[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 68 (Tuesday, May 17, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S3044]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                        Specialist Joseph Cemper

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Army SPC 
Joseph Cemper who, while serving his country honorably, was killed on 
April 16, 2011, by a suicide bomber at Forward Operating Base Gamberi 
in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.
  Following in the footsteps of his father, SFC Eugene Cemper, Joe 
joined the Army in September 2009. The U.S. Army was their passion, and 
both of these individuals took great pride in serving their country. 
Joe served admirably as a transportation management coordinator with 
the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade of the 
101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, KY. He bravely earned the 
prestigious Bronze Star, as well as a Purple Heart and the Combat 
Action Badge.
  Joe grew up in Papillion, NE, where his grandparents continue to 
live, before moving with his immediate family to Warrensburg, MO, where 
he played football and was an accomplished high school wrestler. Joe 
was highly competitive and energetic, yet always carried a smile. He 
was a family man; his happiest times were when the family got together 
to spend time in the backyard barbecuing. Joe recently became a father 
himself when he and his high school sweetheart Abbie gave birth to a 
son, Liam, on March 15, 2011.
  SPC Joseph Cemper served his country honorably and made the ultimate 
sacrifice for his fellow Americans. His courageous choice to protect 
his country and help the people of Afghanistan achieve peace and 
security represents all that we can be proud of in our Armed Forces. I 
and all Nebraskans are proud to know that Joseph has been laid to rest 
in his native State of Nebraska.
  I commend SPC Joseph Cemper's bravery and selflessness, while 
offering my deepest condolences to his fiancee Abbie; son Liam; mother 
Angie; father SFC Eugene Cemper; grandparents; brothers and sisters; 
friends; and fellow servicemembers he left behind. It is a small 
comfort for those who must now go on without one they loved so dearly, 
but they know that Specialist Cemper gave his life for a noble goal. I 
join all Nebraskans indeed, all Americans in mourning the loss of this 
fine young man. His heroism and his life will remain an inspiration for 
us all.

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