[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 6 (Thursday, January 26, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES
Major Stuart Anderson
Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I speak today with deep sorrow, for we
have lost a truly brave American and soldier. MAJ Stuart Anderson died
on January 7, 2006, when the Blackhawk helicopter he was in crashed
just outside Tal Afar in northern Iraq. His helicopter was part of a
two helicopter team providing support for the 101st Airborne Division.
Major Anderson was assigned to the 3rd Corps Support Command, Army
National Guard. My condolences go out to his wife, Tori; his two
daughters, Keely 15, and Kirsten 10; his parents, Claremont and Nancy
Anderson; and many other family and friends.
Major Anderson grew up in Hoffman, MN, and then graduated from Benson
High School in Benson, MN. He attended North Dakota State University.
Maj. Anderson had been living in Dubuque, IA, for the past 5 years and
was scheduled to return home this fall. He was a supply and service
support representative for his Des Moines based unit; he made sure
combat troops in some of Iraq's most dangerous areas had the proper
supplies.
Major Anderson joined the Army Reserve in 1984, became an officer in
1989, and was serving in his second tour of duty in Iraq. Many of Major
Anderson's colleagues define him as a trusted and humble leader. LTC
Thomas Nielsen wrote that ``Major Anderson was one of the finest
officers I have known in my 28-year career.'' Major Anderson's father
said that ``he was very proud of being in the military . . . he just
loved it.'' He was known to sprinkle in humor with his training and
with his annual Christmas cards. His humor will be missed by all who
knew him. I ask my colleagues in the Senate and every American to
remember the sacrifice that Major Anderson gave for our freedom.
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