Congressional Record, Volume 153 Issue 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2007)

[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5161-S5164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES

1st Lieutenant Shaun M. Blue

Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of
gratitude that I honor the life of a brave young man from Munster.
Shaun Blue, 25 years old, died on April 16 while deployed in Al Anbar
Province on Operation Iraqi Freedom. With his entire life before him,
Shaun risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to
our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
Shaun was a lifelong Hoosier, graduating among the top 10 students of
his class from Munster High School in 2000. He joined the military
because, as his high school principal said, ``He was one of those kids
who did things everyone else was afraid to do.'' His valor over the
course of his service in Iraq exemplifies Hoosier values and courage.
His track and field coach at Munster High described Shaun as a mentally
tough kid saying, ``The fact that he chose the career path that he did
didn't surprise me. It was perfectly suited for him.''
Shaun was killed by an improvised explosive device while serving his
country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a member of the 2nd
Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine
Expeditionary Force, based in Twenty-nine Palms, CA.
Today, I join Shaun's family and friends in mourning his death. While
we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride
in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer
place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will
remember when they think of Shaun, a memory that will burn brightly
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
Shaun was known for his dedication to his community and his love of
country. Today and always, Shaun will be remembered by family members,
friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero, and we honor the
sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
As I search for words to do justice in honoring Shaun's sacrifice, I
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg:

We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow
this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled
here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or
detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we
say here, but it can never forget what they did here. This
statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years
ago, as I am certain that the impact of Shaun's actions will
live on far longer that any record of these words.
It is my sad duty to enter the name of Shaun M. Blue in the official
Record of the Senate for his service to this country and for his
profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace. When I think
about this just cause in which we are engaged and the unfortunate pain
that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like
Shaun's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said,
``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away
tears from off all faces.''
May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be
with all of you, as I know He is with Shaun.

Private First Class David Neil Simmons

Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude
that I honor the life of a brave young man from Kokomo. Neil Simmons,
20 years old, was killed on April 8th while deployed in Baghdad, when
his convoy encountered an improvised explosive device and insurgent
fire. He had been in Iraq for less than 2 weeks. With his entire life
before him, Neil risked everything to fight for the values Americans
hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
Neil attended Kokomo's Northwestern High School and followed the
example set by his father and uncle by enlisting in the Army a few
months before graduating in 2005. He enjoyed the structure of the
military and felt a sense of duty to serve his community and country.
His father described Neil as ``an avid outdoorsman who was happy and
always had plenty of friends.''
Neil was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, in Fort Benning, GA. Neil's father
reflected on his son's death, asking, ``What's the odds of, among
160,000 troops your only child is there 1 week and gets killed?''
Private First Class Simmons leaves behind his father, David, and uncle,
Jim Simmons.
Today, I join Neil's family and friends in mourning his death. While
we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride
in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer
place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will
remember when they think of Neil, a memory that will burn brightly
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
Neil was known for his dedication to his family and his love of
country. Today and always, Neil will be remembered by family members,
friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero, and we honor the
sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
As I search for words to do justice in honoring Neil's sacrifice, I
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg:

This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago,
as I am certain that the impact of Neil's actions will live on far
longer that any record of these words.
It is my sad duty to enter the name of David Neil Simmons in the
official Record of the United States Senate for his service to this
country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and
peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and
the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope
families like Neil's can find comfort in the words of the prophet
Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord
God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''
May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be
with all of you, as I know He is with Neil.

Specialist Jason J. Beadles

Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude
that I honor the life of a brave young man from La Porte. Jason
Beadles, 22 years old, died on April 11th while deployed in Baghdad on
Operation Iraqi Freedom. With his entire life before him, Jason risked
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts,
in a land halfway around the world.
Jason has been a lifelong Hoosier, graduating from La Porte High
School in 2003. He had been interested in technical engineering
throughout high school, earning his welding certificate from A.K. Smith
Career Center before graduating. Army Specialist Beadles enlisted in
the Army as an engineer after the attacks of 9/11. His valor over the
course of his service in Iraq exemplifies Hoosier values and courage.
He decided to enlist because as his welding instructor put it, ``he was
always concerned about other people.'' Jason enjoyed the military, and
he believed that throughout all the hardships they faced he and his
company were helping the Iraqi people.
Jason died while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He
was a member of the 887th Engineer Company, 326th Engineer Battalion,
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), in Fort Campbell, KY.
Today, I join Jason's family and friends in mourning his death. While
we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride
in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer
place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will
remember when they think of Jason, a memory that will burn brightly
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.

[[Page S5162]]

Jason was known for his dedication to his community and his love of
country. Today and always, Jason will be remembered by family members,
friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero, and we honor the
sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
As I search for words to do justice in honoring Jason's sacrifice, I
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg:

This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago,
as I am certain that the impact of Jason's actions will live on far
longer that any record of these words.
It is my sad duty to enter the name of Jason J. Beadle in the
official record of the United States Senate for his service to this
country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and
peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and
the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope
families like Jason's can find comfort in the words of the prophet
Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord
God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''
May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be
with all of you, as I know He is with Jason.

Private First Class Richard P. Langenbrunner

Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude
that I honor the life of a brave young man from Fort Wayne. Richard
Langenbrunner, 19 years old, was killed on April 17 while deployed in
Rustamiyah, Iraq. With his entire life before him, Richard risked
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts,
in a land halfway around the world.
Richard was a lifelong Hoosier, graduating from Northrop High School
in 2006. He completed basic training this past January and was deployed
just a few weeks later. He is remembered for his love of people, life,
and adventure. ``He was so happy and excited about his future before he
graduated,'' said a former classmate. ``He joined the military because
he wanted to drive a tanker.'' Richard enlisted in the Army just before
graduating high school. His valor over the course of his service in
Iraq exemplifies Hoosier values and courage.
Richard died while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He
was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade,
3rd Infantry Division, stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia.
Today, I join Richard's family and friends in mourning his death.
While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take
pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer
place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will
remember when they think of Richard, a memory that will burn brightly
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
Richard was known for his dedication to his community and his love of
country. Today and always, Richard will be remembered by family
members, friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero, and we
honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
As I search for words to do justice in honoring Richard's sacrifice,
I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the
families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg:

This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago,
as I am certain that the impact of Richard's actions will live on far
longer than any record of these words.
It is my sad duty to enter the name of Richard P. Langenbrunner in
the official Record of the Senate for his service to this country and
for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace. When I
think about this just cause in which we are engaged and the unfortunate
pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like
Richard's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said,
``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away
tears from off all faces.''
May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be
with all of you, as I know He is with Richard.

Staff Sergeant Bradley D. King

Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude
that I honor the life of a brave young man from Gas City. Bradley King,
28 years old, was killed on April 2 while deployed in Al Amiriyah,
Iraq, when a roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee. With his entire
life before him, Bradley risked everything to fight for the values
Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
Bradley attended Mississinewa High School, enlisting in the National
Guard in 1997, a year before his graduation in 1998. Bradley enjoyed
the military and felt a sense of duty to serve his community and
country. The day before he was deployed, Bradley told his mother that
he felt ``called to serve in the military for his country.'' His aunt
described Bradley as ``a responsible young man determined to do his
best for the people he loved.''
Bradley was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi
Freedom. He was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment,
76th Infantry Brigade, Marion, IN. Master Sergeant Bill Wallen, King's
supervisor, told local media, ``he was a heck of a human being, he's
what everybody else needs to be in this world.'' Staff Sergeant King
leaves behind his wife Adrian and 15-month-old son, Daethan.
Today, I join Bradley's family and friends in mourning his death.
While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take
pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer
place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will
remember when they think of Bradley, a memory that will burn brightly
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
Bradley was known for his dedication to his family and his love of
country. Today and always, Bradley will be remembered by family
members, friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero, and we
honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
As I search for words to do justice in honoring Bradley's sacrifice,
I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the
families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg:

This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago,
as I am certain that the impact of Bradley's actions will live on far
longer than any record of these words.
It is my sad duty to enter the name of Bradley D. King in the
official Record of the Senate for his service to this country and for
his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I think
about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain
that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like
Bradley's can find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said,
``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away
tears from off all faces.''
May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be
with all of you, as I know He is with Bradley.

Specialist Cody A. Putman

Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude
that I honor the life of a brave young man from Lafayette. Cody Putman,
22 years old, was killed on April 11th while deployed in Baghdad on
Operation Iraqi Freedom. With his entire life before him, Cody risked
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts,
in a land halfway around the world.
Cody was a lifelong Hoosier, graduating from Twin Lakes High School
in 2003. He is remembered for his love of

[[Page S5163]]

people, life, and adventure. ``He was someone who was always looking to
have a good time with others,'' said a former teacher. ``He joined the
military because of the teamwork.'' Cody enlisted in the Army after
high school, and his valor over the course of his service in Iraq
exemplifies Hoosier values and courage. A month before he died, Cody
had been home on leave for 2 weeks vacationing with his family in
Florida. Cody is survived by his father, Harry Putman, and his mother,
Pam Mow. He also leaves behind his wife, Molly Putnam, 20, and 3-year-
old daughter Madelyn.
Cody died while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He
was a member of the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade
Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based in Fort Richardson, AK.
Today, I join Cody's family and friends in mourning his death. While
we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride
in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer
place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will
remember when they think of Cody, a memory that will burn brightly
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
Cody was known for his dedication to his community and his love of
country. Today and always, Cody will be remembered by family members,
friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero, and we honor the
sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
As I search for words to do justice in honoring Cody's sacrifice, I
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg:

This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago,
as I am certain that the impact of Cody's actions will live on far
longer that any record of these words.
It is my sad duty to enter the name of Cody A. Putman in the official
record of the United States Senate for his service to this country and
for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and peace. When I
think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the
unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope
families like Cody's can find comfort in the words of the prophet
Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord
God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''
May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be
with all of you, as I know He is with Cody.

Specialist Eric R. Sieger

Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to SPC Eric R.
Sieger of Layton, UT, who died of injuries suffered while conducting
operations in Iraq. He was a remarkable young man who overcame much
adversity in his life. On March 9 of this year, he would have turned 19
years old.
Part of the 1st Cavalry Division, Specialist Sieger was also a member
of a very special family. I understand that his parents, Wolfgang and
Krista, have 15 children, 6 of whom were adopted, including the
Specialist. Early life was not easy for the Specialist but that all
changed when he was adopted at the age of 11 by the loving Sieger
family.
I have been informed that Specialist Sieger enjoyed running, being
with his friends, building and fixing things. He had a girlfriend whom
he met while stationed at Fort Hood, TX. Shortly before his passing,
Specialist Sieger was able speak to his mother on the phone. His mother
said, ``They spent most of the time laughing and joking with each
other.''
Specialist Sieger's father said, ``He was dutiful in wanting to do
what is right.''
Undoubtedly, this led him to become a member of the Civil Air Patrol
as a teenager and enlist in the Army at 17. Military service is a
calling for other members of the Sieger family, as well. Currently, one
of his sisters is also deployed to Iraq, another sister is preparing to
deploy, and a brother is a member of the Air National Guard.
I would like to conclude my remarks by quoting the words of
Specialist Sieger's mother and father. Krista Sieger stated, ``He felt
since he was in the Army, since he took the oath, he has to do
everything he was asked to do. And he did.'' Wolfgang Sieger said, ``I
would call him a hero. He is definitely a hero in my sight. I honor him
as a hero.''
I do not know of any higher praise that parents could give a son in
military service. Specialist Sieger and his family will always be in my
prayers.

Sergeant First Class Douglas C. Stone

Mr. President, I wish to honor one of Utah's fallen sons, SFC First
Class Douglas C. Stone.
SFC Stone had a lifelong connection to our Nation's military. His
father served in the Air Force. Yet, SFC Douglas Stone joined the Army
Reserve later in life. As his mother Dolores Feigley said about her
son, ``I think he was the oldest at boot camp.''
However, his maturity was only to be an asset to his country, which
was affirmed when he became a full-time reservist. Over the past 6
years, SFC Douglas Stone assisted in the preparation of reservists from
the 96th Regional Readiness Command for deployments in support of
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. As my good friend, MG
Peter S. Cooke, the commanding officer of the 96th Regional Readiness
Command said about SFC Stone ``There wasn't a unit or individual sent
from our headquarters that SFC Stone did not personally assist in
preparing for their mobilization or deployment.''
This was not the first time SFC Douglas Stone had gone in harm's way
for his country. He also was a part of the fuel re-supply effort during
the First Gulf War.
However, his life's most important work undoubtedly was as a family
man. Sergeant First Class Stone was husband to his wife, Mary, and
father to two boys Nathan, 13, and Cameron, 10.
SFC Douglas Stone was also a member of Fort Douglas's Honor Guard. I
understand that Rick Edginton, one of his fellow Honor Guardsmen who
participated at his friend's funeral said, ``for me, probably one of
the toughest moments was when I was standing at the head of the casket
and I looked over to the side and I saw a note from his sister on the
flowers that were there. It said, ``To Doug, my brother, and my
Hero.''''
No truer words have been written.
SFC Douglas Stone was a hero. He served his country with pride and
answered its call when it needed him most. All of Utah shall remember
him and will be praying for this hero and his family.

Sergeant Brandon A. Parr

Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to SGT Brandon A. Parr.
Sergeant Parr was a member of the 630th Military Police Company and
gave his life with two other servicemembers when their vehicle was
struck by an improvised explosive device.
There are certain pictures that define a time and a moment in our
Nation's history. Such examples can be found in the raising of Old
Glory over Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima. I respectfully submit that a
picture taken during Sergeant Parr's funeral should be added to that
category. In that photo, Sergeant Parr's wife, Shannah, is seen holding
the hand of their young son, Nicholas. Nicholas, standing on some
steps, is wearing the camouflage uniform of an American soldier--a
young son's tribute to his fallen father. This is an image that I will
remember for all my days and a fitting tribute to a true hero.
Sergeant Parr enlisted in the Army in 2003, and this was his second
tour in Iraq. He was involved in one of the most critical tasks in this
war: training Iraqi police and providing security to the Iraqi people.
By all accounts, Sergeant Parr preformed these assignments at the
highest standards of our Nation's military.
Shannah Parr said of her husband, ``He was very laid back and very
funny. He made everyone feel good.''
His mother, Teota Dangel said, ``I think he would have gone (to Iraq)
even if he knew this was going to be the outcome.'' Words like this can
only be spoken of a true hero and patriot.
Sergeant Parr and his entire family will always be in my prayers.

Corporal Stephen Kowalczyk

Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to CPL Stephen Kowalczyk, a
member

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of the 1st Calvary Division, who recently lost his life while on patrol
in Iraq.
Upon learning of about his life, I was struck by all the adventures
that Corporal Kowalczyk had undertaken. He had been the captain of the
swim team at Macalester College, traveled extensively throughout
Europe, the Middle East, including working as a handyman in Jerusalem.
I understand that he even leapt from an iceberg and swam in the frigid
waters of the Arctic Ocean. Clearly, this was a young man that seized
all that life had to offer.
Three years ago, at the age of 29, he began a new adventure and
joined the Army. According to his family he loved it.
During a recent memorial service in Iraq, one of his comrades SSG
Richard Coombes stated: ``He was a man who taught me that there was
still beauty in our everyday life, even in Iraq. I looked at him and
wondered if he had already figured life out. He was in such peace and
harmony.'' CPT Kevin Bradley would often notice that Corporal Kowalczyk
would look from the roof-tops at the area around him. When asked why,
he reportedly would reply, ``You should see it up here. It's
beautiful.'' Another friend remembered him as ``a gentle, kind soul, I
cannot think of anybody who did not love this man.''
And yet he never forgot why he was deployed to Iraq--to help the
Iraqi people. This commitment was reflected in the letters that he
would write home asking for history books that he could give to Iraqis
that he met, and pencils, notepads, and Hershey bars for Iraqi
children.
What a fine man. What an extraordinary life.
I will always remember him and his family in my prayers.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. NELSON of Nebraska). The Senator from
Pennsylvania.
Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that following my
remarks, Senator Dorgan be recognized to speak.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

____________________