[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF SSGT MICHAEL WAYNE SCHAFER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2015

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a real American 
Hero, SSGT Michael Schafer of the United States Army, 2nd BATTALION, 
173 Airborne. Mike served in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He received 
the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Silver Star. Michael was 
killed in Oruzgan in combat on July 25, 2005 as part of a quick 
response team while helping fellow soldiers under fire. He is survived 
by his wife Danielle, son Devin, his mother Karen and step-father 
Daniel Barr, his father Mark Schafer, retired Navy of Williamsburg, his 
sister Sarah, and two brothers, Mark Shafer and Timothy Barr. Today and 
every day let us all remember all of those selfless heroes like Michael 
and their families who give that last full measure in the name of 
freedom. Michael wanted to become a Ranger, but due to a loss of 
hearing in combat, was told he should retire. Instead, he chose to 
return to his brothers in combat and died on his last tour. Albert 
Caswell penned the following poem, ``Our America's Son'', in honor of 
Michael Shafer this Memorial Day.

     ``Our, America's Son
     this chosen one
     Of warm heart and steal,
     who to us all has so revealed
     How it is on earth,
     as it is in heaven as they will be done.
     Who so gave that full measure.
     The greatest of all possible treasures,
     as did America's Son
     As now we all so weep
     As all in our heart's Michael you we keep,
     oh so very deep.
     As we remember what to all of us what you'd so teach
     About life and death,
     all in honor's quest . . . for all your brothers in arms 
           you'd seek . . .
     As you were a man of actions and deeds
     All else supersedes
     Could all our hearts as high yours exceed?
     But for the greater good,
     in all you could.
     Now all in our grief.
     Now all in our loss we seek.
     Of such cost it reaps.
     This pain to ease.
     As to us now all so speaks.
     For your life was Army Strong.
     For magnificent men like you Mike,
     all live ever after in history like a song.
     Whose courage forever rings loud and long.
     As but The Best of the Best.
     Because moments are all we have.
     Just minutes to turn good from bad.
     And now we lay your fine body down to sleep.
     All in our hearts now so very deep.
     And across Williamsburg tonight
     There comes a gentle rain
     Comes our Lord's tears to so help to ease your families pain
     To wash down upon you to remain
     Until, once again up in Heaven you will all meet again,
     and you won't have to cry no more
     And hush little baby don't you cry,
     because one day up in heaven you will look into your father's 
           eyes
     And remember he is with you this day by your side.
     And you too Danielle his lovely wife, must somehow find the 
           strength to start a new life
     And all of his family find peace all in his light.
     Now rest my son,
     your war is over on earth, is done.
     And rise up for your new battle begun.
     As an Angel in the Army of our Lord
     To watch over us ever more.
     For Michael you are now so one.
     At Ease, America's Son!''