[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18653]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF ROBERT C. THORNTON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2004

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, Staff Sgt. Robert C. ``Robbie'' 
Thornton, Jr., 35, of Fort Hood, TX, died on August 23, 2004 in Iraq. 
Staff Sgt. Thornton was a tank commander in the 1st Squadron, 7th 
Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX, and was killed 
when his patrol came under rocket-propelled grenade attack. He is 
survived by his wife Ellen, and children, Bradley, 6, and Breanna, 3. 
He is the son of Dominique Thornton, of Belen, NM, and retired Lt. Col. 
Robert Thornton, Sr.
  Robbie Thornton was eager to serve his country, Mr. Speaker, and 
loved classical music. He was a graduate of Jacksonville High School in 
Jacksonville, Alabama, where he was known for his athletic ability, and 
attended Jacksonville State University. Like every other soldier, he 
dutifully left behind his family and loved ones to serve our country 
overseas.
  Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and 
for the gratitude our country feels for his service. Staff Sgt. 
Thornton died serving not just the United States, but the entire cause 
of liberty, on a noble mission to help spread the cause of freedom in 
Iraq and liberate an oppressed people from tyrannical rule.
  We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his 
sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and 
willingness to serve.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the House's remembrance on this mournful 
day.

                          ____________________