[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 21216]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


               PRIVATE STAFF SERGEANT TRICIA LYNN JAMESON

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Madam President, I rise today to honor SSG 
Tricia Lynn Jameson of Omaha, NE.
  SSG Tricia Lynn Jameson was a dedicated soldier serving in the 
National Guard for over 11 years. Originally born in Aurora, NE, she 
and her family moved to Omaha where Jameson became a 1989 graduate of 
Millard South High School. Jameson began her military career on July 
11, 1994, joining the Army National Guard as a medic.
  Staff Sergeant Jameson was the epitome of a selfless individual, 
always giving a hand to others. During a mission to the Treybul border 
crossing on the Iraqi-Jordan border on July 14, 2005, an improvised 
explosive device off the side of the road struck the M997 ambulance 
that she commanded. Staff Sergeant Jameson bravely lost her life in 
this attack, but she died as she lived, helping others no matter the 
risk to herself, as she was on her way to assist injured marines who 
had been wounded by an earlier device. Wanting to make a difference, 
Staff Sergeant Jameson was a volunteer in the 313th Medical Company, 
GA, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was promoted to sergeant 
first class posthumously.
  Giving her life to save others and to the cause of freedom, Staff 
Sergeant Jameson was the finest example of courage. She is survived by 
her mother, Patricia, and brother, Robert, among many other friends, 
family, and fellow soldiers. I offer my heartfelt prayers and thoughts 
to Staff Sergeant Jameson's family. She made the ultimate and most 
courageous sacrifice to spread freedom and hope and to defend liberty. 
She was a person of incredible altruism, and both Americans and 
Nebraskans alike will not forget what she gave to our great Nation.


                      sergeant jason t. palmerton

  Mr. President, I rise today to honor SGT Jason T. Palmerton of 
Auburn, NE.
  Sergeant Jason Palmerton had a desire to selflessly give his all to 
his country. Born in Hamburg, IA, but growing up in Auburn, NE, he 
graduated from Auburn High School in 1998. After several years doing 
mechanical maintenance in Lincoln, Palmerton decided to enlist in July 
of 2002, requesting to be in the most rigorously trained Special Forces 
Group. Six weeks ago, after nearly 3 years of training, Sergeant 
Palmerton became a Green Beret and was deployed to Afghanistan with his 
12-man team.
  At the age of 25, Sergeant Palmerton died on July 23, 2005, after 
sustaining bullet wounds on dismounted patrol during his service in 
Operation Enduring Freedom in Qal'eh-Yegaz, Afghanistan. He was a 
member of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group based out of Fort 
Bragg, NC. All Americans should honor Sergeant Palmerton's courage and 
patriotism as he aimed to become a highly trained Green Beret from his 
first days in boot camp, knowing both the difficulty and risk 
associated with the achievement. For the past 6 weeks, he continued to 
serve bravely in the unstable and dangerous environment of southern 
Afghanistan.
  Sergeant Palmerton left behind his fiancee, Shelley Austin, parents, 
and numerous other friends, family, and fellow soldiers. I offer my 
sincere condolences and prayers to Sergeant Palmerton's family. He gave 
his life to save and honor the liberties of America, and his passion to 
achieve this end will long be remembered.
  SGT Jason Palmerton's sacrifice is the essence of the American 
freedom and he fought to save that freedom for all Nebraskans and 
Americans alike.

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