[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1657-E1658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMENDING ARMY SPECIALIST ADAM JAMES HARTING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and respect that I 
wish to commend Army Specialist Adam James Harting for his bravery in 
the field of battle and his

[[Page E1658]]

willingness to fight for his country. Specialist Harting was assigned 
to the 3rd Battalion 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 42nd 
Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA. Specialist Harting lost his life 
on Monday, July 25, 2005, in Samarra, Iraq. His sacrifice will be 
remembered by a community that has been struck hard by the devastating 
loss of one of its own.
  A native of Portage, IN, Specialist Harting graduated from Portage 
High School. It came as no surprise to those who knew Specialist 
Harting that he would serve his country. A true patriot, his love for 
his country was evident from the time that he was a child. He wanted to 
help make a difference in the world. At a young age Adam and his twin 
brother, Alex, wrote contracts to their father promising they were 
going to join the military.
  Specialist Harting wanted to be a hero. He began speaking to 
recruiters about joining the military. The terrorist attacks on 
September 11, 2001 made his decision final. Specialist Harting felt 
tremendous pride for his country, and he was willing to endanger his 
own life to protect the lives of his fellow citizens. Soon after 
graduation he joined the military. In January 2003, at the age of 19, 
he was featured in Time magazine for being one of the youngest soldiers 
to arrive in Kuwait to serve in the conflict. He helped take a bridge 
over the Tigris River, and overran the airport in Baghdad. On July 25, 
2005, less than 2 weeks after returning to the country for his third 
tour, Specialist Harting was killed when an explosive device detonated 
near the Bradley Fighting Vehicle that he was driving. His courage and 
heroism will always be remembered, and his sacrifice will forever live 
in the hearts and minds of those for whom he battled. He gave his life 
so that the freedoms and values he treasured could be enjoyed by those 
around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, Adam's sacrifice for his country is a tribute to his 
dedication and willingness to put others before himself. He died not 
only while defending his fellow soldiers, but also defending his 
country and the Iraqi people from an oppressive regime. He is survived 
by his parents Jim and Katherine; stepmother Brenda; his twin brother, 
Alex, who served in the United States Air Force; and his siblings Mark, 
Josh, Jimmy, Tiffany, Tabitha, Hanna, and Leslie. Those who knew him 
best describe Adam as a kind, fun-loving person who always wanted to 
help others. He ultimately gave his life while protecting his fellow 
Americans and his heroism will never be forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army 
Specialist Adam Harting. He will forever remain a hero in the eyes of 
his family, his community, and his country. Let us never forget the 
sacrifice he made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

                          ____________________