[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 28 (Thursday, March 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF JIMMY RIDDLE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Jimmy 
Riddle, from the 26th Congressional District of Texas, for his 
contributions to his community, country and other nations. Mr. Riddle 
was working for SOC-SMG, which disposes of munitions in Iraq, when an 
explosive was detonated within his convoy, which took his life and that 
of a co-worker. Mr. Riddle was 53 years old.
  I would like to recognize and celebrate Mr. Riddle's life today. 
Jimmy Riddle consistently served others throughout his life. He joined 
the Marine Corps while in college and was stationed in Japan shortly 
after the Vietnam War. After serving for our country, Mr. Riddle became 
an officer for both the Sulphur Springs and Carollton Police 
Departments in Texas.
  In addition to his career, he spent considerable time with his family 
and promoted the ideals of being a servant to his children. As a 
result, his son Chris joined the U.S. Navy. Recently, Mr. Riddle was 
working as a defense contractor in Bosnia during which time he was able 
to see his son Chris for the first time in two years. Shortly after 
this meeting, Chris was killed by a drunk driver. Always looking to 
serve others, Mr. Riddle joined the SOC-SMG and went to Iraq. Just as 
in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Qatar, the people in Iraq appreciated Mr. 
Riddle and respected him for his kindheartedness and devotion to 
helping others.
  It was my honor to represent Jimmy. I extend my deepest sympathies to 
his family and friends. He was best described by his fellow workers as 
an ``unsung hero.''

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