[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 108 (Wednesday, July 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN MEMORY OF A HOOSIER HERO, SPECIALIST NICHOLAS ANDREW TAYLOR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2012

  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, as flags fly at half-staff in northeast 
Indiana today, I rise with a heavy heart to remember and honor a 
constituent, Indiana National Guard Specialist Nicholas Andrew Taylor, 
an American hero who lost his life while courageously supporting combat 
operations in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, on July 16, 2012. He 
served with the 713th Engineer Company of the Indiana National Guard 
based out of Valparaiso, Indiana.
  Army Specialist Nick Taylor was from the small town of Berne, 
Indiana. Despite receiving several offers to play college football 
after graduating from South Adams High School in 2010, Specialist 
Taylor signed up to serve his country in the Indiana National Guard. He 
was a hard worker and a man of integrity. He excelled in everything he 
did, whether it was being a three-sport athlete or his involvement in 
First Missionary Church.
  Specialist Taylor wanted to follow in his father's footsteps. His 
father, Timothy Taylor, is Berne's chief of police and those who knew 
Nick said he wanted to continue his public service after his deployment 
by applying to the Fort Wayne Police Department. He also planned to use 
the money he earned from his military service to enroll in college and 
study criminal justice.
  Specialist Taylor was an outstanding citizen-soldier who, along with 
the other brave members of the 713th, was assigned a dangerous mission 
and performed courageously on behalf of a grateful state and nation. 
Our hearts in Indiana are heavy as we remember one who lost his life 
wearing the uniform of the United States, and those he left behind.
  On behalf of the people of the Sixth Congressional District and my 
wife and children, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family of 
Specialist Nick Taylor, including his father, Timothy Taylor, his 
mother Stephania, brother Drew, and sisters Holly and Sophia. The Bible 
tells us, ``The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,'' and that shall be 
our prayer. May God bless the memory of this brave young man. The name 
of Specialist Nicholas Andrew Taylor will be forever enshrined in the 
hearts of a grateful state and nation.

                          ____________________