[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11794]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO ARMY RESERVE SPECIALIST MICHAEL J. WIESEMANN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, It is with great pride and respect that I 
pay tribute to Army Reserve Specialist Michael J. Wiesemann for his 
bravery in the field of battle and his willingness to fight for his 
country. Specialist Wiesemann lost his life Saturday, May 29, 2004, in 
a non-combat related injury, while bravely serving in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom for the United States Army. His sacrifice will be remembered at 
funeral services on Wednesday, June 9, 2004, by a community that has 
been struck hard by the devastating loss of one of its own.
  Specialist Wiesemann, 20, was born in Valparaiso, Indiana. He later 
moved to North Judson, Indiana, a small town with a population of 
fifteen hundred, and graduated from North Judson-San Pierre High School 
in 2002. He was known as a great artist with a witty sense of humor. 
After high school, Specialist Weisemann decided to join the Army 
Reserves with the hope that it would assist him financially with 
college, help him fulfill his dream of becoming an artist, and allow 
him to find himself through the discipline and order that it provides.
  Michael's sacrifice for his country is a tribute to his dedication 
and willingness to put others before himself. Those who knew Michael 
best describe him as a kind, fun-loving person, who always wanted to 
help others. He ultimately gave his life while protecting his fellow 
Americans. His courage and heroism will always be remembered, and his 
sacrifice will forever live in the hearts and minds of those for whom 
he fought.
  Specialist Wiesemann is survived by his mother, Karen Bubac, his 
stepfather, Robert Bubac, his father, Duwain Wilson, his brother, 
Travis Bubac, his half-sister, Tori Bubac, and his fiancee Abigail 
Trusty, whom he planned to marry when he returned home from Iraq. These 
individuals were the heroes to a true patriot, so I rise today to honor 
them and recognize their sacrifice during these tumultuous times.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army 
Reserve Specialist Michael J. Wiesemann. Specialist Wiesemann is the 
twenty-third service member from Indiana to sacrifice his life during 
Operation Iraqi Freedom, and his passing comes as a difficult setback 
to a community shaken by the realities of war. Specialist Wiesemann 
will forever remain a hero in the eyes of his family, his community, 
and his country; thus, let us never forget the sacrifice he made to 
preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

                          ____________________