[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27966]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



             TRIBUTE TO ARMY SPECIALIST JONN JOSEPH EDMUNDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARBARA CUBIN

                               of wyoming

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent the great state of 
Wyoming in this House of Representatives.
  Nothing reminds me more clearly of the true nature of that honor than 
each time I look upon the brave men and women who wear the uniforms of 
America's armed forces.
  I have had the pleasure of meeting many of these young patriots. 
Other times I see their dedicated faces in newspaper photos back home 
to announce their achievements.
  One such photo that I've viewed for the most tragic of reasons 
pictures Army Specialist Jonn Joseph Edmunds of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
  Jonn Edmunds was one of two Army Rangers killed on Friday, October 
19, 2001, in the crash of a helicopter in Pakistan. Jonn and his fellow 
Ranger were the first American combat-related deaths of our necessary 
new war.
  Look at this young mans portrait and you'll instantly recognize a 
fierce determination to be a good warrior, a good American, and a good 
citizen.
  The military men and women defending this nation and its magnificent 
principles in and around Afghanistan have left their homes in little 
towns and big cities all across our country to serve us all.
  Jonn's treasured home was Cheyenne, Wyoming. He belonged to the 
Future Business Leaders of America, was a Wyoming Boys State delegate, 
lettered in academics, and played soccer.
  He graduated from East High School in 1999 and quickly joined the 
Army.
  He became a Ranger five months later and was based in Fort Benning, 
Georgia as a member of the 75th Ranger regiment.
  Jonn's promising future was accompanied by a sworn, sincere promise 
to serve . . . a promise this young man would never dream of breaking . 
. . a promise that led to this tragic loss.
  In a paper written for a high school class a few short years ago, 
Jonn discussed his plans for a long-term Army career. He said, ``I will 
be contributing to myself as well as for the defense of this country 
and for the betterment of the world.''
  No one should doubt that Jonn Edmunds was ready and willing to join 
the fight against terrorism and to help seek justice for the evils our 
nation has endured since the September 11 attacks.
  His father Donn told reporters, ``I'm extremely proud of my son. He 
was doing what he wanted to do.''
  I've called Jonn's family to express my grief at their loss. My 
prayers are with his father Donn and mother Mary, his brother Seth and 
sister Alyssa, Anne, his wife of less than a year, and his other family 
members and friends. I pray that the pain of their sorrows will be 
softened over time by sweet and loving memories.
  Despite their terrible loss, Jonn's family has told us all that their 
support for President Bush and Operation Enduring Freedom remains 
strong. When I think of Jonn and his family, I am humbled. Every 
American should be.
  And we all should be thankful for this gift of honor and dedication 
in the name of justice and freedom.
  God bless Jonn, his family and friends, and his comrades in arms. And 
God bless America.

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