[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 87 (Friday, May 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN SOLDIER AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT (SSGT) 
                            JOHN THOMAS SELF

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2017

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of 
fallen soldier Air Force Staff Sergeant (SSGT) John Thomas Self who 
paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on May 14, 2007, 
during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SSGT Self was killed by an improvised 
explosive device in an attack that wounded three other airmen near 
Baghdad, Iraq, during his fourth tour of duty.
  SSGT Self was assigned to the 314th Security Forces Squadron, Little 
Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. A fire team leader with Detachment 3,732 
Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, SSGT Self was on his 79th 
combat patrol when he was killed. His detachment was tasked with 
training Iraqi police. Self's mother, Jill Self, told the Associated 
Press that he volunteered for his fourth tour of duty because he wanted 
to serve his country. He was only home from his third tour of duty for 
a few weeks before he volunteered for his fourth tour.
  SSGT Self was born on November 2, 1977 in Tupelo, MS. He graduated 
from South Pontotoc High School, where he was a trumpet player in the 
marching band. He joined the Air Force in 1999 after attending Itawamba 
Community College. SSGT Self's mother, Jill Self, told the Associated 
Press, ``He loved to deer hunt and fish and play computer games. He was 
a loving child. He was there for his family and friends. I loved him 
very much and he's going to be missed.''
  SSGT Self is survived by his mother and step father, Jill Long Self 
and Terry L. Self; his sisters, Misty D. Gann and Sandy Pennington, and 
his brothers, Ronnie Self and Sam Self. He is preceded in death by his 
father Robert A. Self.
  The sacrifice of this brave soldier will always be remembered.

                          ____________________