[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 74 (Monday, June 12, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO ARMY SPECIALIST DANIEL GIONET

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 12, 2006

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the sacrifice of 
an American hero, Army Specialist Gionet, who gave his life in service 
to our country.
  Specialist Gionet was born in my hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts 
and grew up in the area. He was fulfilling his second tour of duty when 
he was killed in service to our country. Daniel died Sunday, June 5, 
while on patrol in Taji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device 
exploded near his tank. He was 23.
  Daniel married his wife, Katrina, on November 26 of 2005 before being 
deployed for the second time. He had been looking forward to buying a 
home, going to college, and starting a family. Daniel enjoyed fishing, 
fixing cars, and was a fine cook. On his first tour, he put his 
culinary talents to work in Afghanistan as a chef based at the Kandahar 
Air Field. In between his first and second deployment, Daniel decided 
that he wanted to more directly help his comrades in the field and 
volunteered to re-train as a medic. His selflessness should be an 
inspiration to us all.
  Daniel served the United States Military courageously. He enlisted in 
the Army in 2001 and served in Afghanistan. In 2004, he went above the 
call of duty and reenlisted, this time deploying to Iraq. Specialist 
Gionet comes from a long line of distinguished service to country. His 
grandfather served in the Air Force during the Korean War and his 
father was a Marine.
  Daniel graduated from Pelham High School in 2001. He was an athlete 
and distinguished himself on Pelham's baseball, football, and wrestling 
teams. He envisioned a career in criminal justice or the culinary arts. 
Daniel joined the Army, in part, to help finance a college education.
  Daniel Gionet's family is proud of him for the supreme sacrifice he 
made on behalf of his country. He is lovingly remembered by his family 
and friends as a selfless, brave, and a genuine ``angel,'' as his 
mother, Denise Gionet, described him. He will be dearly missed.
  I have requested that an American flag be flown over our United 
States Capitol in memory of Specialist Daniel Gionet to honor his noble 
service to our country. This flag will be delivered to his family. 
Daniel died fighting for the country he loved, alongside comrades he 
respected, and with the family he adored looking on. Our Nation is 
humbled and grateful for his sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, I request that we take a moment to recognize Specialist 
Daniel Gionet, United States Army, who made the ultimate sacrifice in 
service to his country.

                          ____________________