[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 18, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6-S7]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PRIVATE JONATHAN R. PFENDER

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and 
deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from 
Evansville. Jonathan Pfender, 22 years old, died on December 30 when an 
improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during a patrol 
in Bayji, Iraq. With his entire life before him, Jonathan risked 
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, 
in a land halfway around the world.
  A 2001 graduate of North Posey High School, Jonathan decided to leave 
his job at the Evansville Pizza Hut to pursue a career in the Army. 
According to his mother, Jonathan was not satisfied with the direction 
his life was taking and decided to change course by joining the 
military, an idea he had contemplated since junior high school. 
Remembered as a likeable, fun-loving and passionate young man who loved 
serving in the Army, Jonathan was the

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pride of his family and headed to Iraq with their full support. His 
mother recounted to a local newspaper, ``[His co-workers] were crazy 
about him. Everyone was, you couldn't not fall in love with him.''
  Jonathan was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 
3rd Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell, 
KY. This brave young soldier leaves behind his mother and stepfather, 
Peggy Jo and Jeff Hammond; his father and stepmother, Randy and Jackie 
Pfender; a 26-year-old brother; a 1-year-old half brother; stepsiblings 
and other relatives.
  Today, I join Jonathan's family and friends in mourning his death. 
While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take 
pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer 
place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will 
remember when they think of Jonathan, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Jonathan was known for his dedication to his family and his love of 
country. Today and always, Jonathan will be remembered by family 
members, friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero and we 
honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Jonathan's sacrifice, 
I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the 
families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we 
cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living 
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor 
power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember 
what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This 
statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am 
certain that the impact of Jonathan's actions will live on far longer 
that any record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Jonathan Pfender in the 
official record of the United States Senate for his service to this 
country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and 
peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and 
the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope 
that families like Jonathan's can find comfort in the words of the 
prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the 
Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Jonathan.

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