[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 62 (Monday, April 27, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING SERGEANT ROBERT BARTLETT FOR HIS HEROIC SERVICE IN COMBAT 
                AND WORK ON VETERANS HEALTH CARE REFORM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2009

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the military 
service of one of Arizona's finest sons, Robert Bartlett.
  Sergeant Bartlett enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003 and was severely 
wounded by a roadside bomb in May 2005 while on patrol in Iraq.
  In the aftermath of the explosion, Sergeant Bartlett twice suffered 
cardiac and respiratory failure and underwent dozens of surgeries. He 
has become a vocal supporter of mental health care for veterans 
returning from combat, and he serves as an example of courage and 
patriotism to his comrades in arms and civilians alike.
  The following poem was penned by U.S. Capitol guide Albert Carey 
Caswell in honor of Sergeant Bartlett and his heroic service in combat 
and afterward.

                                One Shot

     One
     One shot . . .
     Is all we have!
     All in our lives to give . . .
     All in how we've got!
     All in our choices . . .
     All through our inner voices . . .
     Taking sight . . . our scope . . .
     As from our souls, comes hope . . .
     One shot . . .
     Taking aim with our hearts . . .
     All in what we've invoked . . .
     As our sights becoming clear . . .
     As our targets in life appear . . .
     As from these ashes, rose . . .
     This is a Real American Hero . . .
     As oneself forsaken . . .
     But, for The Greater Good . . .
     To stand tall in all you would . . .
     In that battle of evil versus good . . .
     To wear the uniform, with hearts of courage warm . . .
     With all you could . . .
     As into that valley of death . . .
     As Robert, you marched on so until none was left!
     While, there on a battlefield of honor dying . . .
     As your face is almost gone, as you lay lying . . .
     As a mother awakes crying . . .
     As somehow she knows her son is dying . . .
     But, beauty is but skin deep . . .
     And our Lord, shall hold in his arms all of those whose faith 
           so keeps!
     Now, digging . . . digging in deep . . .
     As your will to live keeps, is found in each and every heart 
           beat!
     Dying, three times . . . fighting to stay alive . . .
     All in your beliefs . . .
     As Robert cheats death, America's Best . . .
     As with his story, and courage and faith . . .
     An American tale our world will bless . . .
     A messenger from God, exploding . . .
     As he looks into a mirror, his darkest fears are realized . . 
           .
     Reloading, his new battle begins!
     He cries . . .
     As half his face is gone, has died . . .
     In this face of courage we see . . .
     The true definition of beauty . . .
     Countless operations, courage's full measure . . .
     All in faith's affirmation . . .
     Both Beauty and The Beast . . .
     As his shot is heard around the world . . .
     As his courage is unfurled . . . beyond belief . . .
     A Beautiful Man . . .
     With every step, reloading . . .
     With the Height of Courage exploding . . .
     He takes command!
     This Army Man . . . a real Hero, a fine American!
     Who against all odds, now stands . . .
     Out on point, as a lone centurion . . .
     Of faith and courage . . .
     To teach us all, and all our souls to nourish . . .
     With his even greater weapon, he now fights . . .
     As from his heart of courage, comes the light . . .
     All in God's glory, his being . . . his soul . . . his very 
           story . . .
     For he will not miss, that One Shot!

  Madam Speaker, Sergeant Bartlett remains on active duty, stationed at 
Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
commending him for his continued service, even after great personal 
tragedy, and in wishing him success throughout the rest of his military 
career.

                          ____________________