[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Pages 10465-10466]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM

 Mr. FITZGERALD. Mr. President, I rise today with great pride 
to pay tribute to our Armed Forces involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 
Thanks to the dedication and valor of more than 200,000 of our brave 
men and women in uniform, the Iraqi people have been liberated from the 
oppressive and murderous grip of Saddam Hussein and, I believe, this 
Nation and the world are safer today than they were a few weeks ago.
  The successes of our Armed Forces in Iraq are unprecedented. In 3 
short weeks, our troops marched 300 miles to the heart of Baghdad, 
liberated fortified Iraqi cities along the way, and removed Saddam 
Hussein's entrenched, brutal regime from power. All the while, they 
worked honorably to minimize civilian casualties, preserve Iraq's 
infrastructure, distribute food and medical aid to innocent Iraqis, and 
treat enemy POWs with dignity and respect. In short, our troops engaged 
in battle with purpose, determination, and compassion. They not only 
defended but embodied American values. Their service on our behalf 
should make all Americans proud.
  Yet we know that this war, like any war, was not won without cost. 
Despite the unprecedented achievements of Operation Iraqi Freedom, both 
in terms of a mission accomplished and the relatively few coalition 
casualties, American lives were lost. More than 100 U.S. soldiers, who 
volunteered to trade the comforts of family and home for a desert 
battlefield halfway around the world, will not see the fruits of their 
sacrifice. They join those brave souls throughout our history who died 
for freedom's cause. As we salute the members of our Armed Forces for a 
job well done, we pay solemn tribute to all those whose ultimate 
sacrifice helped make victory in Iraq possible.
  Moreover, Mr. President, as we honor the collective sacrifice by all 
our military men and women, we remember our fallen heroes as 
individuals. We recall the lives and legacy of those who died to 
protect us. Each name represents a

[[Page 10466]]

life--a mother, a father, a sister, a brother, a son, a daughter, a 
husband, a wife. Each leaves behind someone who was touched by their 
goodness and sustained by their love. Each has a story that deserves to 
be told.
  I would like to take a few moments to recall those fallen heroes from 
my home State of Illinois. Seven young men from various parts of my 
State have lost their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Marine Captain Ryan Beaupre from St. Anne, IL, age 30, died piloting 
a helicopter that crashed a few miles from the Iraqi border. Ryan was 
an honor student and athlete at Bishop McNamara High School and 
received a bachelor's degree at Illinois Wesleyan College. He left a 
promising career in the insurance business to serve his country and 
fulfill his boyhood dream of flying. Ryan lived his dream as a pilot in 
the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. According to friends and relatives, 
Ryan was the ``boy next door''--red hair, freckles, and a wide smile. 
As one friend put it, Ryan ``would be anybody's friend and apparently 
he was.''
  Marine Private Jonathan Lee Gifford from Decatur, IL, age 30, was 
killed in an ambush in Southern Iraq. Jonathan served in the 1st 
Battalion, 2nd Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, which suffered 
heavy casualties in the first days of the war. A 1991 graduate of 
Stephen Decatur High School, Jonathan joined the Marines in 2001, 
fulfilling an ambition he had harbored since he was a teenager. His 
loved ones say Jonathan was always for the underdog, an attitude which 
helped motivate his service in Iraq. He leaves behind friends and 
family, including a much loved four-year-old daughter.
  Marine Corporal Evan James from La Harpe, IL, age 20, was killed 
trying to cross a canal in southeastern Iraq. CPL James, a recent 
graduate from La Harpe High School, served with the 6th Engineering 
Support Battalion based in Peoria, Illinois. Prior to being called to 
active duty, Evan had been studying at Southern Illinois University to 
be a physical fitness trainer. According to those who knew him best, 
Evan was an incredibly giving young man. As one high school friend 
said, ``Evan was an all-American boy. He would do anything for his 
country, for his school, for his friends.''
  Marine Corporal Brian Matthew Kennedy from Glenview, IL, age 25, was 
killed when his helicopter crashed south of Iraq. Brian attended 
Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, where his grit and 
determination enabled him to be a successful starting offensive lineman 
for the football team at a mere 170 pounds. That same determination 
served Brian well throughout his all too brief life. Brian's friends 
and family describe him as an extraordinarily conscientious young man 
with a firmly positive outlook on life. As a member of the 3d Marine 
Aircraft Wing, Corporal Kennedy was the quintessential marine: He took 
pride in everything he did and met life's challenges with skill and 
determination.
  Army Specialist Brandon Rowe from Roscoe, IL, age 20, was killed in 
an ambush near the Iraqi city of Najaf. A recent graduate of Hononegah 
High School, Brandon was the youngest of four siblings. Shortly after 
his high school graduation, Brandon joined the 101st Airborne Division 
based in Campbell, KY. Gifted with thoughtfulness and humor, Army SP 
Rowe was known for using wit and laughter to put others at ease. 
Brandon's family said he genuinely believed in his mission and knew his 
service would help liberate oppressed Iraqis.
  Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollinsaid from Malden, IL, age 27, was killed 
by enemy fire as he led his unit into combat. A soldier in the 11th 
Engineer Battalion, Lincoln joined the Army in 1995, shortly after 
graduating from Princeton High School in Malden. Lincoln's father has 
said his son loved two things: the military and the outdoors. When he 
wasn't marching for the Army, he was marching through the mountains, 
hunting and fishing. Never one to shy from duty, SSG Hollinsaid had 
transferred to a new military unit prior to the war to improve his 
chances for combat.
  First Sergeant Edward Smith, age 38, grew up in Chicago. He died from 
wounds suffered in battle. Edward had been serving as a reserve police 
officer in Anaheim, CA before being called to active duty as a member 
of the 1st Marine Division. Edward's wife Sandy described her husband 
this way: ``He was an unbelievable man. He had such a good heart. He 
cared about people. He was just the best man I've ever known.'' Edward 
leaves behind a loving wife and three young children.
  Mr. President, these young individuals were ordinary men who lived 
extraordinary lives of service to America and the cause of freedom. 
They had many promising years ahead of them, and they leave behind 
family and friends who will miss them dearly. As we mourn their loss, 
we honor their sacrifice. On behalf of the Senate and the proud state 
of Illinois, I salute these fine young men and all the other soldiers 
killed in combat, and wish their loved ones comfort, peace, and peace 
of mind. To them I say on behalf of our country: Your loved ones were 
truly heroes. Their bravery and dedication will live in our memories 
for all time.

                          ____________________