[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8728]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO SPECIALIST KENNETH ALAN ``KENNY'' MELTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 2004

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero. 
Specialist Kenneth Alan ``Kenny'' Melton was killed when the convoy he 
was riding in was hit by a roadside bomb and small fire by insurgents 
near Baghdad. Specialist Melton was 30 years old.
  Specialist Melton joined the Army in 1992 and served in Iraq as a 
member of the Arkansas National Guard's 39th Infantry Brigade. He was 
following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who also 
served their country in the Army. His service is a testament to his 
dedication to the spirit of this nation and should be admired and 
respected.
  Despite his notable dedication to his country, he was a husband and a 
father first. A son, a brother and a friend to the community, 
Specialist Melton was a very positive young man with an overwhelming 
sense of patriotism.
  We can ask nothing greater from a human being than to anonymously 
fight to help people they may have never met. To die for the freedom of 
others may not carry with it an adequate expression to illustrate the 
debt it generates. Specialist Melton has the respect of those whose 
lives he touched, and, now, grieving family and friends who I offer my 
deepest sympathies.
  Specialist Melton will be remembered for his honor, his mettle, his 
bravery and his commitment to his family, his God and his country. On 
behalf of the Congress, I extend my utmost respect for a fine American, 
a loving father, husband and son, and the perfect model of a patriot.

                          ____________________