[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Pages 23492-23497]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                  private first class joshua a. ramsey

  Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Army PFC 
Joshua A. Ramsey from Defiance, OH, who died in Iraq on December 12, 
2004. He was 19 years old.
  Joshua leaves behind his father and stepmother Bruce and Le'Ann, his 
mother Joy, and his brothers Brad and Ty. He is also survived by his 
grandparents Robert and Margaret Ramsey and Jerry and Nancy Buckles.
  Born in Norman, OK, Josh moved with his family to Ohio when he was 10 
years old. He attended Ayersville Elementary School and joined the Boy 
Scouts. He graduated from high school and the Four County Career Center 
in 2003, and joined the Army just 2 days later. He did not hesitate. He 
simply knew it was time to serve his country. Josh was assigned to the 
95th Military Police Battalion based in Mannheim, Germany.
  One of Josh's teachers at the Career Center, Tonya Fisher, remembers 
that ``Josh was a good student and a good classmate. He worked really 
hard in class and was really dedicated. He knew he wanted to go into 
the military.''
  After graduating, Josh returned one August to talk to the students in 
the public safety class. ``He gave us hugs,'' Tonya remembers, ``and 
told teachers, `Everything you said was right.'''
  Josh Ramsey will be remembered for his compassion and his love of 
children. While serving in Iraq, his favorite job was distributing 
soccer balls and school supplies to the kids he met. He would often 
stop his humvee, just so he

[[Page 23493]]

could get out and talk to people. He told his father Bruce that Iraqis 
simply wanted the same thing that we all do--just to get by and to take 
care of their families. And that was Josh--always reaching out to 
others, always building bridges.
  ``[Josh] loved his job,'' his mother Joy remembers. ``I know he died 
doing what he wanted to do, and I find comfort in that.''
  Josh had a passion for cars and one car, in particular--a fully-
loaded silver Grand-Am GT that he bought while home on a 2-week leave. 
He was going to have his brother Brad ``hot-rod it up'' for him. 
According to his stepmother Le'Ann, he couldn't wait to return home and 
show it off to all his friends.
  Josh's parents made a car payment for him as a Christmas gift, and 
Josh, himself, was making double payments on it with his Army salary. 
He planned to have it paid off entirely in 2 years. A gasoline card for 
him to bring home and use to fill up his gas tank was included in one 
of his care packages. On Josh's weekly phone calls home, he didn't want 
to talk about the war all that much--he wanted to talk about his car.
  Josh's grandmother Margaret said that ``when it's 150 degrees, you 
need something to dream about and to plan for. If it helped him through 
the tough times, it was well worth it. We took pictures of him with his 
new car, so he could show his buddies.''
  Josh was a very family-oriented young man, and so hated to leave 
them. He had a special relationship with his grandparents, and his 
mother Joy remembers the quiet times they shared during Josh's visits 
home. He would go fishing and golfing. For dinner, he would ask Joy to 
``fry up those little brown things.'' These were chicken livers--one of 
Josh's favorite meals.
  Josh always remained calm about the dangers he faced in Iraq, even 
when he admitted conditions were getting rough. As he told his mother 
Joy, ``Mom, I have one of the most dangerous jobs in the Army, but I 
wouldn't have it any other way.'' Josh also believed in his job--he 
believed in what he was doing. ``I think we're doing some good over 
there, Dad,'' he told his father.
  Josh had a bright future before him. He was interested in police work 
and had joined the Army partly because of the experience of working 
with the military police. He also talked about becoming an American 
history teacher.
  Josh was loved by all who knew him. He had so much energy and zest 
for life. One friend, Christy, remembers that he drove a long way while 
on leave just to see her and give her a hug. And another friend, David 
Streeter, wrote the following in an Internet tribute to Josh:

       Josh was my best friend, and I loved him like a brother. I 
     first met him while I was in basic training and by some 
     strange luck, we where stationed in Mannheim together, then 
     in Iraq. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him, Rest 
     in peace Private First Class Ramsey.

  Josh's cousin, Brooke Westcott, left this message for Josh:

       Josh was my cousin, and we were like brother and sister. He 
     was always there for me when I needed him. He told me that we 
     would go graduation and birthday shopping for me. I miss him 
     so much and he will always be in my heart.

  With his compassion and bravery, Josh truly made this world a better 
place. He was devoted to his country, his fellow soldiers, and his 
family. His mother wears his military dog chains around her neck. Her 
son will never be forgotten.
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep the family of Josh Ramsey in our 
thoughts and prayers.


                   staff sergeant zach wobler tribute

  Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Army SSG Zachary 
Wobler, from Wheelersburg, OH, who died on February 6, 2005, when his 
dismounted patrol encountered small arms fire in Iraq. He leaves his 
wife Corissa, his daughter Trinity, his mother and stepfather Jeannette 
and Tim Poston, and his father Anthony Wobler. Zach--as his friends and 
family called him--was 24 years old at the time of his death.
  Growing up in Ohio, Zach's parents taught him strong values--values 
that Zach would carry with him throughout his entire life. He was 
always hard-working, disciplined, and honest.
  Zach, himself, once commented on how important honesty was to his 
family. In his words, ``My father was big on honesty when I was young. 
That's one thing that was drilled into our family when I was young.'' 
Zach's mother Jeannette said that he never caused her a moment's worry 
growing up. He was so friendly--he never met a stranger. ``People loved 
him when they met him,'' she recalls.
  Zach graduated from Ottawa-Glandorf High School in 1998, where he 
played football, competed in track and field, and was named the 
school's senior homecoming attendant. After graduating, Zach studied at 
Bowling Green University and joined the National Guard. He also took 
classes at Owens Community College. Zach joined the Army in 2000. As 
his father, said, ``My son was a true soldier. He was definitely a 
hero, and he was admired. He was truly a great person.''
  Zach was very successful in the Army. He took advantage of every 
training opportunity available to him and quickly rose in the ranks. In 
2002, he was even named Paratrooper of the Year at Fort Bragg. As his 
stepfather Tim said, ``If Zach did any thing, he wanted to do it 
completely. He didn't do anything halfway.''
  Zach was deployed to Iraq in 2003. While serving there, there was 
nothing more important to him than the men under his command. He always 
wanted to be on the front lines, and he always cared more about his 
comrades' safety than his own. During his first deployment, his 
superiors wanted him to leave earlier than his troops, but Zach 
refused. As his mother said, Zach ``was a natural sergeant. The men in 
his unit loved him. He stayed with them, and they loved hanging out 
with him.''
  Even though during his first deployment to Iraq Zach suffered a knee 
injury that required surgery, he decided that it was more important for 
him to be with his men in Iraq than any place else. And so, he returned 
for a second deployment. According to his mom, ``Zach's men weren't 
going without him.''
  Zach was more than just an admired leader to the men he served with, 
however. He was also a friend and confidante. He could simply talk to 
anyone. Regardless of rank, they would come to him with problems--both 
personal and professional. According to SPC Ryan Logue, a sniper in 
Zach's scout team, ``Zach always put his men first, and took care of 
our needs both professionally and personally. He was my mentor. [He 
was] like my older brother.''
  SSG Mike Beal remembers Zach's cheerful nature and constant 
willingness to help. He said: ``I couldn't find the words to describe 
how I never heard Zach complain about anything or about how he was 
always there for his friends.''
  While Zach was, indeed, a committed soldier, he was also a devoted 
family man. According to his mother, the only thing that mattered to 
him more than his job was his 3-year-old daughter, Trinity. ``[Zach] 
told me that should anything happen to him,'' his mom said, ``He hoped 
that his little girl would understand when she grew up that he did it 
for her.''
  Zach had a bright future before him. His dream was to eventually work 
in government intelligence. Based on his success throughout life, I 
have no doubt he would have succeeded.
  I would like to share something Zach said when talking about the 
challenges of facing deployment. He said:

       Nobody knows `til it comes down to it whether you are ready 
     or not.

  Well, Mr. President, Zach was ready. He always had been.
  Army SSG Zachary Wobler was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. As 
his father said:

       He wanted to be buried there, because he has other friends 
     buried there. If it ever happened to him, he wanted to be 
     with the people who gave their lives in all of the wars.

  Zach's father also remembers the dedication with which his son served 
our Nation. He said:

       If Zach were here today, and you asked him if he would do 
     it again knowing what the outcome would be, he would say yes. 
     . . .

[[Page 23494]]

     He was excellent. He was a fantastic guy. I tell you now, I 
     miss him so badly.

  Zach will never be forgotten. His wit and charm will always make his 
friends and loved ones smile. They will remember how one of his quips 
was once featured on the David Letterman Show. It was No. 3 on a list 
of ``Top Ten Questions To Ask Yourself Before Jumping Out of a 
Helicopter.'' Zach had replied: ``Am I really in that much of a hurry 
to get to the ground?''
  Most importantly, Zach had a deep commitment to helping others. His 
compassion touched so many people, and his family has received an 
outpouring of support. As his father said, ``I never realized there are 
so many people who cared so much.''
  Mr. President, we do, indeed, care.
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep the family and friends of SSG 
Zachary Wobler in our thoughts and prayers.


                      SERGEANT MICHAEL C. O'NEILL

  Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Army SGT Michael C. 
O'Neill from Mansfield, OH, who died on November 21, 2004, in Germany 
from injuries sustained in Afghanistan, while supporting Operation 
Enduring Freedom. He was 22 years old. Sergeant O'Neill leaves his 
parents George and Holly, his brother Kevin, and his grandmother Janet.
  When I think about the dedication of our men and women in uniform in 
their efforts to promote and protect freedom, I am reminded of 
something President Ronald Reagan once said:

       Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one 
     generation away from extinction. It is not ours by 
     inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by 
     each generation for it comes only once to a people.

  Michael O'Neill--Mike to his friends and family--rose to this 
challenge of establishing freedom in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He 
dedicated his life to the service of our Nation and embraced the chance 
to help others who could not help themselves.
  Mike was born on May 7, 1982, in San Rafael, California. His family 
later moved to Mansfield, OH. In 2001, Mike graduated from Mansfield 
Senior High School. During high school, Mike was very active in 
athletics, especially soccer and cross-country. He also loved the 
Kentucky Derby.
  After graduation, Mike joined the Army and completed his training at 
Fort Benning, GA, as an infantryman. He was assigned to B Company, 3rd 
Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
  Without question, Mike O'Neill was an extraordinarily dedicated 
soldier. When he died, he was serving his fourth overseas deployment 
since he had enlisted in 2001. He had served in Iraq as part of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.
  Because of his honorable achievements in the Army, Michael has been 
awarded numerous medals--more than I can list here. But they include 
the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, and 
the Army Achievement Medal.
  Mike is deeply missed by all who knew him. They remember his blue 
eyes and his bright smile. Shortly after his death, several friends 
gathered at Todd Basilone's house to comfort each other and to remember 
Michael. Brett Gordon said that they were all heartbroken. In Brett's 
words, he owed everything to Mike.
  Katie Mayo, another of Mike's former classmates, said that he had 
been an unbelievable person and a friend of hers since childhood.
  Nick Sazdanoff is another of Mike's many, many friends. He spoke with 
Mike over the phone just a few weeks before his death. He recalls how 
dedicated he was to the service. ``Mike is an outstanding soldier,'' he 
said.
  Mike shared a strong bond with his friends. He, Brett Gordon, and 
Todd Basilone all had the same tattoo on their ankle--a tribal design. 
According to Brett, ``My freshman year in college we did it--right 
after Mike got out of basic training.''
  Michael O'Neill's death has been a loss to his entire community. He 
is the second 2001 graduate from Mansfield Senior High to have died 
serving in either Iraq or Afghanistan. The other, SPC A.J. Vandayburg 
died on April 9, 2004, while deployed in Iraq. A.J.'s father Allen left 
Mike the following message on an Internet tribute webpage:

       Mike--you are a hero and were like a son to me. I know that 
     you and A.J. are together and have no more worries, but I 
     wish I had you both back. Till we all meet again, Mike, we 
     all love you. You were a true Ranger.''

  A loving son and brother, Mike was also dedicated to his family. His 
parents Holly and George will never forget the wonderful memories they 
have of their son, and I am honored that I was able to meet and speak 
with them during calling hours held for Mike. His Uncle Michael--and 
namesake--wrote his nephew the following message on an Internet tribute 
page:

       Mike--I take this time during Memorial Day weekend to 
     remember you and to say how proud I am of you. I miss you 
     very much--even more so when I listen to a military ballad of 
     some sort. I never got the chance to thank you and all our 
     sons and daughters who are in service to our country. So, 
     I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you, 
     Mike--my namesake and my nephew.

  SGT Michael C. O'Neill truly embodied the Ranger Creed that reads, in 
part, as follows:

       I accept the fact that as a Ranger, my country expects me 
     to move further, faster and fight harder than any other 
     soldier . . . I will shoulder more than my share of the task 
     whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some. . . .

  Mike was an honorable soldier and an honorable man, who will live on 
in the hearts and minds of all those who had the privilege of knowing 
him. My wife Fran and I continue to keep his friends and family in our 
thoughts and prayers.


                     sergeant joseph garmback, jr.

  Mr. President, I rise today to honor a fellow Ohioan--Army SGT Joseph 
Martin Garmback, Jr., from Cleveland. He died in service to our country 
on July 8, 2004, while stationed in Samara, Iraq, about 70 miles north 
of Baghdad, where he and the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry's mortar 
platoon were halfway through a shift at an Iraqi National Guard 
headquarters. Sergeant Garmback was 24 years old.
  Sergeant Garmback leaves his mom and dad Marylon and Joseph Garmback, 
Sr., his three sisters Susan, Arlene, and Christine, and his girlfriend 
Christiane.
  Joseph was born on April 9, 1980, in Cleveland. He grew up in the 
same West Park neighborhood where his family went to church--where he 
was baptized, received his first communion, and went to Sunday school. 
Members of his community cherish their fond memories of the fun loving, 
considerate, and loyal Joey Garmback, as he was known to those closest 
to him.
  Joey grew up with a strong conviction to serve the United States as a 
soldier in the Army--just as his father had. At the age of 16, Joey 
left high school and took on a job running parties for a catering firm 
owned by Bill Rini. Bill remembers Joey well and describes him as a 
``very kind, compassionate kid, who worked for everything he got.'' 
Bill saw Joey growing into a capable young man. Knowing of Joey's 
interest in the Army, Bill introduced him to his friend, SGT James 
Mauer, who helped Joey earn his high school diploma and enlist in the 
Army in May 2002.
  Joey was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Regiment, 1st Infantry 
Division out of Germany. His father had been a paratrooper, and Joey 
told his parents that he planned to re-enlist in jump school after 
finishing his first term of service. During his time in the military, 
SGT Garmback was an extremely decorated solder, earning 16 medals, 
including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
  But, though his medals and awards are a sign of his dedication, Joey 
was so much more than the ribbons and medals he earned. He was a 
wonderful son, friend, and brother. Joey lived the way he served--with 
passion, love, and a strong loyalty for those around him.
  The last days Joey spent at home were happy and busy. He returned 
from Germany over Christmas, and as a present, Joey's family took him 
to a different place every day--to the arcade, to the movies, on road 
trips. Joey spent his last days with his family, doing all of his 
favorite things.
  Joey left a lasting impression on this world. Those who knew him will 
never

[[Page 23495]]

forget his smile, his compassion, or his fierce dedication. One of 
Joey's childhood friends, Laura Weimer, wrote this note to the Garmback 
family:

       I have known you all for many years. Joey and I grew up 
     together, and I had the honor of watching him grow from a kid 
     to a wonderful young man. Joey is a hero who fought bravely 
     for our country. He will always be remembered and missed. 
     Joey is part of who I am today, and I will always cherish 
     him.

  Indeed, SGT Garmback lives on in the hearts of his family, the 
friends he grew up with, and those he fought beside. SGT Owen Fulsome, 
one of these men, wrote the following message to Joey after his death:

  Garmback--you were a good friend and an excellent soldier. We had a 
lot of good times in Germany. You always gave 100 percent to our squad 
down there, and I will never forget you. You are truly a hero and the 
Mortars were lucky to serve with you.

  Starr Richmond grew up with Joseph and was proud to watch him become 
a strong and able young man. This is what Starr said about Joey:

       There are no words to express how much Joe will be missed 
     and always be loved. It is always hard to lose someone and 
     even harder when it is your child. But, with family, friends, 
     and love, it helps the hurt. Joe . . . did more in his time 
     than most people his age will ever do. He was a great friend, 
     and he became our hero. Always remember the time we had with 
     him. Whether it was sad and you cried with him or angry and 
     you yelled with him, especially remember the times he brought 
     a smile to your face and made you laugh. I will always 
     remember the fun times as kids and remember him growing into 
     a man and fighting for our country. He will be greatly missed 
     and loved forever. Thank you, Joe, for being my friend.

  SGT Joseph Garmback, Jr., was a good man who worked hard and loved 
his family and his country. We will always remember him and we will 
always be proud of him.
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep Joseph's family in our thoughts 
and in our prayers.


                             Brian Wagoner

  Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to civilian contractor 
Brian Wagoner, originally from Maumee, OH, who was killed on March 3, 
2005, when a roadside bomb exploded as he was escorting a convoy of 
engineers in Iraq. He was 30 years old.
  As a civilian contractor providing security as Iraq is rebuilt, Brian 
played an indispensable role in preserving that nation's newly found 
freedoms. Brian worked for contractors who worked with the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers to destroy captured enemy munitions. Brian's job was 
to protect the people responsible for defusing the weapons of the 
insurgency. Brian was on the front lines.
  On March 3rd, 2005, Brian and his colleague and friend Jimmy Riddle 
were accompanying a convoy of workers to an ammunition storage point in 
Al Ashraf, Iraq. During this convoy operation, a roadside bomb was 
detonated. Both Brian and Jimmy were killed instantly.
  Brian's life ended in service, protecting others and keeping them out 
of harm's way. Reflecting on his life, family and friends remember 
Brian Wagoner as a man who always wanted to serve others. Growing up in 
Maumee, he sought responsibility. At Maumee High School, he volunteered 
to manage the football team. Even though he didn't play, he was a key 
contributor to the team. As former Maumee High football coach Hal 
LaFountaine remembered, ``He was a real find for us. He was quiet, 
unassuming, and just did his job. For him to become the professional he 
was and the things he did, it made sense. It fit his personality. He 
was a team player.''
  After graduating from Maumee High School in 1994, Brian left Ohio for 
North Carolina and military service. He spent 4 years in the Army's 
82nd Airborne as a member of the Air Defense Artillery unit at Fort 
Bragg. Near the end of his time serving in the Army, Brian married the 
love of his life Melissa, or ``Missy'' as he called her.
  Brian and Missy had three beautiful children together, Bryce, 
Brandon, and Allyson. No matter where Brian was or what he was doing, 
his family remained the center of his universe.
  With a young family to support, Brian left the Army and enrolled in 
school to become a police officer. Applying the discipline and work 
ethic he learned at Fort Bragg, Brian quickly worked his way from 
patrolman to police chief of Pinebluff, NC.
  He was promoted to the top spot at just 26 years of age. As if his 
service in the military and work in the police force weren't enough, 
Brian volunteered as a firefighter in his spare time. As his wife 
explained, ``Brian was a fearless guy. He was in the military. He was a 
volunteer firefighter. He was a police chief.'' Anywhere there was an 
opportunity to get involved and help others, that's where you'd find 
Brian. He always wanted to be where the action was.
  While serving as police chief in Pinebluff, Brian was recruited by a 
defense contractor based in Minden, NV, that provides security for 
companies overseas. His expertise in law enforcement made him a prime 
candidate to protect workers rebuilding Iraq. Given his leadership 
training and as a chief of police, Brian was also well suited to train 
the newly constituted Iraqi police. By any measure, the job was a great 
fit.
  Brian saw the opportunity to work in private security as the chance 
to give his family a better life. As Missy explained, ``Most of all, 
Brian wanted to provide for his family. He wanted to be able to give 
the children and me anything he possibly could.''
  Through this job, Brian would be able to secure a better future for 
his family, while also satisfying his desire to serve his country 
abroad. He accepted the offer in 2004.
  Brian's assignment in Iraq was a dangerous one. His assignment was to 
confiscate explosives. Even though his family worried, Brian only saw 
opportunity, excitement, and a chance to give. When he wasn't clearing 
explosives, Brian gave Iraqi children clothes his own kids outgrew. 
That was the essence of the man--simultaneously a protector and a 
provider and--at all times--selfless.
  Even though he was thousands of miles away, Brian kept in close 
contact with his loved ones. As Missy recalled, ``There was not a 
moment that went by that he did not tell me that he loved me, missed 
me, or that I was beautiful.'' No matter the distance that separated 
them, Brian's heart was always with his family.
  Brian's death was devastating for his family, his friends, and his 
community. It was not only sudden, but he was scheduled to return home 
from Iraq to his family in only 9 days.
  A memorial service for Brian Wagoner was held at the Church of St. 
Andrews United Methodist in Toledo. Brian was buried in Fayetteville, 
NC. A flag outside of the Pinebluff, NC, townhall flew at halfstaff in 
honor of Brian's service as chief of police and firefighter.
  Today, we honor and remember him again here on the Senate Floor. 
Although Brian Wagoner is gone, memories of him remain. He will be 
remembered as a lighthearted, humorous man, who loved NASCAR and who 
would take his wife to the shops of Hendrick Motorsports and Dale 
Earnhardt, Inc.
  Brian Wagoner will be remembered as an avid outdoors man, who had a 
passion for people and animals. ``He was always on the go, even when he 
was young,'' his father recalled. ``He loved to fish, he loved to 
swim--he really liked to be on the go. But, even though he was very 
busy, he always had time for his kids.''
  And that is how Brian will be most vividly remembered--as a family 
man who put his family and their future ahead of all else. ``You could 
tell he loved his wife and his kids,'' said Pinebluff Town Clerk Betty 
McDuffie. ``The last time we spoke . . . we talked about getting 
together and having a cookout in March, when he got home.''
  Just this past November, Brian was honored by the United States Army 
with the Defense of Freedom Medal--the civilian equivalent of the 
Purple Heart. It is an award that he richly deserved. We are proud of 
him and his service.
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep his family and friends in our 
thoughts and prayers. Our hearts go out to

[[Page 23496]]

 Brian's father Jim, his mother Barbara, his brothers Jason and 
Christopher, and his wife Melissa and their children Bryce, Brandon, 
and Allyson.


                         Specialist Jason Lucas

  Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Army SPC Jason Lucas 
from London, OH, who lost his life October 13, 2006, while serving our 
country in Afghanistan as a part of the NATO peace keeping force. Army 
Specialist Lucas was killed when his vehicle was attacked by a suicide 
bomber. He was 24 years old.
  Jason was a brave soldier, who was proud to serve. He had a warm 
heart and a big, infectious smile. His friends and loved ones often 
called him ``Smiley.'' He leaves behind his wife Monica their two sons 
Zausten and Ethan, his father Bill, his mother Beth; and his sister 
Samantha.
  Jason was born in Columbus and grew up in London. For 2 years, he 
lived in McEwen, TN. While there, he worked on farms and learned how to 
hunt deer and turkey. He was called ``Cutie,'' because he always had 
girlfriends. He enjoyed playing football and basketball while growing 
up, but his favorite sport was always baseball. Jason graduated from 
London High School.
  Unsure exactly what career to pursue after graduation, Jason worked 
in a warehouse for a time and at various other jobs. His mother recalls 
his interest in being a firefighter, policeman, FBI agent, or working 
with the Drug Enforcement Administration. But instead of pursuing these 
admirable careers, Jason chose to become a United States soldier. ``He 
loved being in the Army,'' his high school sweetheart and wife Monica 
remembers. ``He was the best guy. He loved being in charge.''
  Jason's take charge attitude led him to the position of squad leader 
at the Army's boot camp in Fort Polk and then again in Afghanistan. 
``Jason was proud of what he did,'' recalls his mother, Beth. While 
serving overseas, he had told her, ``I was trained by the best, and I'm 
working with the best. Don't worry about me.''
  CPL Christopher Jackson remembers this same determined spirit. This 
is what he said:

       His personality made training easier. He . . . wasn't 
     afraid to stand up and take charge. When you were with him, 
     you wanted to work for him. He didn't have to tell you to 
     work.

  Jason loved his work, and what kept him and his fellow soldiers in 
good spirit through the tough times was his incredible sense of humor. 
``Lucas was an excellent soldier, but his personality was his greatest 
asset,'' 1LT Daron Moreno said. ``He knew how to live and how to make 
others laugh.''
  First Lieutenant Moreno remembers when Jason would perform his 
favorite impersonation, acting like a high school football coach, 
sticking out his gut and screaming, ``What the heck is going on here? I 
can't believe what you are doing'' First Lieutenant Moreno said that 
Jason would continue ``ranting and raving'' as the coach and that by 
the end of his performance, the rest of the soldiers would be rolling 
over with laughter.
  Indeed, Jason's enthusiasm and humor could make any day fun. His 
friends--Cheryl, Joe, and Chance--from Grove City, OH, remember one of 
these days, in particular, with Jason. Together, they wrote the 
following on Jason's Internet tribute webpage:

       We will never forget our times we spent with Jason--
     especially the day at King's Island. We rode a couple rides 
     that only Jason could talk us into. We had such a great time 
     when we were together. Jason kept in touch after joining the 
     service and it was always nice to hear from him. We will 
     never forget him or what he did for our country. Our deepest 
     sympathies go out to [his wife and children] and to the rest 
     of Jason's family. We were so saddened to hear of the loss of 
     Jason. It was an honor to have known him as a friend and a 
     Hero.

  Jason Lucas was more than just a funny guy--especially to his family. 
He was a dedicated father and loving husband, and spent as much time as 
he could with his family. His son Zausten, is always wanting to play 
Army--to be just like his daddy. According to Jason's wife, little 
Zausten can identify Army helicopters and planes and wants only Army 
clothes and toys.
  Monica remembers how important it was to Jason to keep in touch with 
his family while abroad. ``We talked to him every day--about three 
times if not more,'' she said. ``He was a great daddy.''
  Jason was home this past summer spending time with his wife and 
children. He also spent time with his father Bill. ``We had a lot of 
fun,'' Bill recalls. ``I'm just thankful of the time I had to spend 
with him, especially this past July before he left.''
  In September, Jason left for Afghanistan for what was supposed to be 
his last year overseas. Jason and Monica had plans to move the family 
to Fort Polk, where Jason had planned to return by December. They 
didn't intend to settle there for long, however. ``Maybe Kentucky or 
Tennessee,'' Monica recalls, would be where they intended to settle 
down. Together, they dreamt of moving somewhere beautiful when he was 
discharged.
  Jason's family will miss him deeply. Monica and their sons left Jason 
the following message for Jason on the Internet. This is what they 
wrote:

       Daddy, we love you with all our heart, we will never forget 
     you.

  Jason will be remembered affectionately for his commitment to his 
family and for his dedicated service to our country.
  He was always trying to make others laugh and bring a smile to their 
faces. He could make everyday fun. His bright, beaming smile will never 
be forgotten. We will always remember him as a brave and courageous 
soldier.
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep the family of Army SP Jason Lucas 
in our thoughts and prayers.


                       Sergeant Nathaniel S. Rock

  Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Marine SGT Nathaniel 
Rock from Toronto, OH. Along with 5 other members of his sniper unit, 
Sergeant Rock was killed on August 1, 2005, while on a mission in the 
Al Anbar province of Iraq. He was 26 years old.
  Sergeant Rock leaves his parents Adriana and Tim, his sisters Nicole 
and Tara, his brother Jared Rock, and his niece and nephew, Taylor and 
Elija.
  Growing up, ``Nate'', as his friends and family called him, was 
always drawn to the military. When he was only 12 years old, he loved 
to eat the military pre-packaged meals that he got from his sister's 
Marine husband. His favorite clothes were camouflage, and ``Army'' was 
his favorite game to play.
  Nate also loved to hunt and fish, and loved his mom's cooking--
spaghetti, homemade soup, and cabbage rolls. He graduated from Toronto 
High School in 1997, and enlisted in the Marines when he was only 17. 
The decision wasn't a surprise to anyone who knew him. He served in the 
Marines for 6 years and then joined the Marine Reserves in 2003. His 
parents were always supportive of his decision to serve. As his father 
said, ``It is some comfort to us that we know he was doing what he 
wanted--what he loved to do.''
  Nate was also a graduate of the Jefferson Community College Police 
Academy in Steubenville, OH. Michael Garcia attended the Academy with 
Nate and reflected upon his friend in the following message on an 
Internet tribute website. This is what he wrote:

       I never met a man in my life who was as honest, outspoken, 
     and courageous as Nate. He was probably the most liked person 
     in the Academy. He was serious most of the time, but if you 
     got on his good side and got him to laugh, he wouldn't shut 
     up and was your best friend from that day forward. Everyone--
     teachers and students, alike--respected him and liked him. 
     But, he earned his respect from us because of his abilities. 
     We knew what he was capable of being--[and that was] a United 
     States Marine.

  After graduating from the Police Academy, Nate became a part-time 
policeman for the Martins Ferry Police Department, where his brother, 
Jared, also worked. Martins Ferry Police Chief Barry Carpenter 
remembers that Nate was an excellent young officer--talented, with so 
much potential.
  ``He was a young police officer who took a vested interest in 
everyone and especially his work,'' Chief Carpenter said. ``He was here 
at every opportunity, and I especially liked him. I always saved a spot 
for him.''
  Chief Carpenter also remembers that serving in the Marines was simply

[[Page 23497]]

Nate's dream. ``It was a goal he'd always had and a goal he was able to 
achieve,'' he said. ``It allowed him to serve his country.''
  Nate was, indeed, a proud and dedicated Marine. In a Mother's Day 
card that he sent to his mother, he explained his reasons for serving. 
This is what he wrote: ``I'm sorry I'm putting you through this, but I 
couldn't sit on the sidelines and watch Marines being hurt on the TV.''
  This was Nate. He always wanted to be involved--he always wanted to 
be there for his fellow Marines. That was the type of man he was.
  As his father Tim said, ``He was proud to be a Marine--to be serving 
his country. He was true to his duty and true to his men.''
  SGT Brian Casagrande served with Nate and the other fallen members of 
his unit. In a eulogy for them, he had this to say about Nate:

       Nate Rock was a Marine who made his presence known wherever 
     he was. Before the platoon left for Twenty-nine Palms, he was 
     incorporated into my team, and I quickly came to respect him 
     as a man and a Marine. After arriving in country, he led his 
     own team. We soon became friends and came to know everything 
     about each other. He will not only be missed by me and the 
     platoon, but by his family that he constantly talked about 
     and his fellow police officers who he served with in Martin's 
     Ferry, Ohio.

  I had the privilege of meeting Nate family and speaking with them at 
Nate's calling hours. He was a courageous young man--someone who valued 
his friendships and loved his family dearly, as they loved him.
  Nate's death has been a loss to his entire community. One of his 
former teachers, Roy Golec, remembers Nate for the rare sense of 
integrity and purpose he had even as a teenager. ``He could do just 
about anything he put his mind to,'' Roy said. ``He had his head on 
straight, and he knew what he wanted to do.''
  Joe Neeper, Nate's neighbor, had known him all his life. According to 
Joe, Nate was the epitome of professionalism and loved being a Marine. 
He was always disciplined, committed, and ready to serve. As Joe said, 
``When you talked to Nate, you noticed he had the Marine Corps 
attitude.''
  In Nate's memory, the Northeast Ohio Dog Training Academy gave the 
Martins Ferry Police Department a new drug dog. He was named ``Rock,'' 
after their fallen officer.
  One of Nate's fishing companions and brothers-in-arms, John Howard, 
reflected on his friend in the following message:

       Every time I cast my line out, I am overwhelmed with great 
     memories of the good times Rock and I had while fishing the 
     Potomac River. The last summer of our active service, it 
     became a nightly ritual to throw the rods and tackle boxes 
     into Nate truck and head down to the dock for catfishing. 
     Even when the fish weren't biting, our stories would keep us 
     occupied.

  And Joel Andrade, who served with Nate in the Marine Corps from 1998 
to 2001, said this about his fellow Marine:

       Nate stood out from the rest. I remember him as a quiet, 
     polite guy, who was respected by everyone. He was always 
     willing to help anybody who needed help and always greeted 
     you whenever he saw you.

  The world is a better place because of Nathaniel Rock. He intuitively 
understood the importance of service. He loved his family. He loved his 
country. He was a dedicated, committed marine, who is missed by his 
family, friends, comrades, and community.
  My wife Fran and I continue to keep Sergeant Rock family in our 
thoughts and prayers.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader is recognized.
  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I come to the floor with several 
objectives. We will be voting later tonight. We are still waiting for 
the bills to come over from the House.

                          ____________________