[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF PRIVATE LANDON S. GILES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Private 
Landon S. Giles, who died on February 26, 2005, in Iraq. Landon was 
just 19 years old and from Arkadelphia, Arkansas. I wish to recognize 
his life and achievements.
  Landon graduated from Arkadelphia High School in May 2004, and left 
for the army the very next month to serve as an indirect fire 
infantryman. Landon was assigned to the Army's 6th Squadron, 8th Cav. 
Reg., 4th Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. based at Ft. Stewart, Georgia.
  Landon had a thirst for playing sports and seeking new adventures. He 
played football in Junior High School, soccer at Arkadelphia High 
School, he loved to ski and snowboard, he played in local youth league 
baseball programs, and became a certified scuba diver at the age of 12. 
He went deep-sea fishing off the coast of Australia, surfed in Hawaii, 
rode an elephant through parts of Thailand, and even went on a jungle 
safari.
  Joining the army and fighting for his country in Iraq, his family 
says, was Landon's next life adventure. While his family did not want 
him to go, there was no stopping Landon once his heart and mind seized 
upon an idea. He told his sister, Jenny, it was better for him to go 
than for a man with a wife and children. Landon heard news reports 
about the human rights violations occurring in Iraq and wanted to help 
people who were unable to help themselves.
  Landon gave his life to serve our country and will forever be 
remembered as a brother, son, hero, and friend. My deepest condolences 
go out to his mother, Kim Giles; his father, Alan; two sisters, Jo Ann 
and Jennifer; stepmother, Cynthia Kay Giles; two stepsisters, Angela 
and Alana Giles; and a stepbrother, Geremy Giles. I know Landon was 
proud of his service to the U.S. Army and to our country. He will be 
missed by his family, fellow soldiers, and all those who knew and 
counted him as a friend.

                          ____________________