[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20847]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   IN MEMORY OF KEMAPHOOM CHANAWONGSE

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I honor the memory of Marine CPL 
Kemaphoom Chanawongse, of Waterford, CT, who was killed in action 
earlier this year in Iraq.
  Mr. President, those of us who are privileged to live in this great 
Nation of ours know that its greatness is rooted in its people--people 
who have come to this country over the years from lands near and far, 
and have succeeded in making extraordinary contributions to their new 
home. And there is no greater contribution, no greater sacrifice, than 
the one made by Kemaphoom Chanawongse.
  CPL Chanawongse, who was known as ``Ahn,'' came to this country from 
Thailand with his mother and stepfather when he was just a young boy. 
He soon learned to speak English, but also retained his native Thai. He 
enjoyed architecture and engineering, and was a budding artist.
  From the very beginning, Ahn seemed destined to serve his country. 
His family had a proud tradition of military service--his grandfather 
and his uncle were both veterans of the Thai Air Force, and his 
stepfather served in the United States Navy. Even at an early age, Ahn 
would dress up in his stepfather's uniform, perhaps knowing that 
someday, he would proudly wear one of his own.
  Ahn graduated from Waterford High School in 1999, and joined the 
Marines shortly afterwards. He served with the 1st Battalion, 2nd 
Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. His fellow soldiers 
called him ``Chuckles'' for his outgoing personality and sense of 
humor.
  When it came to serving his country, though, Ahn was all business. He 
knew that the path he had chosen was a dangerous one, but he also knew 
that the causes he represented--freedom, democracy, and opportunity--
were worth fighting for.
  Ahn Chanawongse's American dream was a dream cut short--but his story 
is an inspiration to us all. And his bravery, heroism, and valor will 
not be forgotten.
  On behalf of the United States Senate, the State of Connecticut, and 
all of America, I offer my deepest gratitude to Corporal Kemaphoon 
Chanawongse for his service to the United States of America. My utmost 
sympathies go out to Ahn's mother, Tan Patchem, his stepfather Paul, 
his brother Kemapawse, and to all of his friends and family.

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