[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 433]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO CPT MICHAEL GONSMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2006

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor CPT Michael Gonsman 
of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Captain Gonsman of Altoona, 
PA, served in Beiji, Iraq for 11 months. In addition to serving our 
country on the streets of Iraq, Captain Gonsman serves his home 
community as a member of the Duncansville Volunteer Fire Department.
  Captain Gonsman has dedicated 19 years to the fire department, 
serving as a truck foreman and a line officer. His fellow firefighters 
were like family to him, and while it was difficult for him to leave 
them and his wife and three children, he courageously moved forward to 
serve his country.
  His fellow firefighters have said that he has always been dedicated 
to serving his country, and he has done just that. Captain Gonsman, who 
served as company commander, bravely led his soldiers to help the 
people of Iraq. He loved serving, and felt that the local people 
appreciated their presence.
  Mr. Speaker, Captain Gonsman's fire department chief regarded him as 
a person who worked to better himself while helping others, and was 
willing to do anything he can for people in need. Through his service 
in Iraq and on the Duncansville Volunteer Fire Department, he has 
proven that he is still that way today. The citizens of Duncansville 
and I would like to thank Captain Gonsman for his service and 
dedication to his country and community.

                          ____________________