[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20342]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF ARMY RESERVE PRIVATE FIRST CLASS NATHAN STAHL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and respect that I 
wish to commend Army Reserve Private First Class Nathan Stahl for his 
bravery in the field of battle and his willingness to fight for his 
country. In January 2004 Private Stahl was assigned to the 2nd 
Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment from Fort Lewis, Washington. Private 
First Class Stahl lost his life on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 in 
central Iraq when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device. His 
sacrifice will be remembered at funeral services on Friday, October 1, 
2004 by a community that has been struck hard by the devastating loss 
of one of its own.
  A native of Highland, Indiana, Private Nathan E. Stahl graduated from 
Highland High School. Private Stahl loved documentary-style war movies 
and dreamed of becoming a United States Army Ranger. As a teen, he 
joined the Civil Air Patrol Air Force Academy. Private Stahl enlisted 
in the army before his high school graduation, and the experience he 
gained from the Civil Air Patrol immediately earned him the rank of 
Private First Class out of basic training.
  It came as no surprise to those who knew Private Stahl that he would 
serve his country. A true patriot, his love for his country was evident 
from the time that he was a child. He wanted to help make a difference 
in the world. At the age of 13 he insisted he and his mother talk with 
Army recruiters. He left for basic training at 19. Private Stahl wanted 
to be a hero. Despite the danger, Private Stahl's mother signed her 
son's release papers because she knew it was what he wanted. He was 
initially sent to the airborne infantry for training but they found an 
opening for him in the United States Army Rangers and he was ecstatic. 
Private Stahl felt tremendous pride for his country, and he was willing 
to endanger his own life to protect the lives of his fellow citizens. 
His courage and heroism will always be remembered, and his sacrifice 
will forever live in the hearts and minds of those for whom he battled. 
He gave his life so that the freedoms and values that he treasured 
could be enjoyed by those around the world.
  Although he loved his unit and his country, Private Stahl treasured 
his family above all else. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, 
Towina and Rodney Nightingale, his father and stepmother, Max and 
Virginia Stahl, and two sisters, Nicole and Abigail. Private Stahl will 
also be deeply missed by his fiancee Tiffany Metzler, who is currently 
serving in the United States Army. These individuals were the heroes to 
a man that we will forever call a hero, and we should honor them in 
this tumultuous moment as well.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army 
Reserve Private First Class Nathan E. Stahl. He will forever remain a 
hero in the eyes of his family, his community, and his country. Let us 
never forget the sacrifice he made to preserve the ideals of freedom 
and democracy.

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