[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 34 (Thursday, March 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                         Specialist Joshua Hill

  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 
Fowlerton. Joshua Hill, 24 years old, died on March 12 when a roadside 
bomb went off as he was clearing a route in eastern Afghanistan with 
other members of his battalion. With his entire life before him, Joshua 
risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our 
hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
  A 2002 graduate of Madison-Grant High School in Fairmount, Joshua 
joined the Army when his wife Alexis was expecting their first child 
Jalin, who is now 6 years old. The couple also has a 1-year-old 
daughter, Ariana. On the day Joshua was killed, he was only 30 days 
away from returning home. Prior to his time in Afghanistan, Joshua had 
also done a tour in Iraq, and was studying nursing at the Indiana 
Business College. He had one more semester to complete to earn his 
degree. His parents recalled to a local newspaper the pride they had 
for their son and how much they would miss his sense of humor and love 
of laughter. His mother, Susan Hill, said, ``I was proud of him, I 
didn't want him over there, but I'm very proud he went. I loved him 
with all my heart, he was a good kid, and I'm lucky to have had him for 
24 years.''
  Joshua was killed while serving his country in Operation Enduring 
Freedom. He was a member of the Ashville-based Company A of the 391st 
Engineering Battalion. This brave young soldier leaves behind his 
mother Susan Kay Hill; his father Terry Kay; his wife Alexis; his son 
Jalin; and his daughter Ariana.
  Today, I join Joshua'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 Joshua, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Joshua was known for his dedication to his family and his love of 
country. Today and always, Joshua 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 Joshua'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 Joshua's actions will live on far longer than any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Joshua Hill in the official 
record of the 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 Joshua'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 Joshua.

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