[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 4, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S3209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING STAFF SERGEANT JORDY SOESBE

 Mr. ROUNDS. Madam President, today I would like to remember 
the life of retired U.S. Army National Guard SSG Jordy James Soesbe. 
Staff Sergeant Soesbe passed away on May 20, 2019, at the age of 44.
  Jordy Soesbe was born in Burke, SD, and raised on his family's farm 
and ranch in Gregory, SD.
  Soesbe spent more than 20 years in the U.S. Army and Army National 
Guard, retiring in 2017 at the rank of staff sergeant in the National 
Guard. He completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan, serving as a 
gunner on a Humvee, sniper, and prison guard. He served with the Army's 
82nd Airborne Division and 25th Infantry Division and the South Dakota 
National Guard's 235th Military Police Company.
  During his time in the military, he earned numerous commendations and 
medals, including the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, 
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ``M'' Device and 10-year Hourglass 
Device, Army Commendation Medal, and four Army Achievement Medals.
  Aside from his career in the military, he also served as a reserve 
sheriff's deputy with the Meade County Sheriff's Office.
  In his spare time, he was an avid pheasant and deer hunter. He also 
enjoyed spending time at his local shooting range.
  Staff Sergeant Soesbe was not only a hero in life, but also a hero in 
death. As an organ donor, he saved at least three lives. I commend this 
hero for his service, both in life and death, and offer my sincerest 
condolences to his family and friends. He is survived by his mother 
Virginia; brother Brett; daughters Alexandra, McKenna, and Alyssa; and 
numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws.

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