[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11603-S11606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                   Private First Class Jacob D. Spann

  Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Army PFC 
Jacob D. Spann from Columbus, OH, who died on February 6, 2006, when a 
roadside bomb detonated beneath his military vehicle in Iraq. Jacob was 
21 years of age at the time.
  PFC Spann leaves his father and stepmother Larry and Libby, his 
mother and stepfather Deborah and Dennis, brothers Derek, Adam, Joe, 
Josh, and Chris, sisters Sonni, Sarah, Erin, and Helen, and grandmother 
Jean.
  Jacob Spann--known to family and friends as Jake, Jakey, and 
sometimes even Jake the Snake--graduated from Westerville North High 
School in 2003, and was known for his way of walking into a room and 
lighting it up with his smile and big blue eyes. He had a talent of 
being serious one minute, and fun-loving and light-hearted the next.
  While at North High, Jake participated in wrestling, track, and 
football. He had a natural athletic ability and was always looking to 
immerse himself in something new and exciting. Dean of students and 
head football coach at North High Chad Williams was assistant coach 
when Jake was a linebacker. He remembers Jake as ``an extremely 
hardworking, dedicated football player.'' In his words, ``[Jake] was a 
kid who knew he was going to do everything he could for the team.''
  Always most important for Jake were his family and friends. He was a 
true and loyal friend to his high school classmates. It was here that 
Jake met and started dating the love of his life, Abby Van Huffel.
  After graduating, Jake took courses at Columbus State Community 
College and worked in an autobody shop. The auto-body shop allowed him 
to express a love of art that he had ever since he was a child, when he 
would spend hours drawing and painting. If he didn't make the Marines, 
he was thinking of opening his own shop. But Jake felt compelled to 
join the Marines.
  Jake joined the Corps in January 2005. He was assigned to Battalion 
Landing Team's 1st battalion, 2nd Regiment, 22nd Expeditionary Unit, 
2nd Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Lejeune, NC. Jake was well-liked 
by those who he worked with in the military. His senior drill 
instructor wrote the following to Jake's family on an Internet tribute 
Web site:

       I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the Spann 
     Family. I was your son's Senior Drill Instructor while he was 
     in Boot Camp. I have spoken to two of the Drill Instructors 
     who worked that Platoon with me, and your son's death has had 
     a profound impact on all of us. I was deeply saddened when I 
     saw it in the Marine Corps Times. Your son was a very good 
     recruit, and I know he was a good Marine.

  Jake deployed to Iraq in November 2005. As always, however, before he 
left, he was thinking more of others than of himself. With the few days 
he had before leaving, he returned to Westerville for a visit and took 
Abby out for a special birthday dinner. Abby's birthday wasn't until 
December, but Jake would be far away then, and he didn't want to miss 
celebrating with the girl he loved.
  Before leaving, Jake also gave his mother Deborah a special present. 
It was a pendant on a chain--a Marine Mother's Medal of Honor. Deborah 
has worn it everyday since. ``We have a large and loving family,'' she 
said, speaking of her son's love for those in his life. ``His family 
came first and his Abby came first, and he loved us more than anything. 
And he loved his country, and we respect that.''
  According to his older sister Sonni, Jake was very proud when he left 
for Iraq. The Marines had given him the confidence he had been 
searching for. In conversations with his stepfather, he had even spoken 
of becoming a drill sergeant one day.
  It was typical of Jake that when he called home from Iraq, he wanted 
to talk more about the ones he cared about than himself. He wanted all 
the news he could get about his family--particularly his five brothers, 
four sisters, and four nieces and nephews. Jake loved to call and talk 
to his mom, whom he loved with all his heart.
  Jake Spann was an excellent marine. Fellow platoon brother Lance 
Corporal Monhollen said this about Jake:

       I was in the same platoon as Spann in Boot Camp. He was a 
     leader then and was a leader before he died. He was also a 
     great friend.

  Jake will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is an 
inspiration to many students at Westerville North High School. In the 
words of Chad Williams:

       While a lot of our kids don't have a personal connection 
     with Jake, they really feel he's a part of the Warrior 
     football family, and they've asked me a lot about him. I 
     think that's kind of the best way to honor someone. A lot of 
     young kids are asking about him and want to live up to the 
     same honor and characteristics he had.

  After Jake died, the lettering outside his old high school was 
changed to proclaim: ``Jacob Spann--An Ultimate Warrior.''
  Jake's mother finds it comforting that he did not return home from 
Iraq alone. She tells a story of how six of the family's best friends 
were out of the country when they heard the news that Jake had died. 
When traveling home, their return trip was full of delays. The pilot 
finally came on and informed the passengers that there

[[Page S11604]]

would be one final delay, as the plane was waiting for a ``very special 
passenger"--a fallen soldier. ``Our friends realized it was our son,'' 
Deborah said. ``Things happen for a reason. They brought him home to us 
and he was escorted by a Marine who would not leave his side until he 
was where he needed to be.''
  This was a fitting, final journey for a young man who had always been 
surrounded by loving family and friends. Countless mourners attended 
Jake's funeral and burial services to pay their respects and offer 
comfort to Jake's family. According to Jake's mom, the toughest 
challenge Jake would have faced returning home would have been 
selecting the perfect ring for the planned engagement and wedding to 
Abby.
  At the funeral, Jake's brother read a letter from Abby, who said she 
had been expecting to write wedding vows--not a eulogy. The letter 
ended with the line, ``I will always be here loving you.'' On the 
marble of Jake's tombstone, Abby is remembered as his ``soul mate.''
  Marine PFC Jacob Spann was a fine man of whom we can all be proud. He 
was loved by his community, his family, his friends, and his Abby. His 
life and the sacrifice he made for our Nation will never be forgotten.
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep Jacob's friends and family in our 
thoughts and prayers.


                          Major Guy Barattieri

  Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Army MAJ Guy 
Barattieri, originally of the Pleasant Ridge neighborhood of 
Cincinnati, OH. A member of the National Guard's Alpha Company, 1st 
Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, based in Buckley, WA, Major 
Barattieri was working in a civilian contract capacity on October 4, 
2006, when he was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq. He was 36 years of 
age at the time.
  Guy--known fondly by friends and family as ``Bear''--was born on June 
21, 1970, and raised in Pleasant Ridge. He attended Nativity School and 
was a linebacker on the 1986 State Champion Purcell Marian High School 
football team.
  Cliff Pope, a teammate of Bear's and his closest friend, remembers 
him as someone who ``had a passion and intensity that was infectious to 
us all.''
  According to his uncle Larry Wheatley, Bear had always loved the 
military--had loved it ever since he was just a small boy. When he was 
accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point, it was 
a dream come true for him. Once at West Point, however, injuries kept 
Bear from continuing to play football.
  Chris Jenks is one of Bear's former classmates and teammates from 
West Point. He remembers the ``never-quit'' attitude with which Bear 
approached his injury. He wrote the following in Bear's memory on an 
Internet tribute Web site:

       Army doctors told Bear that he could no longer play 
     football. Bear took that in stride, and . . . decided that, 
     technically, the doctors never said he couldn't play Rugby, 
     [so] he started playing rugby, [instead].

  After graduating from West Point in 1992, Bear attended the Infantry 
Officer's Basic Course Ranger School and the Mortar Course before being 
stationed in Baumholder, Germany. He later attended the Intelligence 
Officer Advanced Course and branched out to the Special Forces. His 
friend Chris Jenks remembers how impressed he always was by Bear's 
``innate'' infantry leadership skills. ``Some things you can train or 
teach,'' he said. ``Some things you are born with.''
  In 2001, Bear joined the Seattle Police, where he was president of 
his academy class. Bear's friend Detective Nick Bauer, who was his 
field-training officer, described Bear with the following words:

       [He was an] absolutely distinguished soldier, and a 
     distinguished officer--an extraordinary man, one of those 
     guys who won the hearts and minds of everyone he came in 
     contact with.

  Bear remained with the Seattle Police Department until 2004.
  In 2002, Bear went on active duty as a detachment commander in 
Kuwait. When the 101st Infantry Division entered Baghdad in March 2003, 
Bear's team was at the lead. For the role that he played, he received a 
Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman's badge.
  Without question, Bear made an impact in Iraq. He participated in 
multiple missions, during which he captured three of the most wanted 
members of Saddam Hussein's government--individuals who had been 
depicted on the deck of playing cards issued by the U.S. Military.
  Bear was a dedicated and excellent soldier. But he was also something 
more--a loving and devoted family man. For Bear, those he loved always 
came first. On December 11, 2005, Bear married the love of his life--
Laurel. They adored each other. He was a loving father to his two 
girls--his 6-year-old stepdaughter Rees, and Odessa, who was born on 
July 19, 2006. He loved his family more than anything else in the 
world.
  Family friend Mary Mascarella remembers that Bear was a doting 
father. He would take Rees to swimming lessons, make her lunch, and 
take her to school. And, when Odessa was just 3 weeks old, the family 
was visited by Bear's stepmother Barbara. Barbara remembers how excited 
he was about their new daughter. ``It was his first baby,'' she said, 
``and he did it all--diapers and everything.''
  I had the privilege of seeing several photos of Bear with his family. 
One is from his wedding, with a beaming Laurel on one arm and Rees 
cradled in the other. Another picture shows Bear with the newborn 
Odessa in his arms. It is clear from looking at these pictures, how 
incredibly happy Bear's family made him.
  Even when he was away from home, Bear's pride and delight in his 
family was apparent. In a tribute to Bear created by FOXNews, John 
Fiegener remembers the way Bear lit up at the mention of his family. He 
wrote:

       [His] quick smile was one of the things that struck me most 
     about Bear, and his biggest smiles were reserved for the many 
     frequent mentions of his family back home. He never hesitated 
     to show pictures of his wife, his daughter, and eventually, 
     his newborn baby girl.

  In Iraq, Bear was the head of the security team at the FOX Baghdad 
office, and was there in October 2005 when car bombs destroyed the 
hotel where they were located. On the FOXNews tribute Web site, Gordon 
Robinson remembers how important Bear was at that time. He wrote this 
about him:

       Bear was the person who held all of us together, both as 
     individuals and as a news bureau. . . . Throughout it all, he 
     remained calm. When it was over, he was confident and 
     smiling, and that attitude helped the rest of us to 
     understand that we, too, were going to make it through.

  Cliff Pope had met Bear during their freshman year of high school at 
Purcell Marian. He remembers how committed Bear was to the ideals of 
freedom and democracy. In Cliff's words:

       Bear believed in America, he believed in democracy, and he 
     believed in his heart that God put him on this earth to 
     protect this country. And, he lost his life serving out what 
     he felt was his life's mission, which was protecting others.

  There are perhaps no better words than those to describe the type of 
man that Bear was. He was simply someone who cared. His friends, his 
family, and his Nation are all proud of his service, and we owe him our 
eternal gratitude.
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep the family of MAJ Guy 
Barattieri--his wife Laurel and his daughters Rees and Odessa, his 
mother Patricia Wheatley, his father and stepmother Dick and Barbara 
Barattieri, and his sisters Nicole, Becky, and Gina--all in our 
thoughts and in our prayers.


                             Sy Jason Lucio

  Mr. President, I rise today to honor the memory of a brave man from 
Clyde, OH--Sy Jason Lucio. Sy was working as a civilian technician in 
Afghanistan, when on April 6, 2005, he boarded a transport helicopter 
bound for Bagram Air Force Base. Less than 100 miles from their landing 
spot in Afghanistan, rough weather forced his Chinook helicopter to the 
ground, killing all onboard.
  Sy leaves his son Lars, his mother Sally, his father Stanley, and his 
sister Hannah.
  Sy attended Clyde High School, where he was known for his energy and 
intelligence. After moving to Toledo and graduating from Swanton High 
School, he decided to attend Penta Career Center. Over the next few 
months, he quickly absorbed whatever his instructors threw at him. Sy 
was well on his way to becoming an electrician of international 
caliber.

[[Page S11605]]

  Being the skilled technician that he was, he was an avid motorcycle 
enthusiast and bought himself a Buell, which he rode whenever he got 
the chance. He, like many young men before him, enjoyed the sound of 
the engine, the freedom, and the exhilaration.
  Sy also loved camping. In his youth, his parents took him on many 
trips to the countryside. Perhaps it was there that his sense of 
adventure was born. More than anything, though, Sy loved spending time 
with his son Lars.
  Sy's mother Sally remembers how he was happiest rolling around on the 
floor with Lars and the other children in the family. She said that 
``he was such a good daddy. I knew he'd be a good father, but he 
exceeded my expectations.''
  It was hard for Sy to leave his family behind him, but he knew there 
was plenty of work for a skilled electrician in Afghanistan. To support 
his family, to see the world, and to help his fellow countrymen, Sy 
joined on with a U.S. contractor, and in early January 2005, he 
traveled to their Texas headquarters for training. From there, he flew 
to Afghanistan.
  Sy entered this strange new world with confidence. He knew he had the 
skills, and he knew he could make a difference in the lives of our 
servicemembers and the lives of the Afghan people.
  Sy's supervisor shared his memories of the brave young man. These are 
his recollections:

       Sy [sigh] had great electrical skills. He was a quiet man, 
     but very personable, and he often talked about his son. He 
     really cared about what he was doing and he was proud of the 
     contributions he was making. . . .

  Indeed, Sy had so much about which to be proud. He traveled to 
operating bases in far-flung parts of Afghanistan. Whatever the harsh 
environment did to the military's equipment, Sy was there to fix. Day-
in and day-out, our servicemembers rely on the best hardware and 
technical support in the world. Sy's knowledge and ability gave our 
American military confidence in their equipment. There is no doubt that 
his work saved lives.
  Mr. President, those who knew Sy remember him more for how he lived, 
than for how he left this earth. They remember his intelligence, his 
kindness, his adventurous spirit, and his strong moral convictions. 
They remember how he never wanted anyone to worry about him.
  Indeed, Sy left an indelible mark on this world, in the memories of 
his loved ones, and in the lives he changed through his great work. As 
his cousin, Sarah Wilson, said, ``He was a hardworking guy, a very 
loving guy, and a great father. He would do anything for anybody.''
  Sy was a thoughtful and quiet man. He had a soft half-smile, which 
relatives said he often wore instead of a grin so that people wouldn't 
see his dimples.
  Mike Urbine, Sy's instructor at Penta Career Center, knew that he was 
enthusiastic about his career, and he saw Sy's intelligence reflected 
in his work. This is what he said about Sy:

       He seemed to have a clear head on his shoulders and was a 
     highly energetic individual. He was a pleasure to work with. 
     He was adventurous. I can see him going to foreign lands and 
     working for a big contractor.

  Sy's father Stanley remembers his son as a strong family man. He 
remembers Sy the patriot, and Sy the man, who--despite his youth--was 
elected to the central committee of the Lucas County Democrat party. 
Stanley said the following of his son, ``He believed in the union. He 
believed in his son and taking care of him. He believed in God.''
  Mr. President, Sy Lucio may not have worn a uniform, but he was 
serving his Nation. He worked alongside our service members, he 
traveled with them, and he worked to protect them by ensuring the good 
working order and safety of their equipment. His death makes it 
abundantly clear that he shared many of the same risks. Whatever titles 
he held, career-wise, though, he was first and foremost a loving 
father, an adventurer, and a brave American. He died a hero.
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep Sy's family in our thoughts and 
prayers.


                    Private First Class Samuel Bowen

  Mr. President, I rise today to honor and remember a fellow Ohioan--
Army PFC Samuel Bowen, from Cleveland, who lost his life on July 7, 
2004, while serving our country in Iraq.
  Private First Class Bowen leaves his wife Melanie, their three 
children Tiust, Darius, and Breonna, his mother Elsie, and his two 
sisters Consuella and Tamatha.
  Samuel--Sam to friends and family--was loved by everyone he met. 
Known for his friendly face, Sam was the ``big man with a big heart, 
intimidating in size, but soft-spoken and kind.''
  His demeanor made him a favorite among those who knew him. He was 
well-liked by the patrons who frequented the restaurants where he 
cooked. And he was loved by his fellow Ohio National Guardsmen, who 
fought by his side.
  Sam spent most of his life in Berlin, MD, before moving to Cleveland. 
He was the middle child between two sisters. His mother described Sam 
as a typical boy who liked to take things apart and put them back 
together. At 8 years old, he would tag along with the local electrician 
who gave him his own tool belt. Other fond memories include one when 
Sam was 3 years old and liked to stand on the kitchen stool to cook a 
scrambled egg breakfast for his sisters.
  Four years after graduating from Stephen Decatur High in Berlin, MD, 
Sam enlisted in the Army where he honed the cooking skills he had 
practiced as a young boy. After retiring from active duty, Sam joined 
the Reserves and was stationed in Iraq this past December as a member 
of the Ohio Army National Guard's 216th Engineering Battalion based in 
Akron, OH.
  Although he was on the other side of the world, Sam made sure to keep 
in touch with his family, especially his wife Melanie and their 
children. Sam's sister Consuella remembers that Sam would often leave 
messages on her answering machine--messages she has not erased.
  Consuella described her brother with these words: ``nice and always 
doing [things] for others. That was his thing--always doing for others, 
trying to take care of everybody else.'' That's exactly what he did.
  While in Iraq, Sam risked his life to save another soldier in his 
unit, his comrade Ron Eaton. On June 16, 2004, Sam and Ron were outside 
an Army PX store in the intense Iraqi heat, buying Gatorade, when 
grenades were thrown at them. Several rounds came their way and 
shrapnel flew through the air injuring Ron and forcing him to the 
ground. Without regard for his own safety, Sam grabbed Ron and pulled 
him to safety while explosions erupted around them. Ron credits Sam 
with saving his life in the incident that claimed the lives of three 
soldiers and injured 25.
  Sam was one of the first to call Ron following his surgery for the 
injuries he sustained before Sam pulled him out of danger. Ron recalled 
that Sam wanted to hear his voice to make sure his ``battle buddy'' was 
okay. Ron was looking forward to meeting Sam's family and wanted to 
thank him in person for saving his life.
  Tragically, Ron will never have that chance, as Sam was killed when a 
rocket-propelled grenade exploded near his vehicle in Samarra, Iraq on 
July 7, 2004.
  Sam Bowen was a hero--an American hero, whom we should remember the 
same way his family will--as ``always doing the right thing.''
  Just like Ron Eaton, we will never be able to fully thank Sam for his 
selflessness. We will never be able to adequately express our respect 
for this man, who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
  At times like this, I am reminded of something that President Reagan 
said almost 20 years ago at a Veteran's Day Celebration:

       There is a special sadness that accompanies the death of a 
     serviceman, for we're never quite good enough to them--not 
     really; we can't be, because what they gave us is beyond our 
     powers to repay. And so, when a serviceman dies, it's a tear 
     in the fabric, a break in the whole, and all we can do is 
     remember.

  Today, I stand here so that we may all remember Army PFC Samuel Bowen 
and the sacrifice he made for our country.
  I had the privilege of meeting Sam's family and friends at Sam's 
calling hours, and I know that they will forever remember his smiling 
face, his friendly demeanor, and giving attitude.
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep Sam's family and friends in our 
thoughts and prayers

[[Page S11606]]

  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


                   Lance Corporal Jonathan Etterling

  Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Marine LCpl Jonathan 
Etterling, from Wheelersburg, OH, who died on January 26, 2005, in a 
helicopter crash near Rutbah, Iraq. He was 22 years old. He is survived 
by his parents William and Kay and his sister Angela.
  Born December 27, 1982, in Portsmouth, OH, Jonathan--Jon to his 
family and friends--was fascinated by military life from a young age. 
As a boy, his mother remembers him spending hours taking apart a rifle 
and putting it back together. His bedroom walls were covered with 
military posters. He loved war stories and movies--anything that 
represented bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice.
  Jon's decision to join the Marines didn't surprise anyone who knew 
him. As his Sunday school teacher Cathy Sizemore said, ``Some people 
have a higher calling. Jon's was his country.''
  Although Jon was the Etterling's only son, Jon had three surrogate 
brothers growing up--his lifelong friends James Howard, Josh 
Huddleston, and Alex Watts. The three met as young kids growing up on 
the playgrounds of Wheelersburg.
  Alex remembers meeting Jon in first grade. Standing in knee high tube 
socks and sporting a goofy grin, Jon had asked him, ``Hey--you wanna be 
friends?'' Alex, shy and somewhat surprised, was happy to agree. Like 
so many other people, he was drawn to Jon's good-natured enthusiasm. 
Quickly Jon, James, Alex, and Josh became inseparable, causing others 
to jokingly refer to them as the Four Musketeers.
  As a cheerful, easy-going student at Wheelersburg High School, Jon 
excelled in the classroom and on the playing fields. He demonstrated 
boundless energy and dedication, playing nose tackle on the football 
team, running track, singing in the chorus, and acting in plays. He 
was, as his high school superintendent described, ``an outstanding 
young man . . . one of those kids who made you smile just being around 
him.''
  Jon was also an extremely hard worker. Jon was always trying to 
better himself, doing everything his athletic coaches asked of him. 
This work ethic earned Jon the respect of fellow teammates and coaches. 
One of his football teammates, Bryan Yelley, said this of Jon's 
attitude:

       He was just one of those guys who got along with everybody. 
     He played hard--did everything as hard as he could. Whenever 
     he did something, he did it to the full extent of his 
     capabilities. As a person, he was everybody's friend.

  Jon strove for excellence in everything he attempted. This 
straightforward approach to life would help him achieve his lifelong 
dream of becoming a Marine. Regarding Jon's goal of serving our 
country, his football coach, Jim Gill, had this to say:

       He was always interested in the military. I think when he 
     joined the Marines and reached boot camp, he reached his 
     goals. [With] the dedication he put into things he did, there 
     was never any doubt he would succeed.''

  Jon's former defensive ends coach Dave Pyles agreed. ``Jon fit the 
bill of a Marine,'' he said. ``Being the first in, that was him.'' For 
Jon, there was no greater privilege than to serve and protect this 
country.
  Upon graduation from Wheelersburg High School in 2002, Jon and his 
three closest friends--James, Josh, and Alex--joined the Marines and 
endured the rigors of boot camp--together. Unsurprisingly, Jon's 
dedication was evident during this challenging time. His friends 
described him as ``the rock''--the one who they could all depend on for 
strength and resolve. Among the very best of the Marine Corps, Jon 
stood out.
  After completing his training at Parris Island, Jon was stationed in 
Hawaii and spent 3 months in Thailand--plus time in Okinawa, Korea, and 
Japan--before going to Iraq. During this time, he was able to see and 
explore a world much larger than most could imagine.
  When Jon arrived in Iraq, he immediately moved to the front lines, 
near Fallujah. He was enthusiastic about his job and excited to be 
there. He wanted to make a difference. His father remembers that Jon 
was doing what he loved--what he believed in. As his sister Angie said, 
``My brother was very much military material.''
  I had the privilege of attending Marine Lance Corporal Etterling's 
funeral and to meet his family and to see the overwhelming outpouring 
of love and support. Jon's three best friends--his brothers--James 
Howard, Josh Huddleston, and Alex Watts were able to attend the 
funeral, as well. The Four Musketeers were united once again.
  Jon's life and his service to this country will not be forgotten. 
Upbeat and cheerful, he was always willing to lend a hand to those who 
needed it. He could be counted on to do the right thing. He had an 
incredible work ethic, a strong faith, and a deep respect for others. 
And no matter how difficult they were, he always accomplished his 
goals.
  His father summed it up best, when he said: ``I just can't be more 
proud of him.''
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep the family and friends of Lance 
Corporal Jonathan Etterling in our thoughts and prayers.

                          ____________________