[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[House]
[Pages 23582-23583]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO ARMY SPECIALIST RAYMOND L. WHITE

  (Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, the Bible tells us if you owe debts, pay 
debts; if honor, then honor; if respect, then respect. I rise humbly 
today to pay a debt of honor and respect to Army Specialist Raymond L. 
White of Elwood, Indiana.
  On November 12, 2004, Ray lost his life while fighting to defend 
America and liberate Iraq. His convoy, with the 1st Battalion, 8th 
Cavalry Regiment, 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood, Texas, was ambushed 
this last Friday by 30 insurgents while traveling near Baghdad to meet 
with local community leaders.
  Ray died, according to all of his superiors and all of those present, 
courageously providing cover to protect his fellow soldiers. While 
there were injuries, there were no casualties as a result of his self-
sacrifice. His bravery saved the lives of each of his men.
  Ray was a hero who believed in this great Nation. As his father 
recounted to me yesterday, Ray recently told his mother, ``It is my 
patriotic duty, mom. I would rather fight terrorists in their country 
than have them come here and have my friends, family and Americans 
killed on our soil.''
  He entered the military in April of 2003 to fulfill his duty, 
following in the footsteps of his father, uncle, grandfather and great-
grandfather.
  Madam Speaker, Specialist Raymond White is a hero, whose service and 
sacrifice brought freedom to 25 million Iraqis. Memory of his sacrifice 
will forever be emblazoned on hearts of two grateful nations.
  I offer my deepest condolence to his parents, Henry and Sharon, his 
three brothers, Henry, Jesse and Daniel, his grandparents Clayton and 
Clara

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Menefee, and John Francis, and all other families and friends who loved 
and admired this courageous American hero.
  May God rest the soul of Army Specialist Raymond White.

                          ____________________