[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 87 (Thursday, June 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING SERGEANT JASON JAMES BUZZARD, UNITED STATES ARMY, WHO WAS 
               KILLED IN ACTION IN IRAQ ON JUNE 21, 2006

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2006

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart 
that I rise today to pay tribute to Sergeant Jason James Buzzard, 
United States Army, who was killed in action in Iraq on June 21, 2006, 
when a bomb exploded near his cargo truck while he was engaged in 
combat south of Baghdad. Sergeant Buzzard, 31, a resident of Mendocino 
County, California, answered his country's call and paid the ultimate 
price.
  Sergeant Buzzard was born in the town of Willits, California. He 
graduated from Ukiah High School in Ukiah, California, where he worked 
for a time before fulfilling a lifelong dream to join the military.
  According to his wife Michele, Sergeant Buzzard ``always wanted to 
defend his country.'' He joined the U.S. Army on February 18, 1998. He 
was stationed in Colorado and Korea before being stationed at Fort 
Hood, Texas, with the Second Battalion, Eighth Infantry Regiment, 
Second Brigade Combat Team, Fourth Infantry Division.
  Sergeant Buzzard was deployed to Iraq in November 2005. He excelled 
at his job, was highly regarded by his unit and twice received the Good 
Conduct Medal. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army 
Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign 
Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, 
Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and Explosive Ordinance 
Disposal (EOD) patch, for which he was most proud.
  In addition to his wife Michele, his high school sweetheart and 
closest companion for 13 years, Sergeant Buzzard is survived by 
daughter Michala Rae, son Tristan James, parents Marilyn and Jerry 
Buzzard, sister Kelly Lyn MacMillan, and an extended loving family.
  Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Jason James Buzzard died serving the country he 
loved, with comrades he loved and with the love of his family in his 
heart. Our Nation is humbled and grateful for his sacrifice. It is, 
therefore, appropriate at this time that we honor and recognize 
Sergeant Jason James Buzzard, U.S. Army, who gave his life in service 
to his country.

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