[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 132 (Thursday, September 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIALIST 
                           NATHAN SPANGENBERG

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 2009

  Ms. GIFFORDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army 
Specialist Nathan Spangenberg, who died from an illness at Schofield 
Barracks in Hawaii on September 8, 2009 following his last deployment. 
He leaves behind his mother, Lois, his brother, Colin, sister, Megan 
and a niece and nephew.
  Born in Tucson, Nathan attended Mountain View High School from 2004 
to 2006, then transferred to Mountain Rose Academy charter school 
before joining the Army in 2007. SPC Spangenberg was an infantryman 
with the 2nd Stryker Brigade, 25th Infantry Division headquartered in 
Hawaii.
  He and his unit returned there in February after a 15-month tour in 
Iraq. The Warrior Brigade, as they are known, was responsible for 
securing an 800 square mile area North of Baghdad that remains one of 
the most dangerous places for U.S. forces.
  Appropriately, Nathan was a warrior. He survived his extended tour in 
Iraq only to be taken from us too soon.
  We remember SPC Spangenberg and offer our deepest condolences and 
sincerest prayers to his mother, brother, sister, niece and nephew. My 
words cannot effectively convey the feeling of great loss nor can they 
offer adequate consolation. However, it is my hope that in future days, 
his family may take some comfort in knowing that Nathan's legacy 
reaches beyond the desolate landscape of Iraq and the barracks of 
Hawaii and into the hearts of a grateful nation.
  This body and this country owe Nathan and his family a debt of 
gratitude and it is vital that we remember him and his fellow 
servicemembers who have paid the ultimate price.
  Nathan is a hero both to his country and to his wonderful family. We 
salute his selfless service and bravery. May he not be forgotten and 
may his mission continue in the work of this body and the hearts of all 
Americans.

                          ____________________