[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2091-E2092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       MARINE PVT HEATH D. WARNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH REGULA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, it is with both sorrow and pride that I rise 
today to pay tribute to a dedicated Marine and citizen from my district 
in Ohio who gave his life defending our country while serving in Iraq.
  Marine PVT Heath D. Warner was killed on Wednesday, November 22, 
2006, while conducting combat operations against anti-Iraqi forces in 
Haqlaniyah, in Al Anbar province. He was 19 years old. With his entire 
life before him, Heath risked everything to fight for the values 
Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway round the world.
  Heath was a gunner on a Humvee when he, LCpl James Davenport, 20, of 
Danville, Indiana, and LCpl Joshua Alonzo, 21, of Dumas, Texas, were 
killed while conducting combat operations. The three were part of the 
2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, and were based 
in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
  He was born on Friday, January 2, 1987, in Massillon, and was a 
lifetime resident of Canton. He was a 2005 graduate of McKinley High 
School. He had been a Boy Scout, taught break dancing at Living 
Fountain Dance Company, and was a member of the McKinley Young 
Republican Club. He enjoyed reading, martial arts, and was teaching 
himself Japanese and Arabic.
  Even at the young age of 5, Heath dreamed of someday serving in the 
military. Following his high school graduation, Heath's dream of 
joining the Marines became a reality. His father, Scott, shared 
memories of Heath with the Canton Repository, recounting that his son 
was committed to the Marines, and had been intent on joining since 
childhood, even more so since September 11, 2001.
  ``He always had a desire to serve,'' he said. ``I was from a family 
with the core values of `God, family and country.' I instilled that in 
Heath. It was natural that he would join the service.''
  Heath was known for his deep faith, his dedication to his family, and 
his love of country. Today and always, Heath will be remembered by 
family members, friends, and fellow Ohioans as a true American hero, 
and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
  It is my honor to enter the name of Heath D. Warner in the 
Congressional Record of the U.S. House of Representatives for his 
service to this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, 
democracy, and peace. As I search for words to do justice in honoring 
Heath's sacrifice, I am reminded of the words of Jesus when He was 
comforting his disciples:

       Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust 
     also in Me. In My Father's house are many rooms; if it were 
     not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a 
     place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I 
     will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may 
     be where I am.

  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Heath. Our Nation extends its 
heartfelt condolences to his family.

[[Page E2092]]

To his father, Scott, his mother, Melissa, and his brothers, Chandler 
and Ashton, we extend our profound gratitude for sharing this 
outstanding Marine with us, and we offer our prayers and support.

                          ____________________