[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 137 (Monday, September 17, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11571-S11573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                        Specialist Eric M. Holke

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Army SPC 
Eric M. Holke, of Riverside, CA.
  Specialist Holke's father describes him as an avid outdoorsman, a 
committed student of history, and someone with a keen eye for the arts. 
From a young age, Specialist Holke pursued his hobbies with zeal. His 
passion for the outdoors was matched only by his passion for film, 
which he discovered after he took a class on sports photography at Rim 
of the World High School in Lake Arrowhead, CA, where he was a 
graduate. After high school, he continued his studies in film and 
photography, and also worked at radio and television stations at San 
Bernadino Valley College.
  Ready for a new challenge, Specialist Holke left San Bernadino Valley 
College to join the California Conservation Corps, where he spent the 
next 2 years backpacking through the wilderness of California. When he 
returned from this service, he became active in Renaissance fairs, 
where his specialty was demonstrating how the German military lived in 
the 1400s through 1600s, according to Pat Long, a cousin and producer 
of Renaissance fairs. Those who watched his performances remembered 
them for his passion and his enthusiasm.
  Specialist Holke enlisted in the Army in 2000 in order to learn new 
skills as well as to save money to return to school. He served with the 
82nd Airborne, like one of his grandfathers, a much-decorated World War 
II veteran. He went to Afghanistan, then to Iraq before being honorably 
discharged from the Army in 2005. He returned to Riverside, CA, where 
he became active again with the San Bernadino Valley College, 
performing re-enactments as well as studying film and business there. 
He also enlisted in the California National Guard at this time.
  Specialist Holke and his wife Cassidhe were married in January of 
2007. He was eager to earn his degree in business so he could start a 
new life in the film industry with his wife and their 16-year-old son, 
Steven.
  In June of 2007, Specialist Holke began serving his second tour of 
duty in Iraq. He was serving with the 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry, 
California Army National Guard stationed in Kuwait. On July 15, 2007, 
Specialist Holke passed away in a noncombat-related incident in Talil. 
At his funeral, he was posthumously awarded five medals, including the 
Bronze Star. He was 31 years old.
  In addition to his wife Cassidhe and son Steven, both of Riverside, 
CA, he is survived by his mother Monika Holke of Lincoln, NE, and 
father Jack Holke, of Las Vegas, NV. Today, I join all Americans in 
mourning the loss of a talented soldier, an active outdoorsman, and a 
loving husband, father, and son. He made the ultimate sacrifice through 
his service to our country. He will be remembered for his hunger for 
adventure. His memory will be honored by future generations of soldiers 
and civilians alike.

[[Page S11572]]

        Explosive Ordinance Disposalman 1st Class Jeffrey Chaney

  Mr. President, I also rise today to honor Navy Explosive Ordinance 
Disposalman First Class Jeffrey Chaney of Omaha.
  Petty Officer Chaney was a 1990 graduate from Bellevue West High 
School. In 1993, he joined the Navy. His first ambition was to be a 
Navy SEAL; however, due to eyesight problems, he worked instead as a 
recruiter for the Navy. His success as a recruiter was a direct result 
of his enthusiasm and his dedication to his work, evidenced also by his 
brother Jim, whom he helped recruit. His sister April describes 
commitment to his work: ``[He] loved the Navy; he just loved everything 
about his job. He was always talking about it,'' she said.
  Before his tour in Iraq, Chaney served in the Secret Service, where 
he had the opportunity to meet President George H.W. Bush, as well as 
Mikhail Gorbachev while he was on security detail at the President's 
80th birthday party. His sister recalls that while that was a momentous 
occasion in his life, his proudest moment was the birth of his daughter 
Brianna, now 14.
  Chaney was assigned to Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, 
stationed in Whidbey Island, WA. On July 17, 2007, after serving in 
Iraq for about 2 months, ED01 Chaney passed away during combat 
operations in Salahuddin Province. He was 35 years old.
  In addition to his brother and sister, he is survived by his daughter 
Brianna Chaney, 14, of Omaha; his mother Connie Chaney also of Omaha, 
his father Jim Eckert of Oakland, IA and another brother Jim Eckert, 
also of Oakland. Today, I join all Americans in mourning the loss of a 
truly great sailor, proud father, and loving son. His service and his 
sacrifice will be remembered for generations to come.


                       Sergeant Jacob Schmuecker

  Mr. President, I rise today to honor Nebraska Army National Guard 
Sergeant Jacob Schmuecker of Atkinson, NE.
  Sergeant Schmuecker was a 1999 graduate of West Holt High School in 
Atkinson, NE, and attended Northeast Community College in Norfolk. He 
joined the Nebraska Army National Guard in 2001, after serving the city 
of Atkinson as a police officer.
  He and his wife Lisa were married for more than 4 years, and lived in 
Norfolk with their three children; Dylan, 4, Kierstan, 3, and Bryce, 19 
months. Lisa describes her husband as someone who was deeply committed 
to his service, and someone who volunteered for a mission to make the 
world a safer place for his children. She knows her children will 
remember their father for being a loving husband to her, a dedicated 
father, and an outstanding soldier.
  A member of the 755th chemical company based out of O'Neill, NE, 
Sergeant Schmuecker had proudly served in the Army National Guard for 6 
years. Having previously served in Afghanistan, he was 10 months into 
his first tour in Iraq when he passed away in Balad, after an 
improvised explosive device detonated near his armored vehicle. He was 
27 years old.
  In addition to his wife, Sergeant Schmuecker is survived by his 
parents Rodney and Patricia of Atkinson, and his brother Chris Shepperd 
of Norfolk. Today, I mourn the loss of a true American patriot, a 
devoted husband, and a loving father of three. He and his family have 
made the ultimate sacrifice to make our country a safer place to live.


                       Corporal Ryan A. Woodward

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep 
sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave soldier from Fort 
Wayne. Ryan Woodward, 22 years old, was killed on September 8 in Balad, 
Iraq, from injuries sustained by small arms fire during combat 
operations near Baghdad. With an optimistic future before him, Ryan 
risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our 
hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
  Ryan graduated from Carroll High School in 2003 and joined the Army 
in 2006. It was concern for his country's welfare that drove him to 
enlist as his grandfather and uncle had before him. Ryan was hugely 
proud to follow in their footsteps. Excelling in his service, Ryan was 
awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service 
Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service 
Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat 
Infantryman's Badge and the Parachutist's Badge.
  Ryan was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 
He was assigned to A Troop, 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd 
Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, NC. Ryan is survived by his parents 
Michael and Sue Woodward, his sisters Tasha and Brooke, and his brother 
Ben. Those who knew him best describe an adventurous young man who 
enjoyed life and cared deeply about his family and friends. He will be 
remembered as a loving son, brother, and friend.
  Today, I join Ryan'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 Ryan, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Ryan was known for his dedication to his family and his love of 
country. Today and always, Ryan 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 Ryan'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 Ryan's actions will live on far longer than any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Ryan A. Woodward in the 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 Ryan'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 Ryan.


                  Private First Class Shawn D. Hensel

  Mr. President, I also rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of 
gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Logansport. Shawn 
Hensel, 20 years old, was killed on August 12 while deployed in West 
Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained from rocket-propelled grenade and 
small arms fire. With his entire life before him, Shawn risked 
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, 
in a land halfway around the world.
  Shawn attended Logansport High School, and was known as a class clown 
who followed his own path instead of the crowd. His teacher, John 
Morgan, said, ``Shawn was his own person. He would do just what he 
wanted to do. He wanted to experience life.'' After receiving his 
general equivalency degree in 2006, Shawn joined the Army. Friends say 
he knew he wanted to join the military since he was 13 years old.
  Shawn was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. He was assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry 
Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division in Fort Lewis, WA. He is survived by 
his wife Laci N. Harmon, whom he married on December 28, 2006, his 
parents David and Elizabeth Ann Hensel, his sisters Autumn M. Vail and 
Angela R. Hensel, as well as his in-laws and extended family. Shawn 
will be remembered as a loving husband, son, and brother.
  Today, I join Shawn'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

[[Page S11573]]

courage and strength of character that people will remember when they 
think of Shawn, a memory that will burn brightly during these 
continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Shawn was known for his daredevil streak, a tough exterior and a 
passion for the outdoors, especially kayaking. Those who knew him best 
will remember him for the devotion he had to his family and his love of 
country. Today and always, Shawn 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 Shawn'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 Shawn's actions will live on far longer that any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Shawn D. Hensel in the 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 Shawn'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 Shawn.


                     Sergeant Nicholas J. Patterson

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep 
sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave soldier from Rochester. 
Nick Patterson, 24 years old, was killed on September 10 in Baghdad, 
Iraq, from injuries sustained when his vehicle rolled over returning 
from a raid. With an optimistic future before him, Nick risked 
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, 
in a land halfway around the world.
  Nick graduated from Rochester High School in 2001 where he excelled 
in basketball and baseball. His senior year, Nick was the leading 
scorer on the basketball team. He was known for being a star athlete 
that brought huge energy into sports and a hard-working student. His 
teacher, Linda Brenna, said, ``He had such a great sense of humor and 
could make a tense moment light.'' Those who knew Nick respected him 
for his strong work ethic and his humor.
  Nick was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 
He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 82nd 
Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, NC. Nick is survived by his wife Jayme 
Saner Patterson, his 4-year-old son Reilley, and his parents James and 
Virginia Patterson. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, 
son, and friend.
  Today, I join Nick'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 Nick, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Nick was known for his dedication to his family and his love of 
country. Today and always, Nick 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 Nick'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 Nick's actions will live on far longer that any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Nicholas J. Patterson in the 
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 Nick'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 Nick.

                          ____________________