[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Pages 5519-5522]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                    Master Sergeant Michael Hiester

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep 
sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from 
Bluffton. Master Sergeant Michael Hiester, 33 years old, was one of 
four Indiana National Guardsmen who died on March 26 when a land mine 
exploded under their military vehicle south of Kabul. With his life 
before him, Michael risked everything to fight for the values Americans 
hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
  A devoted father of two young children, Michael served as a part-time 
firefighter in his hometown of Bluffton, in addition to being a member 
of the Indiana National Guard. Like most things Michael set his mind 
to, he was successful in his military career. A full-time Guardsman 
since 1990, Michael was promoted to master sergeant 3 months ago. He 
had previously served his country in Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of the 
Indiana Guard's peacekeeping assignment. According to friends and 
family, Michael was also a real estate appraiser and an avid athlete 
who loved diving and cycling. Mayor Ted Ellis shared memories of 
Michael with the Associated Press, saying, that he ``was just the kind 
of guy that every parent wants their child to be like--outgoing and 
hardworking and always thinking about something that they could do out 
there for the community.'' I stand here today to express gratitude for 
Michael's sacrifices and for those made by the entire Hiester family on 
behalf of our country.
  Michael was killed while serving his country in Operation Enduring 
Freedom. He was a member of the Indiana National Guard's 76th Infantry 
Brigade. This brave young soldier leaves behind his wife Dawn, a 6-
year-old daughter, Emily, and a 4-year-old son, Adam.
  Today, I join Michael's family, his friends and the entire Bluffton 
community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow 
over this loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely 
fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and 
strength of character that people will remember when they think of 
Michael, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days 
of conflict and grief.
  Michael was known for his dedication to family and his love of 
country. Today and always, Michael will be remembered by family 
members, friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true American

[[Page 5520]]

hero and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his 
country.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Michael's sacrifice, 
I am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the 
families of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we 
cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living 
and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor 
power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember 
what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This 
statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am 
certain that the impact of Michael's actions will live on far longer 
than any record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Michael Hiester in the 
Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country 
and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I 
think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the 
unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that 
families like Michael's can find comfort in the words of the prophet 
Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord 
God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Michael.


                    Army Specialist Brett M. Hershey

  Mr. President, I also wish to honor the life of a brave young man who 
grew up in Indianapolis. Army SPC Brett M. Hershey, 23 years old, was 
one of four Indiana National Guardsmen who died on March 26th when a 
land mine exploded under their military vehicle south of Kabul. With 
his entire life before him, Brett risked everything to fight for the 
values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the 
world.
  A 2000 graduate of North Central High School in Indianapolis, Brett 
was just seven credits shy of graduating from Indiana University in 
Bloomington, when he left for Afghanistan. Friends and teachers recount 
that at North Central, Brett was a model student with an ever-present 
smile, who was involved in religious groups, varsity lacrosse and 
student government. Brett's older brother, Nate, recalled his brother's 
vibrant spirit when speaking to the Indianapolis Star saying, Brett 
``loved people very well, and he loved them because his first love was 
Jesus. He was funny, witty and passionate about just sucking the marrow 
out of life. He always wanted people to know they were loved.''
  Brett was killed while serving his country in Operation Enduring 
Freedom. He was a member of the Indiana National Guard's 76th Infantry 
Brigade. This brave young soldier leaves behind his mother Roxanne; his 
father Roger; his sister Abby; his brother Nathan; and his sister 
Nicole.
  Today, I join Brett's family and friends in mourning his death. While 
we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride 
in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer 
place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will 
remember when they think of Brett, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Brett was known for his deep faith, his dedication to his family, and 
his love of country. Today and always, Brett will be remembered by 
family members, friends, and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero, 
and we honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Brett's sacrifice, I 
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families 
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot 
consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and 
dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power 
to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we 
say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement 
is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain 
that the impact of Brett's actions will live on far longer than any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Brett M. Hershey in the 
Congressional Record of the United States Senate for his service to 
this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy, and 
peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and 
the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope 
that families like Brett's can find comfort in the words of the prophet 
Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord 
God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Brett.


                       Captain Michael T. Fiscus

  Mr. President, I honor the life of a brave young man from Milford. 
Captain Michael ``Todd'' Fiscus, 36 years old, was one of four Indiana 
National Guardsmen who died on March 26 when a land mine exploded under 
their military vehicle south of Kabul. With his entire life before him, 
Todd risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to 
our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
  A devoted father of two daughters and a successful soldier, Todd 
joined the Indiana Air National Guard about 16 years ago before 
switching to the Army National Guard. In joining the Guard, Todd 
followed a family tradition of service, as his father, Captain Mike 
Fiscus, also serves in the Army Guard. Outside of his missions to 
Afghanistan and Bosnia-Herzegovina, Todd flew charter planes. His wife 
Paula shared memories of Todd with the Indianapolis Star, recounting 
that ``he wanted to be out there making a difference.'' A neighbor told 
a local television station, ``As a neighbor and friend--he was a 
wonderful, wonderful man--great father and a great husband.'' I stand 
here today to express gratitude for Todd's sacrifices and for those 
made by the entire Fiscus family on behalf of our country.
  Todd was killed while serving his country in Operation Enduring 
Freedom. He was a member of the Indiana National Guard's 76th Infantry 
Brigade. This brave soldier leaves behind his wife Paula and his two 
young daughters: Alexandra, 5, and Gabrielle, 4.
  Today, I join Todd's family, his friends and the entire Milford 
community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow 
over this loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely 
fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and 
strength of character that people will remember when they think of 
Todd, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of 
conflict and grief.
  Todd was known for his dedication to family and his love of country. 
Today and always, Todd will be remembered by family members, friends 
and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero and we honor the sacrifice 
he made while dutifully serving his country.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Todd's sacrifice, I 
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families 
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot 
consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and 
dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power 
to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we 
say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement 
is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain 
that the impact of Todd's actions will live on far longer than any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Michael ``Todd'' Fiscus in the 
Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country 
and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I 
think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and the 
unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope that 
families like Todd's can find comfort in the words of the prophet 
Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord 
God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''

[[Page 5521]]

  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Todd.


                   Specialist Norman ``Kyle'' Snyder

  Mr. President, I also honor the life of a brave young man from 
Carlisle. Army SPC Norman ``Kyle'' Snyder, 21 years old, was one of 
four Indiana National Guardsmen who died on March 26 when a land mine 
exploded under their military vehicle south of Kabul. With his entire 
life before him, Kyle risked everything to fight for the values 
Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
  After graduating from Sullivan High School, Kyle joined the National 
Guard, a dream he had long held. A country music fan with many friends, 
Kyle had hoped to attend college in the coming fall. By joining the 
National Guard, Kyle became a part of a longstanding family tradition 
of service, as most of his male relatives also served in the military. 
His mother, Donna Shots, recalled her son's service to his country, 
saying ``I am honored to know that my son served in the military, died 
honorably and I can hold my head up knowing he was proud and so am I to 
be an American.'' Today and always, Kyle will be remembered by family 
members, friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero and we 
honor the sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
  Kyle was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 
He was a member of the Indiana National Guard's 76th Infantry Brigade. 
This brave young soldier leaves behind his mother Donna Shots; his 
father Jerry Snyder; his sister Shelli Snyder; his two half brothers, 
Derek Eugene Snyder and Craig Allen Snyder; and his grandparents, 
Azalia Barfield, Jane and Ron Moreland, Juanita Walters, and Norman and 
Susan Snyder.
  Today, I join Kyle's family, his friends and the entire Carlisle 
community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow 
over this loss, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely 
fighting to make the world a safer place. It is his courage and 
strength of character that people will remember when they think of 
Kyle, a memory that will burn brightly during these continuing days of 
conflict and grief.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Kyle's sacrifice, I 
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families 
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg: ``We cannot dedicate, we cannot 
consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and 
dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power 
to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we 
say here, but it can never forget what they did here.'' This statement 
is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, as I am certain 
that the impact of Kyle's actions will live on far longer than any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Norman ``Kyle'' Snyder in the 
Congressional Record of the United States Senate for his service to 
this country and for his profound commitment to freedom, democracy and 
peace. When I think about this just cause in which we are engaged, and 
the unfortunate pain that comes with the loss of our heroes, I hope 
that families like Kyle's can find comfort in the words of the prophet 
Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord 
God will wipe away tears from off all faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Kyle.


                    FIRST LIEUTENANT EDWARD D. IWAN

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, I rise today to honor First 
Lieutenant Edward D. Iwan of Albion, NE.
  First Lieutenant Iwan was a man who led by example and his leadership 
deserves the utmost honor. He was raised on a farm near Albion, NE and 
was a 1994 graduate of Albion High School where he was active in Future 
Farmers of America and Student Council. First Lieutenant Iwan valued 
his church, family, and country; and following high school he served 3 
years in the United States Army. He then returned to Nebraska and 
earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. During college 
he remained active in the Armed Forces including the ROTC, National 
Guard and Army Reserve. In December of 2001, First Lieutenant Iwan 
returned full-time to the Army.
  During his last tour of duty to our country this soldier was promoted 
from Second to First Lieutenant, served in several locations, and was 
deployed to Iraq in January of 2004 with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd 
Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Edward D. 
Iwan was killed in action on Friday, November 12, 2004 during sustained 
combat in Fallujuh, Iraq. This brave soldier led by example to the very 
end, when even as his unit was under attack, he continued to guide his 
troops. He was killed when a rocket propelled grenade struck his 
Bradley Fighting Vehicle. His final heroic moments resulted in the 
posthumous awards of a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
  I offer my sincere thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of 
First Lieutenant Iwan. His service to our Nation will forever be 
appreciated. He was an outstanding American, Nebraskan, and soldier who 
embodied the bravery, spirit, grace and values of our grateful Nation.


                 MARINE LANCE CORPORAL SHANE E. KIELION

  Mr. President, I rise today to also honor Marine LCpl Shane E. 
Kielion of La Vista, NE.
  Lance Corporal Kielion, a young man with a bright future, heroically 
served our Nation. As a 1999 graduate of South High School he attended 
Peru State College and was employed before deciding to enter the United 
States Marine Corps in 2002. He wed his high school sweetheart, April, 
while being stationed in San Diego. Lance Corporal Kielion was assigned 
3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1 Marine 
Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp in Pendleton, CA.
  Lance Corporal Kielion died November 15, 2004, from injuries 
sustained from small arms fire as a result of enemy action. On that 
same day, Lance Corporal Kielion's son was born. Shane Jr. is a living 
remembrance of his father who was a brave and dedicated son, brother, 
friend, husband, and Marine.
  I would like to extend my sympathy to all those who were blessed to 
know Lance Corporal Kielion and remind them that he will always be 
remembered as a brave and dedicated U.S. marine. Loyal and honorable 
are two appropriate descriptions of LCpl Shane Kielion who will forever 
remain in the hearts and minds of those he left behind including his 
wife and son.


                       Sergeant Nicholas S. Nolte

  Mr. President, I rise today to honor Marine SGT Nicholas S. Nolte of 
Falls City, NE.
  As a 1998 graduate of Falls City Sacred Heart, Nicholas S. Nolte 
demonstrated honor, dignity, and bravery in his decision to join the 
Marines after graduation. Sergeant Nolte was so dedicated to his 
service that he reenlisted after his original 4-year commitment and was 
assigned to the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 2nd Marine 
Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station, 
in Cherry Point, NC. He was also a member of the Presidential 
Helicopter Squadron HMX-1 where he honorably guarded and served 
President Clinton and President Bush.
  On November 9, 2004 while serving in Iraq, Sergeant Nolte was injured 
as a result of enemy action when a roadside bomb hit his vehicle in Al 
Anbar Province, Iraq. He later died from his wounds on November 24th at 
the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.
  Sergeant Nolte left behind his wife Melina and daughter Alanna. He is 
survived by many family, friends, and countrymen who honor his bravery 
for serving our Nation and fighting for our freedom. I would like to 
express my heartfelt thoughts and prayers for Sergeant Nolte's family. 
Sergeant Nolte will be remembered as a Marine who fought and died for 
liberty and freedom for all Americans and Nebraskans.


                 STAFF SERGEANT DONALD D. GRIFFITH, JR.

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to remember a fallen 
soldier, SSG Donald D. Griffith, Jr., a member

[[Page 5522]]

of B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry 
Division, Fort Lewis, WA. Staff Sergeant Griffith died on March 11, 
2005, in Tal Afar, Iraq, when his dismounted patrol was attacked by 
enemy forces using small arms fire. My heart goes out to his parents 
and family, who reside in Mechanicsville, IA, and his wife in Lakewood, 
WA.
  Today, this Nation remembers and honors a man who sacrificed his life 
to defend his fellow soldiers and his country. With the death of Donald 
Griffith, this Nation lost a hero.
  We know that there is no greater gift than the laying down of one's 
life for another. Staff Sergeant Griffith has given us that gift and we 
are forever grateful for his sacrifice. I ask that my colleagues join 
me reflecting on the memory of Donald D. Griffith, Jr. as we extend our 
thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

                          ____________________