[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E25]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING UNITED STATES ARMY SERGEANT BRIAN LEONHARDT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 17, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with immense gratitude and deep 
sadness that I wish to commend United States Army Sergeant Brian 
Leonhardt for his bravery and his willingness to fight for his country. 
Sergeant Leonhardt, a member of the Indiana National Guard assigned to 
the 713th Engineer Company, 81st Troop Command out of Valparaiso, 
Indiana, was killed in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan, along with 
three other members of the Indiana National Guard, when their vehicle 
struck an improvised explosive device on Friday, January 6, 2012. The 
sacrifice of Sergeant Leonhardt, as well as that of his fellow Guard 
members, will be forever remembered by those they fought to protect.
  Born in Crown Point, Indiana and a resident of Merrillville, Indiana, 
Brian graduated from Hammond Baptist High School in Hammond, Indiana. 
Friends and family remember him as an athlete who loved to play 
basketball and an avid fan of the Miami Heat. A man of faith, Brian 
attended services at First Baptist Church of Hammond.
  After his graduation, Brian joined the Indiana Army National Guard 
and completed his basic training and advanced individual training at 
Fort Leonard Wood, where he was recognized as the honor graduate of his 
class. One of eight children, it is evident that Brian was raised with 
a deep sense of patriotism. In fact, three of his brothers are also 
military veterans. For Sergeant Leonhardt's unwavering love for his 
country, as well as his extraordinary skill and commitment as a member 
of the Indiana National Guard, he received numerous military awards and 
honors.
  Sergeant Leonhardt leaves behind a loving family that will forever 
cherish his memory. He is survived by his devoted wife Dianne, adoring 
parents Marie and Robert, brothers Charles, Randall, Robert III, 
Anthony, and Trevor, and sisters Theresa and Jacqueline. He also leaves 
behind many other friends and family members, as well as a saddened but 
proud community and a grateful nation. While the loss of Sergeant 
Leonhardt is a tremendous tragedy, and there is much sadness for a 
brilliant future cut far too short, the impact he has had on his 
family, friends, and community will leave a lasting impression.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army 
Sergeant Brian Leonhardt. Sergeant Leonhardt sacrificed his life in 
service to his country, and his passing serves as an unfortunate, yet 
all too familiar reminder of the realities of war. Sergeant Leonhardt 
will forever remain a hero in the eyes of his family, his community, 
and his country. Thus, let us never forget the sacrifice he made to 
preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

                          ____________________