[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 114 (Friday, July 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO U.S. ARMY SPC. 1ST CLASS DAMON SHONTELL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 30, 2010

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise in solemn tribute to the memory of 
a patriotic young man from South Alabama who recently passed away while 
honorably serving our Nation.
  On July 5, 2010, U.S. Army Spc. 1st Class Damon Shontell, age 22 of 
Grand Bay, Alabama, died at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
  A graduate of Alma Bryant High School in Irvington, Alabama, Spc. 
Shontell joined the Army after receiving his diploma. He was known for 
his deep and abiding patriotism and his determination to serve his 
country. He planned to pursue a degree in engineering upon completion 
of his military service.
  After entering the Army, Damon attended Military Police Training at 
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in June 2006. After completion of his 
training, he was transferred to Fort Hood, Texas, where he was 
stationed with the 64th Military Police Company. In May 2007, Spc. 
Shontell deployed with the 64th MP Company to Iraq where he bravely 
defended his comrades in gun battles with the enemy. In July 2008, he 
returned to Fort Hood for another 12 months before transferring to the 
17th Military Police Detachment at Fort Jackson in July 2009. He 
continued to serve at Fort Jackson as a Military Policeman, and was 
awarded the Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, 
Overseas Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National 
Defense Service Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal.
  He was a devoted soldier who witnessed the hardship and sacrifice of 
war, but he never faltered in his dedication to duty.
  Madam Speaker, we owe so much to those who wear the uniform of our 
country and put themselves in harm's way to ensure our safety and 
security.
  Even more than the loss of a hero, there is no greater loss than the 
loss of a child. Spc. Damon Shontell's father, David, personally wrote 
me a touching letter about the tremendous void that has been created in 
his life through the passing of his only child, who was also his best 
friend.
  Mr. Shontell also asked me to express his gratitude to those 
personnel at Fort Jackson who treated him with ``love, respect, trust 
and brotherhood'' and who so honored his son. In keeping with his 
request, I bring to the attention of the U.S. House those officers who 
deserve special recognition for their compassion: Sgt. Terry Horn, Sgt. 
Kevin Lasonde, Sgt. William Crews, Sgt. David Beaton, Sgt. Stacy Case, 
Cpt. Tara Mahoney, Col. James Love, Sgt. Ken Lucas; and, at Fort 
Rucker, Alabama, Sgt. Michelle Flores.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend 
my heartfelt condolences to Spc. 1st Class Shontell's father, David, 
and his family and friends for their profound personal loss. We all 
mourn the passing of this very special young man who was taken away 
from all of us in the prime of his youth. Damon Shontell loved his 
father, his country, and his God. He will never be forgotten. May he 
rest in peace.

                          ____________________