[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 176 (Thursday, December 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        THE PASSING OF ARMY STAFF SERGEANT LANDON LEO HENSCHEID

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                          HON. JASON CHAFFETZ

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2013

  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated soldier 
and young patriot who survived his war injuries, but died tragically 
after a protracted battle with cancer. Army Staff Sergeant Landon Leo 
Henscheid of Alpine, Utah, was initially paralyzed from injuries he 
received while serving as a field medic in Afghanistan. Subsequent 
surgery for those injuries relieved his paralysis, but revealed cancer 
in his spine. For 18 months, the 24-year-old soldier fought valiantly, 
but ultimately lost his battle with cancer on Pearl Harbor Day.
  Staff Sgt. Henscheid loved serving as a field medic and caring for 
those with whom he served. He had a tremendous capacity to love other 
people. He developed strong bonds with the men and women in his unit--
bonds which lasted long after their deployments ended. Upon their 
return from deployment, friends knew they were welcome at the Henscheid 
home, where at one point a few of them lived in an RV in the driveway 
that Henscheid's father called, ``The Barracks.''
  Always a fan of a good adrenalin rush, Staff Sgt. Henscheid did not 
fear danger. According to his mother, he loved driving fast--whether he 
was on his motorcycle, his 4-wheeler or a boat. He loved jumping out of 
airplanes. Just before deploying, he even bungee jumped from the Las 
Vegas Stratosphere. His plans for the future included serving in 
Special Operations.
  Staff Sgt. Henscheid is fortunate to come from a remarkable family 
whose sacrifices on his behalf--and on behalf of the United States of 
America--deserve our heartfelt gratitude. The Henscheid family cared 
for three Wounded Warrior sons--two of their own sons and a son-in-law. 
They also welcomed into their home other young men who served beside 
their own sons, providing both physical and emotional support as these 
brave young men acclimated to post-war life and dealt with their 
invisible injuries. All of Staff Sgt. Henscheid's immediate family went 
to great lengths to be with him during his battle with cancer. His 
mother relocated to Maryland from Utah to assist him. His oldest 
brother, Cody, a recipient of the Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star 
Medal w/V device and Purple Heart due to his 2006 injuries in 
Afghanistan, visited along with his wife Teera. They lived in North 
Dakota at the time. His sister Rheanna, whose husband Jacob Henry also 
sustained injuries while serving in Army Civil Affairs in Afghanistan, 
made the trip from Elko, Nevada. And his youngest brother Hayden and 
wife Lexi took multiple trips to Maryland from their home in North 
Dakota to help provide support and care.
  In addition, Staff Sgt. Henscheid enjoyed the love and support of the 
men who had lived with his family upon their return home from 
deployments and became like brothers. In particular, Benjamin Judd, who 
served in Iraq with Cody; Brian Jones, who also served in Iraq with 
Cody and again in Afghanistan with Landon; and Jacob Henry, who served 
on Landon Henscheid's first tour and eventually married his sister.
  We honor the tremendous personal sacrifice of Staff Sgt. Henscheid's 
family. He leaves behind his parents, Don and Janet Henscheid, two 
brothers and a sister. In addition, he leaves behind many of his 
military brothers who were like family to him.
  The contributions of this great American family reflect the 
tremendous spirit of service and sacrifice that have for so long 
preserved our freedom. I wish to honor the Henscheid family's example 
of selfless service and commitment to family.
  Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life 
and legacy of Staff Sgt. Landon Henscheid, as well as the sacrifices of 
his and other families across this great nation. We can never repay 
them the debt we owe for their efforts to protect our freedom.

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