[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE OF SPECIALIST PAUL E. ANDERSEN OF SOUTH BEND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 2009

  Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Specialist Paul E. Andersen of the 855th Quartermaster Company based 
out of South Bend, Indiana, for his dedication and service to the 
United States of America. A 24-year-veteran of the armed forces, Paul 
was completing his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed in 
action on October 1, 2009, by indirect fire of enemy forces. Paul 
risked everything in service to America, and for that we are eternally 
grateful.
  Paul devoted his life to serving our country. He graduated from 
Buchanan High School in Michigan in 1979 and enlisted in the Army 
Reserves in 1985. He worked to better our armed forces, and was 
prepared to answer the call for duty whenever his country needed him. 
In 2003 that time arrived, and Paul served his first tour in Iraq.
  Upon his return home, he met his beloved wife Linda at the home of a 
friend. They fell in love and enjoyed listening to country music, 
watching old movies, and savoring strawberry milkshakes together. 
Within months, he proposed to her. Three weeks later they were married. 
Linda fully appreciated and understood the commitment that Paul had to 
his country. Paul had recently re-enlisted for six more years of duty, 
but only with the consent and blessing from Linda. When he asked her 
how she would feel if he opted to redeploy, she told him, ``Go ahead.'' 
``I knew I married an Army man,'' Linda said. Her love for Paul was 
unwavering, as she said of Paul, ``He's my world, my life, my friend.''
  After beginning his second tour in November 2008, Paul had the 
honorable duty of serving his country with the 855th Quartermaster, QM, 
Company, from South Bend, Indiana. Paul's mission in Iraq was to 
provide both shower and laundry services as well as operating a 
clothing repair, SLCR, shop supporting Coalition forces based in 10 
different locations throughout the Iraqi theater. These locations are 
often dangerous, but despite the adversities the 855th QM Co. 
successfully accomplished their SLCR mission. Services of the SLCR team 
provided great contributions to the welfare and morale of the Soldiers 
they supported. Without their support, the Soldiers would not have been 
able to perform their duties and accomplish their own combat missions. 
It was a necessary job that his family and friends admired. Linda was 
in constant contact with Paul, and he was even allowed to take a leave 
in August to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. Paul had 
recently been informed that he was due to come home November 4, 2009.
  Paul will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. 
As a civilian, Paul worked at a tube and bending company. He loved to 
tinker with machines, and was notorious among family members for going 
overboard on the Christmas lights every year. He lived a life full of 
love and joy. He is survived by his wife; three biological children; 
three step-children; one biological grandchild; and eight step-
grandchildren
  It is my somber duty to honor and remember Paul and a life cut 
tragically short. I am saddened by the loss to his family, our 
community and our country. We were all blessed by his presence and 
diminished by his passing.

                          ____________________