwined 
when, tragically, they were killed on January 4 when their humvee was 
struck by a roadside bomb. Their vehicle, which was traveling as part 
of a convoy, was leaving an Iraqi National Guard bunker in the al-Shaab 
district of Baghdad. The loss of these heroes will be felt by not only 
their comrades in Iraq, but by the many friends and loved ones they 
have left behind.
  At the memorial service of SPC Marcum, Linda Beckham reflected on her 
brother; ``He wanted to honor his country. It was his dream and he 
fulfilled it.'' These words ring true not only for SPC Marcum, but also 
for SPC McHalffey and SPC Buie. The courageous and selfless way in 
which they served in uniform brings honor to our Nation. The 
impassioned and generous way in which they led their lives, brings 
honor to us all.
  On behalf of a grateful Nation, my thoughts and prayers go out to the 
family and friends of Jimmy Buie, Joshua Marcum, and Jeremy McHalffey. 
Although they may no longer be with us, we must find some solace 
knowing that they died for a cause in which they believed. Their legacy 
and their spirit will forever live on in our hearts.


                       Army Private Cory R. Depew

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep 
sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Beech 
Grove. Army PVT Cory R. Depew, 21 years old, died on January 4 when the 
Stryker military vehicle he was riding in was struck by rocket-
propelled grenades just west of Mosul, Iraq. With his entire life 
before him, Cory risked everything to fight for the values Americans 
hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
  After graduating from high school, Cory went on to pursue a dream he 
had been working toward since he was in the eighth grade. In September 
of 2003, Cory made his dream a reality by enlisting in the United 
States Army. Cory's mother, Sheryl Ann, recalled her son's determined 
spirit when speaking to the Indianapolis Star saying, ``He was going to 
the military, he wanted to serve his country. . . . He was a hero. He 
gave his life for this country.''
  Cory was the 44th Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving his 
country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the 2nd 
Squadron, 14th Calvary Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, 
based in Fort Lewis, Washington. This brave young soldier leaves behind 
his mother, Sheryl Ann May; his son, Brendan Favre; his brothers, Wyatt 
and Elliot; and his grandfather, Austin Hall.
  Today, I join Cory's family, his friends and the entire Beech Grove 
community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow 
over this 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 
Cory, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of 
conflict and grief.
  Cory was known for his dedication to family and his love of country. 
When reflecting on Cory's life, his mother told the Indianapolis Star 
that her son's best attributes had been on display while he was home on 
a two-week leave only a few months ago, ``his `wise guy' sense of 
humor, his love of children, his hard work.'' During his short break, 
Cory spent time playing with his son, Branden and volunteered to help 
build a new garden at his church, a place where his mother and many 
others now go to find solace. Today and always, Cory will be remembered 
by family members, friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero 
and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Cory's 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

[[Page S136]]

nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain that the impact of Cory's actions 
will live on far longer than any record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Cory R. Depew 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 Cory's 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 Cory.


                     Lance Corporal Eric Hillenburg

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep 
sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from 
Hendricks County. LCpl Eric Hillenburg, twenty-one years old, died on 
December 23 during a patrol when he was struck by small-arms fire in 
Fallujah. With his entire life before him, Eric risked everything to 
fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land 
halfway around the world.
  After graduating from Chapel Hill Christian School with honors, Eric 
went on to become a Marine, a dream he first set his sight on at the 
young age of 14. According to family and friends, Eric followed a long-
standing tradition of service as his family has proudly served our 
country in every conflict since the Civil War. When reflecting upon the 
loss of his son to members of his congregation at Hope Baptist Church, 
Rev. Hillenburg expressed his deep sense of pride and patriotism 
saying, ``When I see that flag flying from now on, it will mean more to 
me than ever before. . . . When I see a young man in uniform, he will 
be my son.'' According to the Indianapolis Star, the congregation stood 
and applauded these heartfelt remarks. I stand here today to express 
the same sentiments of gratitude for Eric's sacrifices and for those 
made by the entire Hillenburg family on behalf of our country.
  Eric was the 43rd Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving his 
country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the 3rd 
Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine 
Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. This brave young 
soldier leaves behind his mother, Pamela; his father, Jerry; his 
sister, Erin; and his brother, Evin.
  Today, I join Eric's family, his friends and the entire Indianapolis 
community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow 
over this 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 
Eric, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of 
conflict and grief.
  Eric was known for his dedication to family and his love of country. 
Today and always, Eric will be remembered by family members, friends 
and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero and we honor the sacrifice 
he made while dutifully serving his country.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Eric's 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 Eric's actions will live on far longer than any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Eric Hillenburg 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 Eric's 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 Eric.

                          ____________________