[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 78 (Friday, June 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S6010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                     1st Sergeant Michael Matthews

                         Sergeant Kenneth Kraus

                       Staff Sergeant Jacob Long

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, it is my honor today to pay tribute to 
three courageous soldiers from the city of Roswell, GA, whose service 
to country and community merits grateful recognition.
  1SG Michael Matthews has served 21 years in the U.S. Army and Army 
National Guard and is currently a member of Charlie Co., 108th Armored 
Regiment, 48th Brigade of the Georgia Army National Guard. On August 
30, 2005, Sergeant Matthews was seriously wounded when two Iraqis 
detonated an Improvised Explosive Device next to his convoy 25 miles 
south of Bagdad. Sergeant Matthews continues to recover from his 
injuries, and following his recovery, the Roswell Police Department 
will welcome him back to his position on the force. Sergeant Matthews 
worked for 17 years as a uniform police officer and SWAT team member 
and, in 2005, was named the Police Officer of the Year.
  SGT Kenneth Kraus served as a U.S. Marine on duty at the U.S. Embassy 
in Iran during February of 1979. As revolutionaries overpowered the 
Embassy, Sergeant Kraus successfully negotiated the release of several 
American civilians before he was wounded and taken hostage himself. 
Beaten and interrogated repeatedly, he was given a 20 minute trial and 
sentenced to die the next day. Sergeant Kraus was pulled from his cell 
in the hours after his sentence while a representative from the U.S. 
Embassy finally secured his release. He was flown to Germany for 
medical treatment and then home to the United States. The Roswell 
Police Department has been fortunate to have Sergeant Kraus work with 
them as a detective for over 11 years.
  SSG Jacob Long serves as Company Master Gunner in Charlie Co., First 
Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Brigade of the Georgia Army 
National Guard. On April 22, 2006, Staff Sergeant Long returned from a 
year-long deployment in Iraq during which Charlie Co. became 
responsible for sending Baby Noor, an Iraqi infant with spinal bifida, 
on a flight to obtain vital treatment in the United States and Baby 
Noor underwent successful surgery in Atlanta. In addition to his 
service abroad, Sergeant Jacob has worked with the Roswell Parks and 
Recreation Department for over 10 years.
  These individuals continue to better their community and their Nation 
with selfless dedication to their careers in public service. I am proud 
to join the city of Roswell, the State of Georgia, and our Nation in 
honoring these brave men who have exemplified service to others on the 
local, national, and international level.

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