[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 91 (Friday, July 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      STATEMENT ON THE LOSS OF SECOND LIEUTENANT MATTHEW S. COUTU

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise to 
recognize the loss of a brave soldier, in Iraq, 2LT Matthew Coutu, a 
great citizen who served his country with dignity and honor. I join his 
family and the people of Rhode Island in mourning this great loss.
  On Monday, June 27, Lieutenant Coutu died in Baghdad, Iraq, when his 
unit was attacked by enemy small-arms fire while investigating a 
bombing. He was serving with the 64th Military Police Company, 720th 
Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, out of Fort 
Hood, Texas. The son of two native Rhode Islanders, Lieutenant Coutu 
grew up near Chicago and had a lifelong dream of joining the military. 
It was no surprise that he chose his college, the University of Maine, 
primarily for the strength of its ROTC program and the ability to be 
commissioned when he graduated. He was the top cadet in his graduating 
class, choosing to train with the military police at Fort Hood as soon 
as he was commissioned. Remembered by those close to him as a 
remarkable man and born leader, he planned to serve his country as a 
soldier in the Army or in federal law enforcement. He is survived by 
his mother, Donna Coutu-Freeland, his father, Michael Coutu, his 
brother Derek, and both of his grandmothers.
  The loss of Lieutenant Coutu should make us pause and reflect upon 
the courage embodied by our men and women in uniform on a daily basis, 
as they work to protect freedom around the world. They chose to answer 
the call of duty to their nation without hesitation, dedicating 
themselves to the preservation of freedom, liberty and the security of 
others no matter the cost. We must remember those who have fallen not 
only as soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, but as patriots who made 
the ultimate sacrifice for us. 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.
  We will continue to hope for the safe and speedy return of all of our 
troops serving around the world.

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