[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 40 (Friday, April 8, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING PRIVATE FIRST CLASS MICHAEL ARCIOLA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2005

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Private First 
Class Michael Arciola who gave his life in service to our country in Ar 
Ramadi, Iraq.
  Michael, a resident of Elmsford, New York, was the epitome of a 
dedicated citizen, knowing from the day he entered high school that he 
wanted to serve his country as a soldier in the U.S. Army. While 
Michael's initial plans included attending the United States Military 
Academy at West Point, his priorities shifted after the terrorist 
attacks of September 11th. Michael instead entered the U.S. Army 
deferred entry program in the summer of 2002, where he received Army 
training during his senior year of high school, allowing him to 
immediately enlist upon graduation.
  Less than two weeks after graduation, Michael left for Basic Training 
at Fort Benning, Georgia. After weeks of training, Michael emerged as a 
full-fledged infantryman and reported to his first unit, A Company, 1st 
Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, 
based in South Korea.
  In July of 2004, Michael and his unit were deployed to Iraq as part 
of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On February 15th of this year, Michael died 
of injuries sustained from enemy forces using small arms fire.
  Michael was a true patriot who paid the ultimate price for loyalty to 
his country. All Americans are truly fortunate to have had a person of 
Michael's caliber working to defend our nation and keep it safe, 
strong, and secure.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Private First 
Class Michael Arciola along with all of our nations' other fallen 
heroes.

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