[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23251]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               THE LOSS OF SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER S. POTTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 2004

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise to 
recognize the death of Sergeant Christopher S. Potts, a brave soldier 
who served with dignity and honor in Iraq and as a member of the Rhode 
Island National Guard for 14 years. I join his family and the people of 
Rhode Island in mourning this great loss.
  On Sunday, October 3, Sergeant Potts was killed by enemy fire while 
stationed at a traffic checkpoint in Taji, 13 miles north of Baghdad. 
That Sunday was also Sergeant Potts's 38th birthday. A member of A 
Battery, 1st Battalion, 103rd Field Artillery, Sergeant Potts was 
serving his first tour of duty in Iraq. A resident of Tiverton, 
Sergeant Potts led a life of service both to his country and to his 
community. When not on active duty, he worked as a marine mechanic at 
New England Boatworks in Portsmouth.
  I extend my deepest condolences to his parents Jerry Potts and Betty 
Hackett, his sister Kim Evans, his wife Terri, and his sons Christopher 
Jr. and Jackson. The people of Tiverton and Rhode Island have 
demonstrated their appreciation for Sergeant Potts's sacrifice and have 
spoken highly of his contributions to their lives. Those who knew him 
well describe him as a true outdoorsman and a wonderful father. Our 
thoughts and prayers go out especially to his two sons, the greatest 
joy in Sergeant Potts's life.
  His loss causes us to reflect on the bravery demonstrated by our men 
and women in uniform as they carry out their obligations in the face of 
danger. When their nation called them to duty to preserve freedom, 
liberty and the security of their neighbors, they answered without 
hesitation. We remember those who have fallen not only as soldiers, but 
also as patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. May 
we keep their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers as they struggle 
to endure this difficult period.
  We will continue to hope for the safe and speedy return of all of our 
troops serving throughout the world.

                          ____________________