[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 8595]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO PFC HOWARD JOHNSON II

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I rise today in memory of PFC Howard 
Johnson II. Private Johnson perished when his supply convoy was 
ambushed in the Iraqi city of Nasiriyah. He served his country with 
dignity, honor, courage and integrity.
  America extends her sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of 
PFC Howard Johnson II upon his death in combat in the service of his 
country. It is a great form of love to give oneself courageously in 
unity with others to make our country safer and to create a better life 
for those long oppressed.
  After completing the LeFlore High School ROTC, Private Johnson joined 
the Army and served in a critical role in the 507th Maintenance 
Company. The unit was ordered to Iraq and was attempting to provide 
service and support to forces moving north, where they were attacked 
and he was killed. He has left behind loving parents, whose lives have 
been given to the service of the Lord.
  Private Johnson is survived by his father, Rev. Howard Johnson, his 
mother, Gloria Johnson, and two sisters, Zsaquez Johnson and Geiselle 
LaVonne Johnson Edwards. His father Reverend Johnson, pastor of 
Truevine Missionary Baptist Church, is a distinguished pastor and 
community leader in the Mobile area, with whom I have worked on 
projects to make Mobile a better place for all. His family grieves for 
their loss but take comfort in the fact that he told his father, as he 
was leaving to go to Kuwait, he knew God was with him.
  Private Johnson sacrificed his life for the betterment of America. 
This nation shall never forget all that he and many others have given 
to our country. Our prayers are that God will have mercy on all those 
who come before him; also, that he grant this family and the world the 
true peace that passes all understanding.

                          ____________________