[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 16205-16206]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         COMMEMORATING SGT. FIRST CLASS CHRISTOPHER JAMES SPEER

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, as we meet here just days from the 
anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country, it is my sad duty 
to report that another of my statesmen has lost his life in the war on 
terror. Sergeant First Class Christopher James Speer, a former resident 
of Albuquerque, NM, died on August 7, 2002 as a result of wounds he 
sustained during a firefight with suspected terrorists in Afghanistan. 
Today, I want to take a few moments to convey my condolences to the 
Speer family, and to talk a little bit about who this special young man 
was.
  Christopher Speer was a 1992 graduate of Sandia High School in 
Albuquerque. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and 
became a medical specialist. In 1994, he volunteered for and was 
selected for Special Forces training. After completing this training, 
he was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Airborne Group at Fort Bragg, 
North Carolina where he served as a medical sergeant. Last spring, 
Christopher was sent to Afghanistan as part of a Joint Special 
Operations task force.
  On July 27th of this year, Christopher took part in a U.S. operation 
aimed at confirming intelligence about enemy activities in one of the 
most dangerous parts of Afghanistan. During that operation, our troops 
were ambushed and a four-hour gunbattle ensued. During this battle, 
five American personnel were wounded, and one of them--Christopher 
Speer--lost his life. For his valor and ten years of dedicated service 
to country Christopher received the Soldier's Medal, the Bronze Star 
with ``V'' device, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service 
Medal, the

[[Page 16206]]

Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and two Army 
Achievement Medals.
  In addition to patriot, Christopher was very much a family man, as 
well. And for those family members who knew him best and loved him 
most, this September 9th will be especially difficult. Because on that 
day, Christopher was to have turned 29 years old. To Tabitha, his wife; 
to Taryn and Tanner, his children; and to Betty, his mother, Nancy and 
I sent heartfelt prayers on behalf of all New Mexicans as well as the 
appreciation of a grateful nation.

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