[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 173 (Friday, November 20, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S11879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                      Staff Sergeant Ryan L. Zorn

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to express our Nation's 
deepest thanks and gratitude to a special young man and his family. I 
was saddened to receive word that on November 16, 2009, SSG Ryan Zorn 
of Wright, WY, was killed in the line of duty while serving our country 
in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sergeant Zorn died near 
the town of Talifar in northwestern Iraq from injuries sustained when 
his armored vehicle overturned.
  Staff Sergeant Zorn was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 34th Armor 
Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, out of Fort Riley, KS. 
Staff Sergeant Zorn grew up in Upton, WY, and joined the Army following 
his graduation from Upton High School. He loved his country, and loved 
serving his country. His mother JoAnn says this is what he lived for. 
He was on his third tour of duty in Iraq. His family and his faith were 
very important to him. Friends and neighbors remember him as always 
open and friendly, with a broad smile and a wonderful sense of humor. 
He was dependable and generous, always willing to help others without 
hesitation.
  It is because of Ryan Zorn that we are allowed to go about our daily 
lives as free people. America's men and women who answer the call to 
service and willingly bear the burdens of defending our Nation deserve 
the deepest respect and gratitude of all Americans. They put their very 
lives on the line every day, and because of them and their families, 
our Nation remains free and strong in the face of danger.
  Jesus says in the Book of John that, ``Greater love has no man than 
this, that he lay his life down for his friend.'' SSG Ryan Zorn gave 
his life, that last full measure of devotion, for you, me, and every 
single American. He gave his life serving and defending his country and 
its people, and we honor him for this selfless sacrifice.
  Staff Sergeant Zorn is survived by his mother JoAnn, his father 
Myron, and his brother Todd. He is also survived by his brothers and 
sisters in arms of the U.S. Army. We say goodbye to a son, a brother, a 
friend, and an American soldier. The United States of America pays its 
deepest respect to SSG Ryan L. Zorn for his courage, his love of 
country and his sacrifice, so that we may remain free. He was a hero in 
life and he remains a hero in death. All of Wyoming, and indeed the 
entire Nation, is proud of him. May God bless him and his family and 
welcome him with open arms.

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