[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15342]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF WAYNE STEVENS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2007

  Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and memory of Mr. 
Wayne Stevens, a proud member of the San Diego community and a fellow 
paratrooper who recently passed away at the age 64 from the effects of 
cancer.
  Wayne's distinguished record of military service to this Nation is 
one of the finest examples of selflessness and courage. He served in 
Vietnam with Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion of the 503rd Infantry, 
173rd Airborne Brigade, and was among the first soldiers to arrive in 
country from Okinawa in 1964. For his heroism in Vietnam, Wayne was 
awarded two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and the Republic of Vietnam 
Cross of Gallantry.
  Madam Speaker, Ronald Reagan once said, ``the willingness of our 
citizens to give freely and unselfishly of themselves, even their 
lives, in defense of our democratic principles, gives this great nation 
continued strength and vitality. From Valley Forge to Vietnam, through 
war and peace, valiant Americans have answered the call to duty with 
honor and dignity.'' In making these remarks, President Reagan was 
speaking directly to Americans like Wayne, who have so bravely and 
selflessly put their country before themselves and were always willing 
to make the ultimate sacrifice when they were needed most.
  My prayers are with Wayne's devoted wife of 42 years, Donna, his 
daughter Jessica and two grandchildren, Sophia and Adolph, and I ask 
that my colleagues join me today in paying tribute to the life and 
memory of this true American hero.

                          ____________________