[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 22 (Wednesday, March 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO ARMY PFC MIN S. CHOI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2005

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sorrow 
that I rise to recognize the loss of a New Jersey resident who served 
with dignity and honor as a soldier in Iraq. I join his family, friends 
and members of his community in mourning this great loss.
  On Saturday, February 26, Army Private First Class Min S. Choi, 21, 
of River Vale, New Jersey died in Abertha, Iraq when an explosive 
device detonated near his military vehicle. Choi was assigned to the 
Army Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry 
Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
  A resident of River Vale, N.J., Choi attended Pascack Valley High 
School. PFC Choi and his family emigrated to the United States from 
South Korea seven years ago. Following graduation in 2003, Choi 
enlisted in the Army because he wanted to serve his new country, and 
aspired to become a military officer and a United States citizen. His 
commitment to his adopted country and home humble us, and underscore 
how much we must treasure and protect the freedoms and democratic 
ideals of our great nation.
  This loss causes us to reflect on the bravery demonstrated by our men 
and women in uniform as they carry out their obligations in the face of 
danger. When their Nation called them to duty to preserve freedom and 
the security of our neighbors, they answered without hesitation.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere privilege to recognize the life of a 
proud soldier and heroic representative of the State of New Jersey. 
Army PFC Min S. Choi was an honorable defender of liberty and he 
deserves our gratitude and respect.
  We remember those who have fallen not only as soldiers, but also as 
patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. May we keep 
their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers as they struggle to endure 
this difficult period and mourn the heroes America has lost.

                          ____________________