[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 30 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S1034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING NEBRASKA'S SOLDIERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN COMBAT

  Mrs. FISCHER. Madam President, I rise today to continue my tribute to 
this current generation of Nebraska heroes by remembering those who 
died defending our freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each of our fallen 
Nebraskans has a special story to tell. Over the next year and beyond, 
I will continue to devote time here on the Senate floor to remember 
each of them in a special tribute to their life and to their service to 
our country.
  Time after time, Nebraska's Gold Star families tell me the same 
thing. They hope and pray that the supreme sacrifices of their loved 
ones will always be remembered.


                        Sergeant Jeffrey Hansen

  Today I want to celebrate the life of SGT Jeffrey Hansen of Cairo, 
NE.
  Jeff grew up with the heart of a soldier. He enjoyed an all-American 
childhood, spending time outdoors, hunting, playing football, and 
staying in shape. Born in Minden, NE, and a 1993 graduate of Bertrand 
High School, Jeff attended college at the University of Nebraska at 
Kearney before graduating in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in athletic 
training.
  Over the years, the urge to serve his country tugged at Jeff. He 
decided to enlist with the Nebraska Army National Guard in January of 
2000. A natural leader, he quickly rose through the ranks, serving as 
an assistant squad leader, fire team leader, and squad leader before 
his last assignment as a fire support sergeant.
  Jeff exhibited outstanding leadership as a member of Troop A in the 
1-167th Cavalry of the Nebraska Army National Guard. Friends remember 
Jeff as an awesome teacher and an amazing mentor. SGT Brad Jessen 
recalls how Jeff was very soft spoken, but he always had something 
intelligent to say.
  In civilian life, Jeff became a Kearney police officer in 2002, and 
he later joined the Department of Veterans Affairs Police force in 
Grand Island. James Arends, who worked with him as a sergeant in the VA 
Police Service, said, ``Jeff was the strong, silent type. He didn't 
talk a lot, but when he did, people listened.''
  Jeff was also a loving husband. He met his wife Jenny at a football 
game at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Fate brought them 
together, and they began a natural and a comfortable relationship that 
blossomed quickly. Jenny excelled at golf in college. Jeff would attend 
her tournaments, cheering her on as the team progressed to a winning 
season. Then, after the final round of the 2002 NCAA Division II 
Women's Golf Tournament, Jeff came up to Jenny on the 18th green where 
he knelt down and proposed.
  That same year, Jeff was promoted to sergeant and recognized for 
outstanding gunnery marksmanship. Jeff and Jenny also began discussing 
their future plans. Their talks became more intense when Jeff's unit, 
the 1-167th Cavalry, was called to duty in Bosnia.
  Jeff and Jenny wasted no time, and they were married on October 12, 
2002. Two days later, Jeff left for Bosnia. After 11 months, Jeff 
returned home and the two settled down back in Cairo, NE.
  A world away, the war in Iraq continued. By the fall of 2005, the 
American public was hopeful that major military operations in the 
region would be coming to an end. However, the bombing of the al-Askari 
mosque in February of 2006 ignited a Sunni-Shia civil war that plunged 
Iraq deeper into violence. At that time, the American military was 
operating as a peacekeeping force, but things quickly turned deadly, 
and the coalition found themselves engaged in dramatic wartime 
operations.
  Jeff's unit arrived in Iraq just before the al-Askari mosque bombing. 
Operating out of Balad Air Base, his unit, ``the Cav,'' was known for 
their ability to complete security operations in one of the most 
violent areas of the country. The days were long, and with each mission 
they faced imminent danger. All the while, Jeff kept his head in the 
game and inspired his battle buddies to do the same.
  While Jeff was gone, Jenny remained active, and she continued to 
excel on the golf course. She won the Nebraska Women's State Amateur 
Golf Championship and qualified for the 2006 U.S. Women's Amateur Open. 
As she continued to advance, Jenny began thinking about playing the 
sport professionally, so she wrote to Jeff, asking for his guidance and 
thoughts on this important new stage--one they would share and navigate 
on their journey together.
  Back in Iraq, Jeff headed out on patrol where conditions worsened 
with limited visibility. Out of nowhere, Jeff's humvee hit a sinkhole 
and it flipped, landing upside down in a canal. As this was unfolding, 
Jeff pushed the other soldiers out of the vehicle, all of whom survived 
the crash. Meanwhile, Jeff was still in the humvee and critically 
injured. SGT Brad Jessen remained at the scene, keeping Jeff alive 
until the medical team arrived. Jeff was quickly flown to Germany for 
emergency care.
  Jenny was at work when the phone rang. ``There's been an accident,'' 
she was told. ``We need you to come to Germany.''
  It seemed like an eternity before Jenny was able to reach Jeff's side 
at the hospital in Germany. As soon as she arrived, it was clear Jeff 
was not going to make it home. He passed away a few days later, with 
Jenny at his side.
  Jenny returned home to Nebraska, saying goodbye to Jeff one last time 
and bracing for a life without the man she loved.
  Shortly after the funeral, a letter arrived. It was from Jeff, and 
there was a reply to her questions about golf and their future. He had 
written to tell his wife to pursue her dream. He told her to find the 
focus and dedication that she yearned for in her life. If there was 
something she wanted to pursue, he would support her every step of the 
way.
  So Jenny pursued that dream. She competed for and she earned a spot 
on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour, and she played in a 
number of professional tournaments.
  But as any Nebraskan can understand, ``the good life'' pulled her 
back. Today, she is the mother of three beautiful children. She still 
reads the letters from Jeff every once in a while, and Jeff is with her 
every day in her heart.

  For his service in Iraq, Jeff was awarded the Iraqi Campaign Medal, 
the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve 
Medal. He was also posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Army Good 
Conduct Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
  Jeff is survived by his widow Jenny, his father Robert, and his 
brother Jeremy. Our Nation and all Nebraskans are forever indebted to 
his service and sacrifice.
  SGT Jeffrey Hansen is a hero, and I am honored to tell his story, 
lest we forget his life and the freedom he fought to defend.
  Thank you, Madam President.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Connecticut.

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