[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 18716]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            IN MEMORY OF SPECIALIST JEFFREY MATTISON WERSHOW

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida) 
is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory 
of Specialist Jeffrey Mattison Wershow. A member of the Florida 
National Guard, Specialist Wershow served admirably before his life was 
tragically ended by an assailant in Baghdad a little over a week ago.
  Jeffrey was the son of Jonathon Wershow and Ann Marie Mattison. At 22 
years old, this young man managed to create a long list of 
accomplishments. After graduating from High School, Jeffrey enlisted in 
the Army and served for three years in the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg. 
Upon fulfilling his obligation as an active duty soldier, Jeffrey 
received an honorable discharge from the Army and returned to 
Gainesville, Florida where he began pursuing his degree at Santa Fe 
Community College.
  Everyone who knew Jeffrey recalls his vast knowledge of history and 
his lifelong desire to be a soldier. One of the most impressive things 
about this young man is that he had enough wisdom at such a young age 
to pursue both of his dreams. While continuing his education at Santa 
Fe and becoming actively and successfully involved in local politics, 
he also passionately served in the Florida National Guard.
  Specialist Jeffrey Wershow was a soldier, a son, a brother, and a 
friend. He was also a proud American who we can all remember as an 
example of why this country is so great. I would like to offer my most 
sincere condolences to his family and friends.

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