[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS AMY DUERKSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to mourn the 
loss and honor the life of PFC Amy Duerksen, who died the 11th day of 
March 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Private Duerksen was no stranger to the United States Armed Forces. 
She was third-generation military. Her father is MAJ Douglas W. 
Duerksen, an Army chaplain at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, MD. 
Her grandfather, Wayne Duerksen, is a veteran of the Navy, having 
served in World War II. And her sister, April Duerksen, is also a 
member of the Army, stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
  In April of last year, Amy joined the Fourth Combat Support 
Battalion, First Brigade, Fourth Infantry Division, based at Fort Hood, 
TX. Her unit was deployed on Christmas Day. On the eighth day of March 
2006, Private Duerksen suffered injuries in a noncombat-related 
incident, and she was not able to recover from those injuries.
  She is remembered as a dedicated soldier who greatly loved her 
country and faithfully served her fellow Americans by fighting for this 
great nation. Private Duerksen was full of passion and life. She 
possessed a strong faith and willingly shared that with others.
  Private Duerksen risked her life to serve our country. She deserves 
our unending admiration and appreciation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you 
join with me in honoring the life of PFC Amy Duerksen. She was a 
remarkable soldier and patriot.

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