[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 29, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4211-S4212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES
Private First Class John C. Johnson
Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, today we honor the life and heroic
sacrifice of PFC John C. Johnson of Phoenix, AZ. He died on May 27,
2011, in Bayman Province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his
mounted patrol received small arms fire. He was 28 years old. Private
Johnson and his wife Jennifer were expecting a baby daughter at the
time of his death.
Private Johnson's parents remember him as a honest, affectionate son,
and his wife remembers him as a dedicated husband and loving father.
Growing up in Arizona's rugged landscape, he developed hunting and
tracking skills that would later contribute to his resourcefulness as a
soldier. Private Johnson enlisted in the Army in February 2010,
commenting that he was committed to providing a better life for his
family.
He served in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a member of C
Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division,
based at Fort Drum, NY. His bravery and outstanding service quickly won
the recognition of his commanders. Private Johnson earned, among other
distinctions, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, and the NATO Medal.
Mark Twain once said, ``The fear of death follows from the fear of
life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.'' Private
Johnson's service was in keeping with this sentiment--by selflessly
putting country first, he lived life to the fullest. He lived with a
sense of the highest honorable purpose.
I stand with people in Colorado and nationwide in profound gratitude
for Private Johnson's tremendous sacrifice. At substantial personal
risk, he fought in Afghanistan with unwavering courage to protect
America's citizens and the freedoms we hold dear. For his service and
the lives he touched, Private Johnson will forever be remembered as one
of our country's bravest.
I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Vicki, his mother, John,
his father, Jennifer, his wife, and his entire family, who carry on
Private Johnson's memory and will forever remind us of his sacrifice.
Sergeant William Steele
Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a Freedom Fighter from
Chicago, IL, an American Hero, SGT William Steele.
He is a man who proudly went off to war for his country. On June 25,
2009, William lost his leg and almost his life after an IED explosion
in Maili, Afghanistan.
Sergeant Steele returned home an even stronger soldier, determined to
continue to fulfill his dream with an Army career as a drill sergeant.
And with the support of his mother, who at the age of 17 signed the
papers so he could enlist in the Army, he will.
One of his favorite quotes from his mother that has inspired him is,
``There is no sense of looking down, hold your head up!'' Sergeant
Steele has done just that, making us all proud of him.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that this poem penned in honor
of him by Albert Caswell, be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:
Cold Steele
IN HONOR OF A REAL AMERICAN HERO, SGT WILLIAM STEELE UNITED STATES
ARMY, HHC 1-178th INFANTRY REGIMENT
Cold Steele!
What is right, what is real!
What is strong, all in what a most courageous heart reveals!
While, all upon battlefields of honor bright . . . all in
these killing fields . . .
Dark days and nights . . .
As from down within, as how a heart so reaches deep down to
begin . . .
To begin this fight, whether on battlefields of honor bright
. . . or in a hospital to unite . . .
Because, only with a most courageous heart of Steele . . .
will we so win that night!
As all in time revealed . . .
When, courage crests . . . as one of America's Finest, The
Army's Best . . .
For only there, in these the darkest days of all nights . . .
As only there, all in life and death . . . all in this fight!
Will hearts of strength and Steele, so crest . . . to reveal
to bring their light!
Your medal, of what you are made . . . so very real!
[[Page S4212]]
All in his strength . . . all in William's Cold Steele!
As a Chicago boy, who had it rough . . . trying to lift up
himself . . .
At seventeen, his Mother signed the papers . . . to insure
his future dreams . . .
For William was born to be, in The United States Army . . .
Hoooah indeed . . .
As this was to be, his final casting and molding . . . into a
heart of Steele, you see . . .
Letting this Chicago Lad, Be All That He Could Be . . .
When, all in a moment of truth . . . as an explosion almost
took his life, but lies the proof . . .
As this young man's medal was to be tested, as where lies the
truth . . .
While, on the edge of death as he awoke with one leg left . .
.
As his tears would crest, as he remembered his Mother who him
had blessed . . .
In his head, the words she said, ``There is no sense of
looking down, hold your head up!''
As somehow the strength he found . . .
As from that moment on, his most gallant heart of Steele so
moved on!
To fight the good fight, burning bold . . . burning bright!
For you see, The Army is William's life!
As he would not give up, nor give in . . . until he's back in
action again . . .
For inside this heart of Steele, such warmth is revealed . .
.
And if ever I had a son, oh how I wish he could be like this
one!
Throughout our Country Tis of Thee, all in our nation we have
seen . . .
Hearts of Steele, Freedom Fighters like Dr. King, and Rosa
Parks . . .
Because, of all of their courage and sacrifice, and most
magnificent hearts . . .
Blessing this our country tis of thee!
And now a new name to the list, of a young man who for us so
much would give . . .
With his heart of Freedom Fighter, teaching us all how to
live!
With but Hearts of Steele!
____________________