[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SPECIALIST KEVIN DOWNS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM COOPER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2006

  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, what does it mean to be a hero today? We 
each have our own ideas about what act of bravery earns a man or woman 
that very special privilege--the honor to be called a hero, to be 
saluted by friends and neighbors and strangers alike for doing 
something extraordinary that, at that moment in time, just seemed like 
the right thing to do.
  Today, I am honored to stand before you here, on the floor of the 
House of the Representatives, to tell you and all of America about 
someone I consider a true hero. This young man has inspired me and so 
many others around the world who have heard his story of courage and 
patriotism.
  On August 13th, 2005, Specialist Kevin Downs of Kingston Springs, 
Tennessee was traveling in a Humvee near the city of Tuz in 
northeastern Iraq with three other members of the 278th Armored Calvary 
Regiment. The Humvee was struck by four explosive devices. Kevin was 
blown 60 feet. He lost both legs, his arm was broken, he was severely 
burned over 60 percent of his body, including bums to his eyes, throat 
and lungs. He was 20 years old and had been in Iraq eight months.
  Specialist Downs was the only survivor of the IED attack that day. 
His three friends, crewmates and fellow Tennesseans were killed that 
day: 22-year-old Gary Lee Reese of Ashland City, 35-year-old Staff Sgt. 
Asbury ``Fred'' Hawn, Jr of Lebanon and 30-year-old Shannon D. Taylor 
of Smithville.
  Specialist Downs was first evacuated to a hospital in Germany where 
his injuries were stabilized. As his father Joe told friends and 
reporters at the time: ``The young man is fighting and battling, and 
he's going to make it.'' Joe and Catherine Downs remained at his 
bedside during his time in the ICU in Germany.
  As soon as possible, Kevin was transferred to a burn unit at the 
Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. 
But the challenges were far from over. Since his injuries almost one 
year ago, Kevin has endured more surgeries than his family can even 
count--two in the last ten days. He is able to get around using a 
wheelchair today, his father reports. And he is learning to maneuver 
using his prosthesis. His father adds that any time he and Catherine 
fall into the habit of saying they'll do something for him, Kevin 
politely but firmly refuses saying, no, he wants to do it for himself.
  Kevin's determination and positive outlook have touched the hearts of 
so many. Thanks to local news coverage of his challenges, Kevin has 
received thousands of letters of support from folks around the world. 
His resolve and bravery as he faces the latest surgeries and treatment 
have made him a true hero to all of us in Tennessee.
  We had all hoped Kevin would be able to join us this July 4th for the 
annual Independence Day Parade in Pegram. He's doing great, his family 
reports, but it looks like his treatment is going to keep him in Texas 
just a little longer. But Kevin is going to be the Grand Marshall of 
the parade anyway. His parents will be there in his place on the 4th--
and we all look forward to the day when we get to welcome Kevin back 
home to Tennessee and have the chance to thank him personally for his 
service to our country and congratulate him on his recent promotion to 
sergeant.

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