[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S1714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LYLE RYMER II

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today, I would like to rise and 
pay tribute to the life of Army Specialist Lyle Rymer II. Lyle Rymer 
was the type of person his family and friends knew they could always 
rely upon. Despite his easygoing nature and quiet demeanor, he was a 
go-getter who always did more than was asked or expected of him. He was 
a loving husband and proud father who devoted himself to his family and 
their well-being. He was also a brave soldier with a devotion to his 
country, who died a hero while protecting his fellow soldiers.
  As the youngest of three children, Specialist Rymer was born and 
spent his early childhood in Fort Smith, AR. He was a shy kid but had a 
gift for making others laugh and was always quick to make friends. In 
many ways, he was a typical teenager, who enjoyed hanging out with his 
friends, with whom he shared a love for fishing and hotrods. He was a 
hard-working student who went to high school in Roland, OK, a small 
town just 5 miles west of Fort Smith. Although he studied small engines 
at a vocational tech school half a day during his junior and senior 
years, he remained focused on getting his high school diploma on time, 
with his friends and with his class. In 1999, he did just that.
  Following high school, Specialist Rymer worked construction and later 
joined the Arkansas Army National Guard. His grandfather had retired 
from the Air Force, and he began considering enrolling in airborne 
school or making a career out of the Army. He was proud to serve his 
country but, more importantly, he wanted to make a better life for him 
and his family; his wife LaTisha and son Sean.
  March of last year brought a welcome addition to the Rymers: a baby 
daughter Jasmine. What should have been a joyous time for the family 
proved to be bittersweet. Just as Jasmine was born into the world, her 
father was on a plane heading for Kuwait and service in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom.
  Specialist Rymer was assigned to the National Guard's 239th 
Engineering Company under the 39th Infantry Brigade, based out of 
Boonesville. Although he was a world away, he was proud to serve in 
Iraq with the 39th, a Brigade made up of 4,200 soldiers, including over 
3,000 Arkansans. He also found comfort in the regular conversations he 
had with his family, usually on the weekends, when he could check on 
their welfare and let them know about the experience he was having.
  In November, Specialist Rymer was granted a 2-week leave and returned 
home. It gave him a chance to visit with family and friends, spend time 
with LaTisha and Sean, but also to see his beautiful baby daughter, 
Jasmine, for the very first time. He would cherish this all too short 
time with his loved ones and, upon his return to Iraq, made sure to 
tell his fellow soldiers just how proud he was of the family that was 
awaiting his return.
  The 239th, in which Specialist Rymer served as a heavy equipment 
operator, would play a vital role in American efforts to bring security 
and stability throughout Baghdad, completing more than 1,800 missions 
in the area. In spite of the dangerous environment and stressful 
conditions he and his comrades often worked under, Specialist Rymer 
always found a way to brighten a mood and bring smiles to their faces. 
He grew to love the soldiers he served with, and they loved him in 
return. As often happens in times of war, many of these soldiers, 
serving thousands of miles from home, began to consider themselves much 
more than fellow soldiers; they were a family and they would do 
absolutely anything for each other.
  Tragically, on January 28, a few short weeks before Specialist Rymer 
was to return home, he was killed in action. The 239th was securing an 
area near a Central Baghdad marketplace in preparation for the upcoming 
Iraqi National elections. Specialist Rymer was guarding the members of 
his unit as they were helping place concrete traffic barriers. He was 
struck and killed by a single bullet from a nearby sniper.
  The loss of this special young man, the first fatality for the 239th, 
was felt deeply by the troops who served with him. To honor Specialist 
Rymer, over 150 of them attended a memorial service at their brigade's 
chapel on base, just north of Baghdad. At the service, they all raised 
their right hands in salute to their fallen comrade, whom they loved 
and respected, and who gave his life in the protection of theirs. The 
company commander, CPT Jason Meharg, echoed the unspoken sentiment of 
his troops, ``We'll refocus and continue . . . But we won't forget.''
  Even more deeply, the loss of Specialist Rymer will be felt by the 
family and the many friends he leaves behind. On February 7 at the Fort 
Smith National Cemetery, over 100 people showed up to his gravesite 
service to pay respects and to honor this fallen hero.
  To many of us, the awards Specialist Rymer earned for his service 
will serve as a reminder of the courageous and selfless way in which he 
lived his life. To LaTisha, memories of the time shared with her 
husband and the pride felt in the family they built together will 
remind her of so much more. Although Sean and Jasmine may not be able 
to fully comprehend the meaning of their father's sacrifice or realize 
the impact he had on so many others, they will one day be old enough to 
understand, from the words of their mother and those who knew Lyle 
Rymer best, just how very much he loved them.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the Rymer family and with all those 
whose lives were touched by this special young man. We will be forever 
grateful for his service and for the sacrifice he made on behalf of us 
all.




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