[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 162 (Friday, December 16, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13770-S13772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                        Staff Sergeant Dan Cuka

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I am saddened to report the passing of 
SSG Dan Cuka of Yankton, SD. Staff Sergeant Cuka, a member of the South 
Dakota National Guard, was killed on December 4, 2005, while serving in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Staff Sergeant Cuka was assigned to Yankton's Charlie Battery, 1st 
Battallion, 147th Field Artillery Unit. Charlie Battery was mobilized 
in July 2005 and deployed to the Middle East in October 2005. Staff 
Sergeant Cuka died when multiple improvised explosive devices detonated 
near his military vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq.
  Dan is survived by his wife of 5 years, Melissa, and their children, 
Abby and Alex. Melissa remembers him as, ``living each day of his life 
the way he chose based on devotion to his family and his passion for 
the military. We all believe Dan died doing what he strongly believed 
in.'' He was regarded as taking his military duty very seriously, and 
his leadership in his battalion reflected that. Dan was a devoted 
father who would do anything for his kids according to Melissa, ``It 
wasn't just as a provider. He would get on the floor and play with 
them. He would take them places and have a good time with them.''
  The lives of countless people were enormously enhanced by Dan's good 
will and service. Although he did not live to see his dreams realized, 
he continues to inspire all those who knew him. Our Nation and South 
Dakota are far better places because of his life, and the best way to 
honor his life is to emulate his commitment to our country.
  Mr. President, I express my sympathies to the family and friends of

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Staff Sergeant Cuka. I know he will always be missed, but his service 
to our Nation will never be forgotten.


                   Staff Sergeant First Class Schild

  Mr. President, I am saddened to report the passing of SFC Richard 
Schild of Tabor, SD. He was killed on December 4, 2005, while serving 
in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Sergeant First Class Schild was assigned to Yankton's Charlie 
Battery, 1st Battallion, 147th Field Artillery Unit. Charlie Battery 
was mobilized in July 2005 and deployed to the Middle East in October 
2005. Sergeant First Class Schild died when multiple improvised 
explosive devices detonated near his military vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq.
  Richard is survived by his wife of 14 years, Kayleen, and their 
children, Keely and Koby. His brother, SSG Brooks Schild, described him 
by saying, ``Rich would always put others ahead of himself, even when 
he was in a dangerous situation.'' According to his brother, Richard 
had earned the respect and admiration of his fellow soldiers, not 
merely because of his rank, but because of who he was as a person. He 
served with great distinction and received numerous accolades for his 
service.
  Richard lived life to the fullest and was committed to his family, 
his Nation, and his community. It was his incredible dedication to 
helping others that will serve as his greatest legacy. All Americans 
owe Richard, and the other soldiers who have made the ultimate 
sacrifice in defense of freedom, a tremendous debt of gratitude for 
their service.
  Mr. President, I express my sympathies to the family and friends of 
SFC Richard Schild. I believe the best way to honor him is to emulate 
his commitment to our country. I know he will always be missed, but his 
service to our Nation will never be forgotten.


        aviation warfare systems operator two john n. kaye, iii

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today for the purpose of honoring 
a fallen American. I learned this week that AW2 John N. Kaye III, from 
Traer, IA, died while in service to his country during counter 
narcotics operations off the coast of Colombia. I would like to take 
this opportunity to salute his patriotism and his sacrifice.
  We can often tell a lot about the character of an individual by how 
they help the people around them. Petty Officer Kaye was a man who 
would willingly extend a helping hand to those around him and this week 
even extended his mission to help out a fellow sailor. Just before 
leaving the Navy, though, he extended his stay aboard the USS DeWert 
for one final mission so that another sailor could be with his family 
to mourn the loss of a brother. Sadly, Petty Officer Kaye gave his life 
in service to his country on Tuesday off the coast of Colombia.
  John Kaye was looking forward the completion of his tour of duty in 
the Navy so that he could return to Iowa to be near family and friends 
and attend college. He was from a large family in central Iowa and 
attended North Tama High School where he played football. In his free 
time, he loved to hunt and fish or just spend time with his friends in 
the Traer area. In the Navy, he was one of the youngest people to ever 
graduate from the Search and Rescue Program where he received training 
as a rescue swimmer.
  The primary mission for members of our military is to protect 
American citizens from outside threats. For John Kaye, the threat was 
drugs being grown and processed in South America, and he was actively 
involved in our effort to reduce the flow of illegal drugs into the 
United States. The Navy is an important partner in our efforts to track 
down and apprehend drug traffickers in the Pacific Ocean and the 
Caribbean Sea, and John Kaye deserves the highest gratitude of this 
body and the entire Nation. His sacrifice reminds us that freedom is so 
precious because of its incredibly high cost. This is an example of the 
patriotic contribution made by thousands of American service members 
and their families. The love of country and dedication to service 
shared by so many of its citizens is the great strength of our Nation, 
and we can all be very proud of patriots like John Kaye.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I rise to pay tribute to 31 young 
Americans who have been killed in Iraq since November 10. This brings 
to 508 the number of soldiers who were either from California or based 
in California who have been killed while serving our country in Iraq. 
This represents 24 percent of all U.S. deaths in Iraq.
  LCpl Jeremy P. Tamburello, 19, died November 8 from wounds sustained 
from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations 
west of Rutbah. He was assigned to the 1st Light Armor Reconnaissance 
Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA.
  LCpl David A. Mendez Ruiz, 20 died November 12 from an improvised 
explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy 
forces in Al Amiriyah. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine 
Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, CA. During Operation 
Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  LCpl Scott A. Zubowski, 20, died November 12 from an improvised 
explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy 
forces in Al Amiriyah. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine 
Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, CA. During Operation 
Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  Cpl John M. Longoria, 21, died November 14 of wounds sustained from 
small arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces 
during Operation Steel Curtain in New Ubaydi. He was assigned to 
Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine 
Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, California. During Operation Iraqi 
Freedom, his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  MAJ Ramon J. Mendoza, Jr., 37, died November 14 from an improvised 
explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy 
forces during Operation Steel Curtain in New Ubaydi. He was assigned to 
Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine 
Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, 
his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  LCpl Christopher M. McCrackin, 20, died November 14 from an 
improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against 
enemy forces during Operation Steel Curtain in New Ubaydi. He was 
assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 
13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, CA. During Operation 
Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  SPC Matthew J. Holley, 21, died November 15 of injuries sustained 
when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during 
combat operations in Taji. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 320th 
Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, 
Kentucky. He was from San Diego, CA.
  2nd LT Donald R. McGlothlin, 26, died November 16 from small arms 
fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during 
Operation Steel Curtain in Ubaydi. He was assigned to Battalion Landing 
Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary 
Unit, Camp Pendleton, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was 
attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  LCpl Roger W. Deeds, 24, died November 16 as a result of enemy small 
arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces 
during Operation Steel Curtain in Ubaydi. He was assigned to Battalion 
Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine 
Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, 
his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  LCpl John A. Lucente, 19, died November 16 from wounds sustained from 
an enemy hand grenade while conducting combat operations during 
Operation Steel Curtain in Ubaydi. He was assigned to Battalion Landing 
Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary 
Unit, Camp Pendleton, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was 
attached to the 2nd Marine Division. He was from Grass Valley, CA.
  Cpl Jeffry A. Rogers, 21, died November 16 as a result of enemy small 
arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces 
during Operation Steel Curtain in Ubaydi. He

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was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine 
Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, CA. During 
Operation Iraq Freedom, his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division.
  Cpl Joshua J. Ware, 20, died November 16 as a result of enemy small 
arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces 
during Operation Steel Curtain in Ubaydi. He was assigned to Battalion 
Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine 
Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, 
his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division.
  Sgt Jeremy E. Murray, 27, died November 16 from an improvised 
explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy 
forces in the vicinity of Hadithah. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 
1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA. During 
Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine 
Division.
  SPC Vernon R. Widner, 34, died November 17 in Tikrit of injuries 
sustained the same day in Bayji when his HMMWV was involved in a 
vehicle accident during convoy operations. He was assigned to the 3rd 
Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne 
Division, Fort Campbell, KY. He was from Redlands, CA.
  LCpl Miguel Terrazas, 20, died November 19 from an improvised 
explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy 
forces in the vicinity of Hadithah. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 
1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA. During 
Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine 
Division.

  SPC Michael J. Idanan, 21, died November 19 in Bayji when an 
improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat 
operations. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry, 3rd 
Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY. He was 
from Chula Vista, CA.
  SPC Javier A. Villanueva, 25, died November 24 in Al Asad of injuries 
sustained on November 23 in Hit when an improvised explosive device 
detonated near his dismounted patrol during combat operations. He was 
assigned to the Army's 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 
Fort Irwin, CA.
  MSgt Brett E. Angus, 40, died November 26 from an improvised 
explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy 
forces in the vicinity of Camp Taqaddum. He was assigned to Marine Wing 
Support Squadron-372, Marine Wing Support Group-37, 3rd Marine Aircraft 
Wing, Camp Pendleton, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was 
attached to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
  SSgt William D. Richardson, 30, died November 30 of wounds sustained 
from a non-hostile vehicle accident near Al Taqaddum. He was assigned 
to Marine Wing Support Squadron-372, Marine Wing Support Group-37, 3rd 
Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, CA. During Operation Iraqi 
Freedom, his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
  SSgt. Daniel J. Clay, 27, died December 1 when an improvised 
explosive device detonated at a patrol base outside Fallujah. He was 
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
Division, Twentynine Palms, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his 
unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  LCpl John M. Holmason, 20, died December 1 when an improvised 
explosive device detonated at a patrol base outside Fallujah. He was 
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
Division, Twentynine Palms, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his 
unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  LCpl David A. Huhn, 24, died December 1 when an improvised explosive 
device detonated at a patrol base outside Fallujah. He was assigned to 
the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine 
Palms, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to the 
2nd Marine Division.
  LCpl Adam W. Kaiser, 19, died December 1 when an improvised explosive 
device detonated at a patrol base outside Fallujah. He was assigned to 
the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine 
Palms, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to the 
2nd Marine Division.
  LCpl Robert A. Martinez, 20, died December 1 when an improvised 
explosive device detonated at a patrol base outside Fallujah. He was 
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
Division, Twentynine Palms, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his 
unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  Cpl Anthony T. McElveen, 20, died December 1 when an improvised 
explosive device detonated at a patrol base outside Fallujah. He was 
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
Division, Twentynine Palms, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his 
unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  LCpl Scott T. Modeen, 24, died December 1 when an improvised 
explosive device detonated at a patrol base outside Fallujah. He was 
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
Division, Twentynine Palms, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his 
unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  LCpl Andrew G. Patten, 19, died December 1 when an improvised 
explosive device detonated at a patrol base outside Fallujah. He was 
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
Division, Twentynine Palms, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his 
unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  Sgt Andy A. Stevens, 29, died December 1 when an improvised explosive 
device detonated at a patrol base outside Fallujah. He was assigned to 
the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine 
Palms, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom his unit was attached to the 
2nd Marine Division.
  LCpl Craig N. Watson, 21, died December 1 when an improvised 
explosive device detonated at a patrol base outside Fallujah. He was 
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
Division, Twentynine Palms, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his 
unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  Cpl Joseph P. Bier, 22, died December 7 from an improvised explosive 
device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Ar 
Ramadi. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st 
Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, 
his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division.
  Sgt Adrian N. Orosco, 26, died December 9 in Baghdad when a vehicle-
borne improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted 
position during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 
11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Irwin, CA. He was from Corcoran, 
CA.
  Mr. President, 508 soldiers who were either from California or based 
in California have been killed while serving our country in Iraq. I 
pray for these young Americans and their families.
  I would also like to pay tribute to the one soldier from California 
who has died while serving our country in Operation Enduring Freedom 
since November 10.
  SPC Matthew P. Steyart, 21, died November 22 in Shah Wali Kot, 
Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his 
HMMWV during patrol operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 
508th Infantry Regiment, Vicenza, Italy. He was from Mount Shasta, CA.
  Mr. President, 35 soldiers who were either from California or based 
in California have been killed while serving our country in Operation 
Enduring Freedom. I pray for these Americans and their families.

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