[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Pages 17452-17454]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                        Corporal Tommy L. Parker

  Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I rise to pay tribute to an 
authentic American hero who gave his life in the defense of his Nation. 
Cpl Tommy L. Parker, Jr., 21, of Heber Springs was one of four marines 
killed June 21 in Ramadi, Iraq. He was serving with a sniper platoon of 
the First Marine Division out of Camp Pendleton, CA.
  Tommy was a 2001 graduate of Triple S Christian Academy. The Rev. 
John Bishop, who taught Tommy, praised his devotion to his faith, 
saying that even when surrounded by tough marines he was not too shy to 
give witness to his beliefs. As Tommy prepared to leave for Iraq, 
Bishop said Parker's wife told him, he remarked that the experience was 
bringing him closer to God.
  Tommy is survived by his wife, Carla Parker; his daughter, Lara; and 
his parents, Tommy and Renatta.
  Tommy's sacrifice is a shining example of the commitment that is 
necessary to keep this Nation free. When his Nation called, he 
answered. Our prayers and gratitude go out to his family for the great 
service that Tommy rendered to our Nation.


                    Staff Sergeant Dustin W. Peters

  Mr. President, today I also wish to pay tribute to a brave Arkansan 
who gave his life for the cause of freedom. Air Force SSgt Dustin W. 
Peters was killed July 11 when his convoy was hit by homemade bombs 
about 150 miles north of Baghdad.
  Dustin was born August 22, 1978, in Texarkana, TX. He attended high 
school in El Dorado, KS, and in Shirley, AR, before going into the Air 
Force in 1997. Dustin received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart 
posthumously. The Bronze Star Medal is given to individuals who 
distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or 
meritorious service while serving in a combat theater, according to 
base officials. Dustin received his for heroism.
  Dustin is survived by his son, Dalton, of El Dorado, KS; his mother, 
Linda Benning, of Shirley, AR; and his father, Dennis, of Enid, OK.
  His fellow airmen said of Dustin that ``you could count on . . . his 
service to our country and others always came ahead of his own needs 
and desires. His loss has touched us deeply, and we will miss him.'' 
Not only will his fellow airmen miss him but a grateful Nation will 
miss him. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.


                        Private Van Ryan Marcum

  Mr. President, today I also wish to pay tribute to a brave young 
Arkansan who lost his life training to become a member of the United 
States Army. PVT Van Ryan Marcum, 21, a native of Prescott, AR, was 
electrocuted June 19 during an infantry basic training exercise when he 
touched a metal structure electrically charged by a faulty light 
fixture.
  Van Ryan Marcum was memorialized at Fort Benning, GA. Joining the 220 
soldiers from Charlie Company, with whom Marcum served, were his 
mother, grandmother, uncle and other family members invited to witness 
the tribute to the young man so interested in becoming an Army Ranger. 
As the ceremony unfolded, some soldiers grieved silently with bowed 
heads; others could not suppress quiet sniffles as the music played and 
the tributes were delivered.
  CPT Kevin Salge, commander of Charlie Company, was quoted as saying 
that it was an honor to count among his unit's soldiers a trooper such 
as Marcum, who had a bright future in the military. ``As soon as he 
completed a task he was ready for another. He carried his weight and 
more,'' Salge said. ``He would have been a great addition to the 
Army.''
  Van's desire to defend his Nation is a tribute to his courage and 
dedication. We honor the sacrifice he made in the service of his 
country.


                     SPECIALIST DONALD R. McCUNE II

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep 
sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man who grew up 
in South Bend, IN. SP Donald R. McCune II, 20 years old, died on August 
5 in a hospital in Landstuhl, Germany from injuries sustained after an 
explosive device detonated near his patrol vehicle in Balad, Iraq. With 
his entire life before him, Donald chose to risk everything to fight 
for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway 
around the world.
  Donald spent his early childhood through part of high school in South 
Bend before moving to Michigan. He joined the Army National Guard 
shortly thereafter, following a long family tradition of military 
service. According to family and friends, enlisting was something he 
felt he needed to do. Donald was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 161st 
Infantry Regiment, Army National Guard, Moses Lake, WA. Previously, he 
served with an Army Reserve unit based in Fraser for almost 2 years. 
This past spring, Donald was deployed to Iraq, where he bravely fought 
for 3 months before sacrificing his life for the worthy cause of 
freedom. Rick Monier, Donald's grandfather told the Detroit Free Press, 
``It was sad he had to pass away--he or any other soldier--but it was 
for freedom, and he believed in the cause.''
  Donald was the thirty-first Hoosier soldier to be killed while 
serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This brave young 
soldier leaves behind his mother, Darcy Lewis; his stepfather Benjamin 
Lewis; his father, Donald McCune; his sister, Casandra Karczewski; his 
brother, Josh McCune; his grandmother, Gladys Gilbert; his grandfather, 
Rick Monier; his step-grandmother, Dianne Ronier; and his maternal 
great-grandmother, Beth Gilbert.
  Today, I join Donald's family, his friends and all Americans in 
mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this 
tremendous loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely 
fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and 
strength of character that people will remember when they think of 
Donald, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days 
of conflict and grief.
  Donald was known for his dedicated spirit and his love of country. 
When looking back on the life of her late son and his plans for the 
future, Darcy told the Detroit Free Press, ``He knew the risks of 
fighting and had even talked about returning to Iraq after his stint 
was over and doing security work.'' Today and always, Donald will be 
remembered by family members, friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true 
American hero and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully 
serving his country.

[[Page 17453]]

  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Donald's sacrifice, I 
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families 
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg:

       We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow 
     this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled 
     here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or 
     detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we 
     say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

  This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, 
as I am certain that the impact of Donald's actions will live on far 
longer than any record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Donald R. McCune II in the 
official record of the United States Senate for his service to this 
country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and 
peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and 
the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope 
that families like Donald's can find comfort in the words of the 
prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the 
Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Donald.


                   Private First Class Luis A. Perez

  Mr. President, I also rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of 
gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man who grew up in East 
Chicago, IN. PFC Luis A. Perez, 19 years old, died on August 16 when 
the fuel truck he was driving struck a land mine in Iraq. With his 
entire life before him, Luis chose to risk everything to fight for the 
values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the 
world.
  Luis spent his early childhood in East Chicago where he attended 
McKinley Elementary School before moving to Hammond and attending 
Morton High School. He joined the Army Reserves shortly after 
graduating from high school, following in his father's footsteps of 
military service. Luis was assigned to the 223rd Transportation 
Company, United States Reserve, Norristown, PA. This summer, Luis was 
deployed to Kuwait and from there was sent to Iraq, where he bravely 
fought before sacrificing his life for the worthy cause of freedom.
  Luis was the thirty-third Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving 
his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This brave young soldier leaves 
behind his wife, Theresa; his mother, Maria Miranda; his father, Jose; 
his grandmother, Clara Madrigal; and two sisters.
  Today, I join Luis' family, his friends and all Americans in mourning 
his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over this tremendous 
loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to 
make the world a safer place. It is his courage and strength of 
character that people will remember when they think of Luis, a memory 
that will burn brightly during these continuing days of conflict and 
grief.
  Luis was known for his dedicated spirit and his love of country. 
According to family and friends, enlisting was something Luis had 
wanted to do since he was very young. His grandmother, Clara Madrigal 
told the Times of Northwest Indiana that she remembers Luis as a boy 
saying that he wanted to grow up and be a ``green man.'' When Clara 
inquired as to what a ``green man'' was, her grandson responded, ``A 
soldier, like my father.'' Aside from being a soldier, Luis enjoyed 
playing video games and basketball and writing poetry. Today and 
always, Luis will be remembered by family members, friends and fellow 
Hoosiers as a true American hero and we honor the sacrifice he made 
while dutifully serving his country.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Luis' sacrifice, I am 
reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families of 
the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot 
consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and 
dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power 
to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we 
say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement 
is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain 
that the impact of Luis' actions will live on far longer than any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Luis A. Perez in the official 
record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country and for his 
profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I think about 
this just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain that 
comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like Luis' can 
find comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will 
swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from 
off all faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Luis.


                        sergeant david m. heath

  Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude 
to honor the life of a brave young man from LaPorte, IN. SGT David M. 
Heath, 20 years old, died on August 16 in the Sadr City district of 
Baghdad when his patrol came under a small arms and rocket-propelled 
grenade attack. With his entire life before him, David chose to risk 
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, 
in a land halfway around the world.
  David attended New Prairie High School until 10th grade before moving 
to nearby LaPorte. There, he met his wife Donna, and in September 2001 
decided to join the military to support his family and make his father 
proud. After his first 10-month assignment in Iraq in 2003, David 
returned home but decided to re-enlist expecting to move to Germany. 
Instead, his orders were to report to another tour of duty in Iraq. 
David's stepfather, Ed Modjeska, told the Laporte Herald-Argus that 
David realized his second trip overseas would be dangerous, ``but he 
knew he had to go, it was his job. . . .  He wanted to serve his 
country.''
  David was the 32nd Hoosier soldier to be killed while serving his 
country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This brave young soldier leaves 
behind his wife Donna Heath; his son Derek; and his stepdaughter, 
Angela Riffel. May David's children grow up knowing that their father 
gave his life so that young Iraqis will some day know the freedom they 
enjoy.
  Today, I join David's family, his friends and the entire LaPorte 
community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow 
over his death, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely 
fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and 
strength of character that people will remember when they think of 
David, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of 
conflict and grief.
  David, a fourth-generation soldier, was known for his dedication to 
family and his love of country. When looking back on David's life, 
family friend Robin Dingman told WSBT-TV of South Bend that ``He loved 
his kids, he loved his wife, he love NASCAR, but that was a given. As 
bad as this is, he died nobly, and that is a great honor.'' Today and 
always, David will be remembered by family members, friends and fellow 
Hoosiers as a true American hero and we honor the sacrifice he made 
while dutifully serving his country.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring David's sacrifice, I 
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families 
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot 
consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and 
dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power 
to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we 
say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement 
is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain 
that the impact of David's actions will live on far longer than any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of David M. Heath in the official 
record of the U.S. Senate for his service to

[[Page 17454]]

this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and 
peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and 
the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope 
that families like David's can find comfort in the words of the prophet 
Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord 
God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with David.


                   Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Knott

  Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I rise to express my sympathy over the loss 
of Eric Knott of Grand Island, NE, a Petty Officer 3rd Class in the 
U.S. Navy. Petty Officer Knott was killed in Iraq on September 4 in a 
mortar attack while working at a construction site. He was 21 years 
old.
  Petty Officer Knott will be remembered as a proud individual 
dedicated to serving his country. He joined the U.S. Navy in 2001 after 
graduating from Grand Island Senior High School and became a Navy 
Seabee so he could learn specialty welding and help others. Petty 
Officer Knott spent about 9 months in Iraq last year and was recently 
redeployed in August. He had just been promoted and was overseeing a 
three-person unit.
  Petty Officer Knott is survived by his parents Randy Knott of Grand 
Island and Vera Thorpe of Hastings; step-mother, Teri Knott of Grand 
Island; step-father Steve Thorpe of Hastings; brothers William and Tim 
of Seward; sister Angela of Lincoln; and grandparents Lyle and Arlene 
Knott and Masel Anderson, all of Grand Island. Our thoughts and prayers 
are with them at this difficult time. America is proud of Eric Knott's 
service and mourns his loss.
  For his service, bravery, and sacrifice, I ask my colleagues to join 
me and all Americans in honoring Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Knott.

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