[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 7226]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                     Lance Corporal Benjamin Carman

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to LCpl 
Benjamin Robert Carman who bravely gave his life for our country in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. I offer my deepest sympathy to his parents, 
Marie and Nelson, as well as his siblings; James, Catherine, and 
Amelia. LCpl Carman was killed in action by small arms fire during 
combat operations in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq on Tuesday, April 6, 
2004.
  LCpl Carman is the eleventh Iowan to be killed in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. I appreciate his faithful service to our country and the 
patriotic mission that he died supporting. The attitude that Ben had 
toward his military service was summarized by his pastor at his 
funeral; ``Ben died because he loved freedom. He died because he loved 
justice.'' LCpl Carman was not afraid to courageously serve his country 
and accomplish his duty. As an Iowan, I am proud of this exemplary 
young man who will be missed by many.
  Ben Carman graduated from Jefferson-Scranton High School in 2002 
where he excelled in the industrial arts, winning first in the State on 
several occasions in the sheet metal category of an industrial skills 
contest. He also participated in football and golf and was well loved 
by his classmates. Ben also loved the outdoors and his hobbies included 
fishing, hunting and camping. He was a proud Marine who proved himself 
to be a true hero and patriot. LCpl Ben Carman lived out the Marine 
motto, Semper Fidelis, always faithful, and is a credit to his State 
and to his country. I again express my sympathy for Ben's family and my 
gratitude for his courageous service.

                          ____________________