[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23956]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING STAFF SERGEANT THEODORE ``SAM'' HOLDER II

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep regret and heartfelt 
admiration that I rise today honor a fallen Marine from my district, 
Staff Sergeant Theodore ``Sam'' Holder II of Littleton. Sadly, Staff 
Sergeant Holder was killed in the line of duty during combat operations 
on Veterans Day in the AI Anbar Province of Iraq.
  Staff Sergeant Holder was an Infantry Unit Leader with Company A, 1st 
Light Armored Recon, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental 
Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force based 
in Camp Pendleton, California.
  His unit was fighting terrorists in Fallujah. He was just 27 years 
old.
  ``Sam'' was a graduate of Green Mountain High School in Lakewood, and 
served his country for 8 years with distinction including tours 
protecting American diplomats and interests abroad at our Embassies. He 
also guarded Secretary of State Colin Powell at one time, and met both 
President George W. Bush and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. 
His friends described him as ``a special person,'' and ``the ultimate 
Marine.''
  He was an accomplished soldier whose awards include the Navy and 
Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, 
the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, the Marine Security 
Guard Ribbon and the National Service Defense Medal.
  Mr. Speaker, my deepest sympathies go out to the family of Staff 
Sergeant Holder. He served his country honorably and with distinction 
in the War on Terror, making the ultimate sacrifice fighting for 
freedom and democracy in defense of a grateful Nation. He will be 
missed by all who knew and loved him.
  Americans owe him a great debt of gratitude. His dedication and 
bravery will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________