[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 127 (Tuesday, October 4, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10968-S10971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MORNING BUSINESS
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HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES
Army Specialist Allen Nolan
Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Army SP
Allen Nolan, from Marietta, OH, who was severely injured in Balad,
Iraq, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died from his
injuries on September 30, 2004, at the Brook Army Medical Center in
Houston, Texas. He was 38 years old.
Throughout Allen's life, he touched countless people. His family and
close friends describe his loyalty and devotion to his family, his
community, his church, and his country. Allen's strong religious faith
was central to him. As Pastor Ray Witmer III, of Faith Bible Church in
Williamstown, OH, where Allen and his family were members, said this
about Allen:
The phrase that keeps coming to mind--words that Allen
actually had said many times--is that he is a father,
husband, son, soldier, and foremost, a Christian.
Allen Nolan was all of those things--and more. Robin Nolan described
her brother-in-law as a ``strong family man who enjoyed hunting and
fishing.'' She said that ``he was always willing to help out. When my
husband was ill last winter, he was such a big help. He was a very,
very good brother and father.''
Allen Nolan graduated from Warren High School and received an
associate degree in business from Washington County Technical College.
Later, he attended The Ohio State University and Ohio Valley College,
where he earned a bachelor's degree in organizational management. He
eventually went on to work for Broughton Foods in Marietta and Century
21 Realty.
Allen loved his family more than anything else in the world. He and
his devoted wife, Gail, were the proud parents of five children--Roman,
Kennan, Euanna, Bobby, and Frankie. Allen was a terrific father--
caring, committed, and supportive of his young family. He protected
Gail and his children as a husband and father--and also as a soldier.
Allen loved his country and felt a duty to protect it and make it a
better place for his family. He served in the Army Reserves for seven
years as a member of the 660th Transportation Company based out of
Zanesville, Ohio. As one of the more experienced members of his unit,
Allen took it upon himself to mentor the younger soldiers.
Dan Johnson, a close friend in his unit, described Allen as a
``completely selfless individual. He would drop anything to help
someone. He talked about his family all the time. I feel very lucky
that I had the chance to know him and to work with him.'' Johnson
further emphasized, ``What I remember most about Allen is that he
always had a `can do' attitude. I never heard him complain or gripe
about anything. We got to be close friends.''
SP Robert Lovell, who served with Allen since 1997, also cherished
their friendship, saying the following:
Allen was always the first to volunteer. He was deeply
committed to his religion. What I miss most about Allen is
that he was always there if you needed help or counsel. Allen
was one of my best friends and has been since we first met.
BG Michael W. Beasley, commanding general of the 88th Regional
Readiness Command, RRC, said that ``Allen was a wonderful soldier. He
frequently volunteered for the most complex and difficult missions. He
was also an excellent mentor and trainer of the younger soldiers.''
Other men in his company described how he would lead them in prayer
before going out on a mission. They talked about how much comfort that
gave them.
Not surprisingly, though just three months away from retiring from
the Reserves when his unit was deployed to Iraq in February 2004, Allen
did not hesitate to fulfill his duty. He and Gail both considered the
war in Iraq an integral part of the war on terror. Allen believed he
had a mission to carry out and was ready and willing to do whatever was
necessary--whatever was needed.
Allen had been in Iraq 9 months, when he was scheduled to return home
for 2 weeks on September 20, 2004. However, he was injured on September
18 when the fuel truck that he was driving north of Baghdad was struck
by an improvised explosive device and came under a missile attack and a
small arms fire. Allen was first evacuated to the 31st combat support
hospital in Baghdad and then to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in
Germany. A burn team later transported him to Brook Army Medical Center
in Texas, where he died on September 30, following a second surgery.
Thankfully, Allen was able to spend his last days and hours
surrounded by loved ones. Gail and their oldest son, Roman, were able
to be with him at the hospital. Gail's close friend, Karmen Lockhart,
said that ``we knew so many people praying for Allen, but God didn't
answer our prayers the way we wanted. But, I believe he answered
Allen's prayers, not to take other soldiers, but to take him. I believe
he gave his life so others could be saved.''
Pastor Witmer was also able to be with the Nolans at the Army
hospital in Texas. Pastor Witmer said that ``Allen was sure of his
eternity.'' His unshakable faith is what allowed him to give so
generously of himself and make that ultimate sacrifice.
Young children often have a way of putting even the most tragic of
events into perspective for us. After learning of his father's death,
Allen and Gail's son Kennan, who was nine years old at the time, said
this about his father: ``The Lord must have needed him more than I
did.'' In those simple, selfless words, this little boy is saying so
much. His father would be very proud.
Appropriately, Allen was remembered in a beautiful funeral service
held at the Faith Bible Church, the center of his spiritual life.
Nearly 500 people attended the service. Allen received five medals
posthumously: The Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious
Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
His medals were presented to Gail at his funeral, which included full
military honors.
When I think about the life of Army SP Allen Nolan, I am reminded of
something tennis great, Arthur Ashe, once said about what it means to
be a hero. He said that ``true heroism is remarkably sober--very
undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost,
but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.'' That's Allen Nolan. He
was a noble man willing to serve others--his family, his fellow
soldiers, his country--at whatever cost. And for that, we will never
forget him.
I know that Allen's family and friends will forever cherish the
memory of their son, brother, husband, and father, whose love knew no
bounds. They all remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Army Corporal Kevin W. Prince
Mr. President, this afternoon I also wish to honor and to remember a
fellow Ohioan and a brave soldier. Army CPL Kevin W. Prince, of Plain
City, OH, was killed on April 23, 2005, when a homemade bomb detonated
under his Humvee. Corporal Prince was on patrol in Iskandariyah, Iraq.
At the time of his death, He was 22 years old.
[[Page S10969]]
Kevin was born on July 13, 1982, in Canton, OH, to loving parents,
Ronald and Susan Prince. When he was 2 years old, his family moved to
Plain City, where he grew up. As a youth, Kevin worked part time in his
parent's restaurant, the ``Main Street Bagel and Deli, and attended
Alder High School, where he played soccer and ran cross country.
Principal Phil Harris remembers Kevin as a decent young man, who was
honest and caring. He was always standing up for the underdogs--the
kids who were being picked on or bullied. He made sure they were okay--
that they were protected.
Inside and outside of school, Kevin lived life to the fullest. He
enjoyed reading, watching movies, running, and playing video games.
Kevin also enjoyed playing soccer, something he had done since the age
of 5. His grandfather tells a story about one of Kevin's earliest
matches. Kevin had the ball and was running down the field--but in the
wrong direction. Kevin's grandfather shouted at him to turn around,
which he did, but only long enough to shout ``Be quiet, Grampa!'' He
kept on running down the field--the wrong way. Evidently, Kevin had a
bit of stubborn streak.
After graduating from high school, Kevin decided to join the
military. He planned to attend college when his term of service ended.
His father, a Navy veteran, tried his best to convince Kevin to become
a fellow sailor, but Kevin refused. He wanted to be a soldier, and so,
in 2001, he enlisted in the Army.
Kevin went through boot camp at Fort Benning, GA, where he finished
in October 2002. By January 2003, he was sent to Fort Irwin, CA, where
he joined the Army's 2nd Division, 11th Armored Cavalry, Echo Troop. At
Fort Irwin, Kevin trained other soldiers in the extreme conditions of
the Mojave Desert to prepare them for the heat and dust of Iraq's
deserts.
On January 9, 2005, Kevin's unit was deployed to Iraq, where they
patrolled the area south of Baghdad. Months after Kevin arrived in
Iraq, he began April 23 like any other day. He called home and spoke to
his parents. He chatted with his sister and brother over the Internet.
Only a few hours later, a roadside bomb detonated under his vehicle. In
that tragic moment, the Prince family lost their youngest son, and the
United States lost a very courageous soldier.
CPL Kevin Prince was more than just a good soldier. He was a good
citizen. He was a good friend. Chris Holehouse, a close friend of
Kevin's, spoke of his honesty, selflessness, and integrity:
His handshake was his word. If he found $2,000 in a wallet,
he'd give it back. He was not like anybody else. He wasn't
apathetic to what was going on. He wasn't lazy, and he wasn't
selfish; he was dependable. He reminded me of those books
about Camelot. He reminded me of one of those guys.
Just as he had in high school, Kevin fought bullying wherever he
found it, even at Fort Irwin. After Kevin's death, a friend from Fort
Irwin wrote a brief memorial for the guy who looked out for him and
became his friend:
My name is Specialist Nathan Stern. I met Kevin when I
first arrived at Fort Irwin. Being a brand new [Private]
mechanic, I naturally got a hard time from a lot of the
infantry guys. Kevin didn't [give me a hard time]. He helped
me out a lot. We became friends over time and hung out
outside of work every now and then. Kevin was a rare person
to find, and I will miss him.
Kevin joined the Army to help make the world a better place. And in
so many ways, he did just that. Those who knew Kevin all say he hated
bullies. In high school, he stood up for his schoolmates. In the Army,
he stood up for all of us. He fought for the blessings we sometimes
take for granted and the principles and ideals on which our Nation was
founded. He fought for it all, and he gave us his all.
Today, we honor Kevin Prince. We will remember him always.
My wife, Fran, and I continue to keep Kevin's many friends and
family--especially his parents, Ronald and Susan; his sister Kelly; and
his brother Jason--in our thoughts and in our prayers.
ARMY 1LT AARON SEESAN
Mr. President, I also wish to honor a fellow Ohioan and brave
soldier. Army First Lieutenant Aaron Seesan of Massillon, OH, was
gravely injured on May 21, 2005, when his vehicle struck a roadside
bomb near Mosul, Iraq. Having survived the immediate blast, he was
transported to a hospital in Germany, where he passed away a short time
later. Aaron was 24 years old.
Aaron's dedication and sacrifice knew no bounds. As he lay mortally
wounded in the moments following the explosion, he thought not of
himself, but of his fellow soldiers around him. Instead of calling out
for help, he ordered his troops to tend to other injured soldiers.
Those who witnessed First Lieutenant Seesan's incredible act of bravery
remember his words: ``Take charge Sergeant Arnold, and take care of the
others.'' This last act of selflessness defined Aaron's character, his
heroism, his courage.
Aaron attended Massillon Washington High School where he was a member
of the National Honor Society, earned several scholarships, and became
a delegate to Buckeye Boys State. He played on the offensive line for
the Tigers football team, and threw the shot put in track. He also
participated in the drama program, Academic Challenge, and the speech
team. Aaron was, indeed, a very accomplished young man.
After high school, he enrolled in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
At the Academy, Aaron was a member of the rifle team and served on the
school's honor board, which he chaired his senior year. In 2003, the
day he graduated with a degree in marine systems engineering, Aaron was
commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
Once in the Army, Aaron volunteered to go to Iraq. He didn't have to
go. He wanted to go. He joined the 73rd Engineering Company, 1st
Brigade, 24th Regiment--a unit that had sustained numerous casualties.
Aaron explained to his father that most other soldiers of his rank have
families, and that he--as a single man--should go in their place. Aaron
went to Iraq so that someone he would never meet could stay home with
his or her family. That is just how Aaron saw the world. To him, this
was simply the right thing to do.
The other members of the 73rd sometimes joked about Aaron's maritime
background. They tell a story about how during live fire exercises,
Aaron once yelled ``man overboard,'' instead of ``man down'' after a
mock casualty fell. Though they liked to joke and kid around, his
fellow soldiers never questioned Aaron's resolve or his dedication to
his service.
Not surprisingly, while in Iraq, Aaron took on one of the riskiest
jobs. As a combat engineer, or sapper, he patrolled the most dangerous
roads in and around Mosul. While most soldiers did their best to avoid
roadside bombs, Aaron Seesan looked for them. He was part of a Stryker
brigade that searched for improvised explosive devices along roadways.
At a memorial service, LTC Eric Kurilla, commanding officer of the 24th
regiment, spoke of the inherent risks involved with what Aaron was
doing:
A Stryker IED Sweep, by its very name, implies great danger
and risk. You are traveling the most heavily mined and bombed
roads in Iraq, not trying to avoid the mines and bombs, but
actually trying to find them. Why? So that others can travel
safely without fear of attack.
Without ever giving it a second thought, Aaron went out and did his
job to protect others. As SGT John Pavlick, also of the 73rd, said,
``[Aaron] fully knew he was walking into a mess. That says a lot about
him.'' Indeed, it does.
On May 22, 2005, our country lost a brave soldier and Aaron's family
lost a loving son and brother. Just hours before he went on his last
late night explosives sweep, Aaron waited in line until nearly midnight
to make a phone call home to his family. One last time, Aaron teased
his two sisters and spoke with his parents. His last words to his
mother were simply, ``I love you.''
Upon his death, Aaron posthumously received the Purple Heart, Bronze
Star, and Army Commendation Medal. His father, Tom, knows that Aaron
died fulfilling a dream. He knows that Aaron wanted more than anything
to protect his community and country as a soldier. As he said,
``[Aaron] always was interested in the military from a small boy. This
was always something that he wanted to do. He died doing something he
wanted to do.''
Tom Heitger, Aaron's good friend since kindergarten, echoed that
sentiment, saying this about Aaron's sacrifice:
[[Page S10970]]
The military was all he ever wanted; it was his dream. He
was a very hard working man. It has been both an honor and a
privilege to call this man my friend, and I'm very proud of
him, He made the ultimate sacrifice.
As I conclude my remarks, I would like to share the heartfelt words
of one of Aaron's fellow soldiers, PVT BriAnne Ackerson. In an email
message posted to an Internet tribute in Aaron's honor, she wrote the
following to Aaron's family:
Aaron Seesan was an amazing officer. I knew him well. As I
served near him in Iraq and became a good friend of his in
Kuwait, I realized the potential he had to become such a
wonderful officer. He cared so much for so many. He was
always asking questions, always wanting to know more. He
always smiled and did his job to the tee. Aaron will be
missed terribly by so many. . . . I hope this letter brings
you blessings. I really miss your son. . . . He meant a lot
to me. God Bless all of you.
Aaron Seesan joined the Army to protect his country. He volunteered
to go to Iraq to protect families he never met. And, he de-mined roads
in Iraq to protect the men and women serving alongside him. He never
stopped giving, even during the last moments of his life.
Our Nation has lost a truly courageous and selfless young man. May
his memory endure and inspire greatness in others.
My wife Fran and I continue to keep Kevin's mom and dad and his
sisters and brother in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Army SSG Richard Morgan, Jr.
Mr. President, I also wish to pay tribute to a fellow Ohioan and
dedicated soldier who lost his life while serving in Operation Iraqi
Freedom. I honor and remember the life of Army SSG Richard Morgan, Jr.
When I think about the dedication of all our men and women in
uniform, I am reminded of something President Ronald Reagan once said
about our obligation to protect freedom. He said this:
For with the privilege of living in . . . America . . .
there is a destiny and a duty, a call to preserve and hold in
sacred trust mankind's age-old aspirations of peace and
freedom and a better life for generations to come.
Richard Morgan, Jr., answered the call to preserve freedom. He fought
for peace. And, he made the world a better place for future
generations.
Rik--as Richard was known to family and friends--was born in Dayton,
OH, on December 20, 1965. He attended St. Clairsville High School,
where he was one of the original members of the St. Clairsville Singers
and played on the Red Devil football team. After graduation in 1984,
Rik briefly worked at Conway Central Express in Uhrichsville, OH,
before joining the Army, something his friends say he always wanted to
do.
Rik loved Army life. He was a dedicated and dependable soldier. He
participated in Operation Just Cause in Panama from 1989 to 1990, and
served in the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm. While he was
certainly proud to serve and to protect and defend freedom, Rik would
undoubtedly say that one of the best things that came about from his
time in the Army wasn't so much about his service, but about meeting
the love of his life, Diana.
Diana and Rik met while he was serving in Germany almost 20 years
ago. They fell deeply in love. Friends say they were meant for each
other. Rik and Diana eventually married and had two wonderful children,
Richard and Kimberly, whom they raised in Maynard, OH.
Rik and his family were living in Maynard when the war in Iraq began.
Having spent a few years out of the full time service as a retired
Reservist, he did not want to sit on the sidelines. Rik re-enlisted in
the Army, and with the same excitement he had when he first enlisted so
many years before.
Rik's sister, Bonita Girty, said this about Rik's re-enlistment:
He just loved what he did. He wanted to go back. . . . I
don't think anyone could stop him from going. . . . He just
liked fighting for his country.
Rik's friends agreed. They said he ``loved his country and wanted
nothing more than to serve and protect it.'' He was assigned to the
660th Transportation Company of the U.S. Army Reserves, based in Cadiz,
OH. He started serving in Iraq in December 2003. Though thousands of
miles separated him from his beloved family, Rik kept several Internet
connections open to stay in touch. His sister Bonita said that her
brother never indicated feelings of nervousness and made sure never to
discuss the secret nature of his missions. Rik believed in the war and
was devoted to his mission.
Rik and his family had the opportunity to spend time together for 2
weeks in August 2004, when he was on leave. It was time they all
cherished. Rik and his wife celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary,
as well as Diana's birthday before he went back to Iraq. ``He was happy
to be home,'' his sister recalled. ``He was happy to be here with his
family.''
Tragically, that was be the last time Rik would see them. On October
5, 2004, Rik was killed when his military vehicle hit a landmine in
Latfiyah, Iraq. He was 38 years of age at the time of his death.
Rik Morgan forever will be remembered as a loving father, devoted
husband, attentive son, and caring brother. He touched countless lives.
Rik was given full military honors at the service held in his honor
and the Purple Heart and Bronze Star were presented to his family.
Hundreds gathered to pay their respects to Rik, including members of
the St. Clairsville football team and Rik's coach from so many years
ago, Mickey Blatnik.
I had the privilege of meeting several members of Rik's family, and I
want to thank them for sharing their memories with me. It was easy to
see how proud they are of Rik and how supportive they are of each
other. As Rik's sister Bonita said, ``He's a hero. He was proud to
fight for his country.''
In closing, I would like to share an email message that was posted on
an Internet tribute to Rik. It is a simple message from Mrs. Arthur's
4th Grade Class in Nelsonville, OH. It reads as follows:
My class and I want to thank you Richard for helping to
keep us all safe. Please know that you will not be forgotten.
Indeed, Army SSG Richard Morgan will not be forgotten, for he
answered the call President Reagan talked about to preserve peace and
freedom. As that email message attests, he was, in fact, making ``a
better life for generations to come.''
My wife Fran and I continue to keep Richard's family and friends in
our thoughts and in our prayers.
Army SGT Kurt Schamberg
Mr. President, this afternoon I also wish to honor a fellow Ohioan
and brave soldier, Army Sergeant Kurt Schamberg, from Orwell. SGT
Schamberg died in Baghdad on May 19, 2005, when a roadside bomb
detonated alongside his Humvee. He was 26 years of age at the time.
Kurt Schamberg held nothing back from his service to our country. At
the time of his death, Kurt was almost done with his second tour of
duty in Iraq. He already had been injured by shrapnel from another
roadside bombing, but, as soon as he could leave the hospital, Kurt was
back on patrol with his unit. Over and over, he gave of himself to
protect others. Sergeant Schamberg was the embodiment of endurance and
dedication, demonstrating time and time again that he was a model U.S.
soldier.
Kurt was born on July 16, 1978, in Warren, OH. He grew up in Orwell,
where he graduated from Grand Valley High School in 1997. Kurt was an
energetic and creative young man. He enjoyed sports--especially
watching the Pittsburgh Steelers--discussing politics, painting, and
amateur film-making. Though he loved to talk about politics and current
events, when the need presented itself, Kurt did more than just
``talk'' about the issues of the day with his friends. He acted. He
went out into the world to make a difference. After the attacks of 9/
11, Kurt Schamberg decided to enlist in the Army and defend our country
from the front lines.
Kurt completed his training at Fort Benning, GA, and was then
assigned to the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, NY, where he
served as an automatic rifleman. His unit fought in the early stages of
Operation Iraqi Freedom before returning home in March 2004. They again
deployed again to Iraq in January 2005.
Kurt Schamberg was a man of great conviction, who fought for what he
believed in, for what he felt was just and what he felt was right. Kurt
joined the
[[Page S10971]]
war on terrorism and fought to bring freedom to the Iraqi people
because he wanted to make the world a stronger, safer, better place for
all of us. According to Kurt's mother, Pamela Lindsay:
[Kurt] among all my children was the peace lover. He was
always finding a solution to a conflict. He would always
fight the good fight, through talking and joking. If we could
fight wars without loss of life and limb . . . Kurt would
have lived. But . . . he knew that was not possible at this
time.
Sergeant Schamberg loved his family. And, he loved the U.S. Army. He
helped a new generation of soldiers learn how to protect themselves and
protect our country. In an email message posted on an Internet tribute
following Kurt's death, SPC Richard Ellsworth, who was stationed at
Fort Campbell, KY, at the time, wrote the following:
[Kurt], I wanted to tell you that your job as an NCO in the
Army is not over yet. You still have to take care of your
troops! I will be heading to Iraq for the second time very
shortly and I will need an outstanding NCO to look up to. I
couldn't think of a better soldier than you. You will be
missed, but never forgotten. Remember the soldiers' creed and
the warrior ethos--and lead your soldiers to victory.
Kurt Schamberg was an accomplished and well-respected soldier. He was
also an energetic, loving, good-humored young man, who endeared himself
to all. Kurt's cousin Katie Schamberg remembers this about him: ``He
was talented. He was funny. He was just everything. He loved life and
was proud of what he was doing. . . .''
Kurt lived life to its fullest, whether he was fighting in a war or
watching his beloved Steelers play football or creating his artwork or
having a lively debate about politics. Everything he did, he did it
with passion and zeal and with a love for life.
I would like to close my remarks with something that Kurt's friend
Tiffany from Cleveland wrote in his honor:
Kurt was a wonderful, charismatic and brave individual. He
had the remarkable talent of making people laugh. I will
always remember him for this. I am immensely saddened by the
loss, as is everyone who was privileged enough to know him in
this life. Kurt was loved by many and [was] a true friend. My
sympathy goes out to Lance and Kurt's family. Farewell Kurt.
You will surely be missed.
My wife Fran and I continue to keep Kurt's family in our thoughts and
prayers.
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