[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E683-E684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT BRIAN SCHAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 17, 2009

  Mr. DUNCAN. Madam Speaker, Albert Caswell is one of the finest tour 
guides in the United States Capitol Guide Service. But what many may 
not know about Albert is that he is also a gifted poet.
  Oftentimes, when I run into Albert in the Capitol, he shares his work 
with me. Recently, he gave me a poem about a man from my District in 
East Tennessee, Sergeant Brian Schar.
  Sergeant Schar served our Nation valiantly during the War on Terror, 
and in doing so made a sacrifice only few could imagine.
  Albert's poem is a tribute to Sergeant Schar's courage and strength 
as he adjusts to life as a double amputee. While we often hear on the 
news of the lives lost in the War, we also need reminding of the 
thousands more who suffered life-altering injuries.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to call Albert's poem to the attention of 
my colleagues and other readers of the Record, and I pray many will be 
inspired by his words.

       Everyday, magnificent men and women like SSG Schar go off 
     to war and leave their loved ones behind. All for the greater 
     good, putting themselves last while putting their nation 
     first. Many lie in graves as the ultimate sacrifice. While, 
     others like Brian . . . must come home and fight another 
     battle. While all the time teaching and inspiring us, with 
     their undying faith and courage to inspires us.

                       One Thing . . . For Schar

     Throughout the course of our nation's history . . .
     There have come so many fine patriots who have blessed her so 
           indeed . . .
     And many all from this great state of Tennessee . . ..
     Men like Crockett all in their glory . . .
     And Sargent York, all the more he . . .
     Who, fought and died . . .all so we could be free . . . their 
           story . . .
     Men, who went straight into that face of hell . . .
     With hearts of courage full, which swelled . . .
     Who all in that moment of truth . . .
     Have so showed us the proof . . .
     That on this earth, angers dwell . . .
     For there have been so many Tennesseans, such fine lives 
           would create . . .
     Men who have so blessed our nation, and this their state . . 
           .
     But, One Thing For Schar . . .
     The Tallest of All Tennessean's by far . . .
     Are but men like this young star . . .
     Men who so bravely lived and died . . .
     Who come home without arms and legs . . .
     And don't ask why? . . .
     For they have a higher calling . . .
     As they wipe those tears from their eyes . . .
     For he won't moan and he won't beg . . .
     As a new war he must wage . . .
     As on this day he stands taller, than any other man with legs 
           . . .
     As he must go through hell and back, all so you can say . . .
     I am free this day . . .
     As one of The Tallest of Tennessean's, he now stands . . .
     As it's his heart that which now so commands . . .
     Teaching us . . .
     Reaching us . . .
     Into your our very souls to make us understand . . .
     Why we are free, and how beautiful a heart can be . . .
     Blessing us all, you and me . . .
     As the high cost of freedom we so see . . .
     As from his heart he speaks!
     Saying, I will not be stopped . . .
     I will not be slowed . . .
     As a force of nature, as onward he goes . . .
     As his fine heart climbs mountains tops . . .
     And if I ever have a son . . .
     I but hope and pray that he could but be like this fine one . 
           . .
     But, one thing I ask . . .
     One, Thing . . . For Schar . . .
     As you go home this night . . .
     Holding, your family warm and tight . . .
     As all in your world, all seems so right . . .
     Remember, the great price of freedom paid . . .
     Get down on your knee's . . .
     And thank this young man so brave . . .
     And all of his brothers and sisters in arms, who now so lie 
           in soft quiet graves!
     Just, One Thing For Schar . . .


                      Albert Carey Caswell , 2009

       FAOY This poem is dedicated to a real American Hero Brian 
     Schar . . . he was injured on September 9th 2007 in an IED 
     blast . . . SSG Brian Schar of A. Co. 9th Eng 1st ID The 
     United States Army . . . Brian is a Combat Engineer from 
     Sevierville Tennessee.

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