[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16781]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                SERGEANT 1ST CLASS LINDA TARANGO-GRIESS

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Madam President, I rise today to honor SFC 
Linda Tarango-Griess of Sutton, NE.
  Sergeant First Class Tarango-Griess served bravely in the 267th 
Ordnance Company of the Nebraska National Guard, which was deployed in 
February from Fort Riley, KS. She selflessly gave her time and her 
expertise to preserving American ideals through her service to the 
Guard. At the time of her death, she was serving in Samarra, Iraq, when 
an improvised explosive device detonated near her convoy vehicle.
  Those who knew Sergeant First Class Tarango-Griess were continually 
inspired by the example of leadership she set, her positive attitude 
and her confidence were great assets to her and her colleagues. Her 
family recently set up a memorial in North Platte, NE. One poster, 
especially, demonstrated the ongoing optimism that she helped others to 
see. This poster reads: ``We will miss you. No goodbyes. See you 
later.''
  My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of SFC Linda 
Tarango-Griess, but she will remain as a beacon of dedication and 
patriotism to all Americans from her shining example of commitment 
through her service to the Armed Forces.


                        sergeant jeremy fischer

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I rise today to honor SGT 
Jeremy Fischer of Lincoln, NE.
  SGT Jeremy Fischer bravely dedicated his life to our Nation through 
his service with the 267th Ordnance Company of the Nebraska National 
Guard. Sergeant Fischer was deployed in February from Fort Riley, KS, 
and was serving in Samarra, Iraq at the time of his death on July 11, 
2004, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy 
vehicle.
  While SGT Fischer was in Iraq, he used his knowledge and skills to 
serve the National Guard as a chemical repair specialist, and was part 
of a team that installed armor kits on Humvees to protect soldiers.
  Those who knew him know that he embodied all the qualities people 
admire about Nebraskans. His presence was an asset in any situation. 
His warmth and personality will be missed among his fellow troops, his 
friends, and especially his wife and his family.
  I extend my sincerest thoughts and my deepest thanks to the family of 
SGT Fischer. He will be remembered for the service he has given to the 
American Armed Forces, and the ultimate sacrifice he has made for our 
country.

                          ____________________