[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 14, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E188-E189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE OF SPECIALIST ROBERT J. TAUTERIS JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2012

  Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to solemnly 
remember and honor the life and dedicated service of Specialist Robert 
J. Tauteris Jr., a native son of Hamlet, Indiana, and a proud member of 
the 713th Engineer Company based in Valparaiso and assigned to 81st 
Troop Command. Specialist Tauteris died along with three of his fellow 
soldiers on January 5, 2012 in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan of wounds 
sustained when their vehicle was hit by a roadside improvised explosive 
device as they scouted for bombs and potential problems along a major 
supply route.
  The state of Indiana mourns the loss of the four brave men who took 
on this dangerous mission to ensure the safety of their fellow 
soldiers. Specialist Tauteris died with his fellow National Guardsmen, 
Specialist Brian Leonhardt, Specialist Christopher Patterson, and Staff 
Sergeant Jonathan Metzger. Private Douglas Rachowicz was severely 
injured in the same incident.
  Robert graduated from North Judson High School in 1986 and had worked 
in manufacturing at Faro Corporation in Plymouth. Robert Tauteris 
served one tour in Afghanistan with the National Guard and volunteered 
for his second deployment when his son Robert Tauteris III enlisted. 
Father and son left together for Afghanistan in the fall of 2011; Bobby 
III accompanied his father's body home to Dover Air Force Base.
  Robert's awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Posthumous; Purple 
Heart, Posthumous; Army Good Conduct Medal, Posthumous; Army 
Achievement Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign 
Medal with the Bronze Service Star; Global War on Terrorism Service 
Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device; Army Service Ribbon; 
Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Combat Action Badge; Driver and 
Mechanic Badge; Combat and Special Skill Badge; Basic Marksmanship 
Qualification Badge; and the Overseas Service Bar.
  Robert will be remembered by his friends, family, and fellow soldiers 
as a dedicated, reliable, and hard-working man who cared deeply for his 
family. He is survived by his sons Robert J. III and Matthew, his 
father, Robert J. Tauteris, his sister, Tammy Tauteris Smith, brother, 
Thomas, half-brother Darrel Ray Minix and step-mother Nichelle as well 
as extended family and friends who are left to treasure his memory.
  It is my solemn duty and humble privilege to honor the life, service, 
and memory of Specialist Robert J. Tauteris Jr. He is a testament to 
the great honor possessed and sacrifices made by our men and women in 
the armed

[[Page E189]]

forces. We mourn his passing and offer solemn gratitude for his service 
and sacrifice.

                          ____________________