[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S1053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF JOHN ROBERTS

 Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, today I wish to honor 
John Roberts of Omaha, NE.
  John was an independent and dedicated individual who found comfort in 
life through helping others. He was a 2001 graduate of Omaha Westside 
High School and a 2005 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 
studying art history. His inquisitive nature toward different cultures 
and languages, along with his desire to help others, led him to 
volunteer for the Peace Corps. John was sworn in on December 8, 2005, 
and served as a construction and skilled trades education volunteer on 
the island of Erromango in the Republic of Vanuatu.
  John's impact in Vanuatu was tangible to the people who lived in his 
village. He was credited for strengthening South River's 
transportation, income generation, and communications capabilities. 
When his parents visited him in Vanuatu, they were proud to see the 
sense of community John brought to his village. His father, Doug, said 
the people loved him as though he were one of their own; one Erromango 
community representative regarded him ``as our son.'' His sincerity and 
enthusiasm to help those in need is epitomized by his Peace Corps 
aspiration statement:

       Why I have volunteered is a question that I do not fully 
     know the answer to. Coming from a stable farming family I was 
     always taught to help my neighbors but I also feel an 
     internal pull to help lend a hand. Somewhere back in my short 
     life, I made a choice to serve and have been doing so every 
     since. Instead of a single moment defining my reasons to 
     serve, a whole lifetime of learning is driving me to 
     volunteer for the Peace Corps.

  On October 11, 2007, John passed away while working at his site, a 
branch that was being cut by a student inadvertently struck John and 
another member of the community. He is survived by his parents Doug and 
Rose of Omaha.
  Today, I join all Americans in mourning the loss of this remarkable 
young man. John Roberts' altruism, compassion, and exemplary service 
will remain an inspiration for those who wish to follow in his 
footsteps. 

                          ____________________