[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 82 (Thursday, June 22, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S6410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                  U.S. Army Sergeant Daniel R. Gionet

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to U.S. Army 
SGT Daniel R. Gionet, a brave young American who gave his last full 
measure in service to our Nation while deployed with the U.S. Army to 
Iraq, a land far overseas from his Pelham, NH, roots.
  Daniel was a 2001 graduate of Pelham High School where he was a 
three-season athlete competing on the school's football, baseball, and 
wrestling teams, winning the sportsmanship award his senior year. 
Friends say he was a team player and the type of guy who, no matter 
where you went or what you did, could have fun and make you laugh.
  Daniel Webster, speaking of early American leaders said, ``While 
others doubted, they were resolved; where others hesitated they pressed 
forward.'' In this spirit, Daniel joined the U.S. Army when he turned 
18 and left for basic training after graduating from high school. He 
was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort 
Drum in upstate New York and served at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, 
from July 2003 to May 2004 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 
Believing in what he was doing and wanting to make the world a safer 
place, he reenlisted in the U.S. Army to become a medic after his 
original tour ended in May 2004. After training at Fort Sam Houston in 
Texas, he was assigned as a health care specialist in the 1st 
Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry 
Division, Fort Hood, TX. In December 2005, Daniel deployed with his 
unit to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Tragically, on June 4, 2006, this brave soldier, and a comrade from 
his unit, died of injuries sustained while on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq, 
when an improvised explosive device detonated near their M1A2 tank 
during combat operations. Sergeant Gionet's awards and decorations 
include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army 
Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service 
Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary 
Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, 
Overseas Service Ribbon 2, Combat Medical Badge, and Expert Weapons 
Qualification Badge.
  Patriots from the State of New Hampshire have served our Nation with 
honor and distinction from Bunker Hill to Baghdad--and U.S. Army SGT 
Daniel Gionet served in that fine tradition. Honor, humor, and huge 
hugs, according to family and friends, were among the qualities Daniel 
shared with others. They remember him as a true patriot, who had a love 
for his school, his town, and his country. He was dedicated to serving 
his Nation during these chaotic and violent times because, in his 
heart, he felt it was his duty.
  My heartfelt sympathy, condolences, and prayers go out to Daniel's 
wife Katrina, to whom he was married in November 2005, as well as to 
Daniel's parents, Daniel and Denise, brother Darren, sister Alycia, and 
other family members and many friends who have suffered this grievous 
loss. The death of Daniel, only 23 years old, on a battlefield far from 
New Hampshire is also a great loss for our State, our benevolent 
Nation, and the world. He will be sorely missed by all; however, his 
family and friends may sense some comfort in knowing that because of 
his devotion, sense of duty, and selfless dedication, the safety and 
liberty of each and every American is more secure. In the words of 
Daniel Webster--may his remembrance be as long lasting as the land he 
honored. God bless Daniel R. Gionet.


                    Private First Class Justin King

  Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a brave soldier, PFC 
Justin King. After graduating college and working as a civilian, 
Private King enlisted in the Army Reserve so he could, in his words, do 
something ``for his country and more than himself.'' While in advanced 
individual training, Justin was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
  Although his body has not responded to chemotherapy treatments and 
his hope to serve in the field will go unrealized, his illness has 
failed to break his ironclad spirit. The first time Private King's 
commanding officer visited him in the hospital, Private King insisted 
on getting into full uniform before she entered the room. He said that 
he wanted to ``look like a soldier and stand like a soldier.''
  Since returning to Robinson, IL, to be with his family, Private King 
told his CO: ``I want to serve in some capacity to the best of my 
ability and until my health fails, as a soldier. I want to tell other 
soldiers how to deal with a terminal illness, I want to do something 
useful.''
  I am thoroughly impressed by this young man's desire to serve and the 
resolve he has displayed when faced with adversity. I admire Private 
King's patriotism, sacrifice, and strong character. He is a role model 
for all Americans, and I am proud to recognize him today.

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