[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 26 (Thursday, February 16, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        HONORING THE LIFE OF SPECIALIST ROBERT J. TAUTERIS, JR.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Ribble). The Chair recognizes the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Donnelly) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to solemnly 
remember and honor the life and dedicated service of Specialist Robert 
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, along 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 Ferro 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 dad's body home to Dover Air Force Base.
  Robert's posthumous awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple 
Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. He also 
earned the 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, the NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Driver and 
Mechanic Badge, Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship 
Qualification Badge, and the Overseas Service Bar. It is an 
extraordinary record, and he is an extraordinary hero.
  Robert will be remembered by his friends, his family, and fellow 
soldiers as a dedicated, reliable, hardworking man who cared deeply for 
his family. He is survived by his sons, Robert III and Matthew; Robert 
III's wife, Kayla--and they are here with us today--his dad, Robert 
Tauteris; his sister, Tammy Tauteris Smith; brother, Tom; half-brother, 
Darrel Ray Minix; and stepmother, 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, the 
service, and the memory of Specialist Robert Tauteris, Jr. He is a 
testament to the great honor possessed and sacrifices made by our men 
and women in the Armed Forces. We mourn his passing and offer solemn 
gratitude for his service and sacrifice.
  On behalf of the United States of America, we want to thank your 
family for your service, for your sacrifice, and for everything you 
have done.
  God bless you.

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