[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 19531-19532]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO U.S. ARMY PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOSHUA S. MODGLING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2007

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my 
congressional district, U.S. Army Private First Class Joshua Stephen 
Modgling. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and 
remember this incredible young man who died in service to his country.
  Joshua, born January 3, 1985 in Rapid City, South Dakota, was the son 
of Air Force parents. Joshua grew up all around the country, including 
my congressional district. His mother, Julie Montano, resides in Mira 
Lorna, California where Joshua attended high school. Joshua was 
assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade 
Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. His 
unit conducts missions out of Forward Operating Base Falcon to find 
improvised explosive devices. Joshua was driving an armored Buffalo 
mine sweeper on June 19, 2007, when he was killed by a bomb. On July 6, 
2007, he was laid to rest next to his brother, Ryan, at Riverside 
National Cemetery.
  In reading about Joshua's life, I was impressed by his devotion to 
family and love of sports. Joshua's father, Keith, describes a young 
man who developed an early interest in explosives; an interest that 
found a home as a combat engineer in the Army. He is survived by his 
parents; his sisters Kellilynn, Courtney and Michelle; brothers, 
Christopher and Kenneth; stepfather, Serefino; and grandmother, 
Virginia.

[[Page 19532]]

  As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we 
realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Joshua, who 
bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Each story is 
unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have 
faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. The day the 
Modgling family had to lay Joshua to rest was probably the hardest 
moment the family has ever faced and my thoughts, prayers and deepest 
gratitude for their sacrifice goes out to them. There are no words that 
can relieve their pain and what words I offer only begin to convey my 
deep respect and highest appreciation.
  Private First Class Modgling's mother, father, sisters, brothers and 
all his relatives have given a part of themselves in the loss of their 
loved one and I hope they know that their son, brother, and grandson, 
the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made, 
will be remembered.

                          ____________________