[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF SPECIALIST STEVEN RAY GIVENS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 24, 2005

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, just over ten days ago the First 
Congressional District of Alabama and indeed, our entire state and 
nation, said goodbye to another casualty of war in Iraq.
  Army Specialist Steven Ray Givens, a native of Houston, Texas, and a 
longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama, had recently volunteered for a 
second tour of duty in Iraq after having already completed an earlier 
l4-month tour. Steven, a member of the Third Infantry, Third Brigade, 
of Fort Benning, Georgia, returned to Iraq in mid-January, 2005, and 
had planned to make a career with the Army. Unfortunately, on May 8, 
2005, he was fatally wounded during an attack by Iraqi insurgents.
  During his career with the Army, Steven set a standard of excellence 
and displayed the qualities of discipline, devotion, and dedication to 
country that are the hallmarks of men and women throughout the long and 
distinguished history of the American military.
  While serving his country with all his ability, Steven also showed 
great concern and charity for those he fought to liberate, frequently 
asking his friends and family back at home to send toys and snacks for 
the children in Iraq. As he left for his second tour he told his 
family, ``I can do something,'' and he truly did. This dedication to 
devote his life to serving his country and his concern and charity 
towards the children are a telling sign of what kind of man Steven was. 
This young man has shown America and the world the values and ideals 
our great country stands for.
  It is appropriate for us to pause and thank God that there are still 
young men like Steven, whose life personified the very best America has 
to offer.
  Mr. Speaker, as you can imagine, south Alabama is truly morning the 
loss of this fine young man. I urge my colleagues to take a moment to 
pay tribute to Army Specialist Steven Ray Givens and his selfless 
devotion to not only our country and the freedom we enjoy, but to a 
people who are in the infant stages of a new life--a new freedom--in 
their own land.
  We should remember his wife, Cayssia Givens, and his two-year-old 
son, his parents, Joyce and Mike McDuffie, and his other family members 
and many friends. Our prayer is that God will give them all the 
strength and courage that only He can provide to sustain them during 
the difficult days ahead.

                          ____________________