[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 116 (Wednesday, July 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2077-E2078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING SSGT JUAN ROLDAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2009

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a true American 
hero, SSGT Juan Roldan of the United States Army. On December 29, 2006, 
SSGT Roldan of Paterson, New Jersey, lost both of his legs in an EFP 
explosion. SSGT Roldan is now fighting his next war as he must learn to 
walk again. Like so many other soldiers who come home from war, SSGT 
Roldan relies on his loved ones to help him win this and his precious 
daughter Rian, who just turned two years old, is now the driving force 
behind his recovery. SSGT Roldan is not only an inspiration to his 
daughter, but his experience teaches all of us courage in the face of 
great adversity. The following poem, written by Albert Carey Caswell, 
is a tribute to SSGT Roldan.

                            For My Daughter!

     I went off to war, all for her future to so ensure . . .
     And all for God and Country Tis of Thee, as were my burdens, 
           my burdens bore . . .
     And for all of those daughters, whose fine daddies won't be 
           coming home no more . . .
     And oh yes, I have lost my two fine strong legs . . . but I 
           won't moan, and I won't beg . . .
     For I have something to so live for . . . for My Daughter, I 
           will win this battle, this war . . .
     For I have one of the greatest gifts from above, Rian, which 
           came from such seeds of love . . .
     For I must teach her, for I must reach her . . . to show her 
           all that it is she so needs each year . . .

[[Page E2078]]

     All to help her grow up, and about life and what she needs to 
           know . . . and what really counts so . . .
     As I will inspire her by my love . . . as in my heart, I hold 
           her close and so very high above . . .
     As I will show her, how to lift up her head each morn, even 
           though such pain is worn . . .
     To cherish each new shining day, to touch all hearts along 
           her way . . . as I live on . . .
     Showing her how not to be bitter and afraid, as out and along 
           life's road as made . . .
     For I know she needs me so very much, for her this my battle 
           . . . for her I do so much . . .
     Because so many children . . . will never know, and grow up 
           with such loving daddies so . . .
     And never have such a best friend . . . who will stick with 
           them, through thick and thin . . .
     Who at night will tuck them in, and tell bedtime stories . . 
           . as together, our two hearts blend . . .
     Who from them so much can learn, as it's for her and her 
           future, that this my heart so burns . . .
     As she will learn all from me, how great a heart can truly be 
           . . . as to her, mine so speaks . . .
     Showing her, arms and legs yes we may need . . . but, without 
           hearts we can not live indeed . . .
     And what really counts, all in the end . . . is what's in 
           your heart, as where it all so begins . . .
     So for my daughter I will wake . . . as each new day for her, 
           these most courageous steps I take . . .
     As I fight through all of my pain, as I venture out upon 
           heartache's way . . . my soul will remain.
     All so I can see those smiles upon her face, and watch her 
           grow up with such happiness and grace . . .
     And for all of my buddies who died, who shall never so look 
           into their children's eyes . . .
     It's for you too I wake, and to Be the Best Father our Lord 
           God could make . . .
     As I will tell your children, all about your love . . . and 
           how you spoke of them, so high above.
     Recalling, all of those words of love you spoke . . . and all 
           about them, as their names you invoked . . .
     For I stand stronger on this day, all because of this child 
           who before me so lays . . .
     For you Rian . . . give me a reason to live, at night as I 
           watch sleep in your crib . . .
     Daughter, all of this . . . I do, for you . . . my gift from 
           God, that will help see me through . . .
     And if I ever have a son, Juan, I but hope and pray he is 
           like you the one!
     For my Daughter, all this I'll do!

                          ____________________