[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 169 (Monday, November 16, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE LIFE OF STAFF SERGEANT JUSTIN M. DeCROW OF PLYMOUTH, 
                                INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 16, 2009

  Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and 
honor the life and service of Staff Sergeant Justin M. DeCrow, a native 
son of Plymouth, Indiana, and a proud member of the United States Army. 
The servicemen and women of the United States Armed Forces serve with a 
selfless willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for the country 
they love and protect. A career soldier with 13 years of honorable and 
dedicated service, Justin's life was tragically cut short in a 
senseless act of violence when a gunman opened fire at a Soldier 
Readiness Processing facility at Fort Hood in Texas on the 5th of 
November.
  Justin always wanted to be a soldier. He graduated from Plymouth High 
School in 1996, married his high school sweetheart that spring, and 
enlisted in the United States Army immediately thereafter. He pursued a 
career as a soldier in the Army out of an unfailing love of country and 
a desire to make a better life for his family.
  In the early part of his 13 year career as a soldier, he performed 
light vehicle maintenance. In 2000, Justin and his family moved to 
Evans, Georgia, after he was assigned to nearby Fort Gordon, where he 
underwent training as a communications satellite operator. He was 
stationed in that capacity in South Korea from September 2008 to August 
of this year. In September, he was stationed with the 16th Signal 
Company at Fort Hood, Texas. He had hoped to return eventually to Fort 
Gordon, when an opening became available, to be with his wife and 
daughter.
  At Fort Hood, Justin was involved in training new soldiers. He will 
be remembered by his fellow soldiers in the United States Army as a 
mentor with an undeniable charm and quick wit, and by friends and 
family as a loving and devoted father and husband. He is survived by 
his wife of 14 years, Marikay, their 13-year old daughter, Kylah, and 
two proud parents: Daniel DeCrow and Rhonda Thompson. He will be missed 
by all.
  It is my solemn duty, and humble privilege, to honor the life, 
service, and memory of Staff Sergeant Justin M. DeCrow, which stand as 
a testament to the great honor possessed, and sacrifices made, by our 
men and women in the armed forces and their families. We mourn his loss 
and offer solemn gratitude for his service.

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