[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 21368]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING STAFF SERGEANT MARK LAWTON

 Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor one of our 
fallen heroes of my State and this great Nation. SSG Mark A. Lawton was 
killed in action while serving our country in support of Operation 
Iraqi Freedom.
  Sergeant Lawton served honorably with the 244th Engineer Battalion, 
U.S. Army Reserve of Grand Junction, CO. He was one of the many 
citizens soldiers who took up the charge and left family and career 
when asked to defend the principles of freedom and democracy. Like all 
reservists and National Guard members, he balanced his responsibilities 
to his country with those to all that cared for and depended on him.
  Staff Sergeant Lawton's unit was activated in February and are 
responsible for constructing roads and bridges, improving irrigation 
and building playgrounds for the children of Iraq. The 244th is 
creating a better place for Iraqis, and Sergeant Lawton helped raise 
the quality of life. Colorado is proud of the actions of Sergeant 
Lawton, the 244th and all of our servicemen and women serving during 
this operation.
  Staff Sergeant Lawton lived in Hayden, CO, with his wife, Sherri, and 
two sons, Dustin and Tanner.
  Mr. President, I rise today to posthumously thank Staff Sergeant 
Lawton for his service and ultimate sacrifice to this great Nation and 
applaud him as a hero to Colorado and all of the United States.

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