[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 10484-10488]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                       sergeant joseph m. tackett

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask the Senate to pause for a moment 
today in loving memory and honor of Sgt. Joseph M. Tackett of 
Whitehouse, KY. Sergeant Tackett was tragically killed on June 23, 
2005, in Baghdad while serving his country in the U.S. Army. He was 22 
years old, and the recipient of numerous awards including the Bronze 
Star.
  Not long after Sergeant Tackett's death, his body returned home to 
Johnson County, KY, and family, neighbors and friends came to pay their 
respects at his flag-draped casket in the Johnson County Middle School 
gymnasium. Even the kindergarten students at his old elementary school 
to whom he wrote letters remembered him that day as a friend and a 
hero.
  Joe ``was just very excited and enthusiastic about protecting a 
country he loved,'' says Nellie Bowen, Joe's third-grade teacher. ``He 
had a pride in our country that we sometimes miss.''
  It was Ms. Bowen's class of kindergartners that Sergeant Tackett 
wrote to, becoming their overseas pen pal even while serving in Iraq. 
He replied to every letter they sent him, and even came to the school 
to speak to the children after his first tour of duty.
  Mr. President, when you know this about Sergeant Tackett, you can see 
why so many in Johnson County turned out to support the Tackett family 
after the loss of their brother and son.
  That Sergeant Tackett excelled in the Army is no surprise. He 
embraced his duty to serve with the same vigor and passion he displayed 
for so many activities in his short but full life.
  ``He looked at everything with enthusiasm,'' Joe's mother, Kathy 
Tackett, tells us. ``He was so looking forward to the future, [and] he 
was always planning for the future.''
  As a child, Joe turned this infectious enthusiasm to many activities, 
including music. He was the singer for a Christian band and also a 
budding entrepreneur.
  High-profile musicians didn't often include Whitehouse on their 
tours. But Joe filled the gap by producing rock concerts locally, 
showcasing local bands.
  His love for music persisted to his time in Iraq. While there, he 
befriended Iraqi college students and introduced them to American rock 
music. Joe

[[Page 10485]]

made friends so easily this way, he even exchanged emails with Iraqis 
while back home in Kentucky between tours.
  Joe graduated from Johnson Central High School in 2000 and even then 
held dreams of one day becoming a soldier. He attended Big Sandy 
Community and Technical College, and then the terrorist attacks of 9/11 
happened. Joe enlisted a month later.
  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery, 4th 
Brigade Combat Team of the Third Infantry Division based at Fort 
Stewart, GA. He saw the Army as a way to learn new things and gain new 
experiences, and he devoured each new experience with excitement.
  Sent to Iraq and Afghanistan for his first tour of duty, Joe learned 
new skills and new proficiencies. He took online classes while serving 
in Iraq to get his college degree. He took any training that became 
available and was always open to opportunities for self-improvement.
  ``Joe wanted to travel . . . he was curious about other countries, 
other lands,'' Kathy Tackett says. Joe called his mother once from the 
Middle East telling her he was standing in a mosque. ``There's not many 
people who have ever done this, Mom,'' she remembers him saying with 
pride.
  Sergeant Tackett was deployed a second time in January 2005. His 
assignment was to escort visiting dignitaries through the heavily 
fortified Green Zone in Baghdad. Even while undertaking this important 
mission, he still found time to write e-mails to his family back home. 
``He was interested in so many things,'' Kathy Tackett recalls. ``I 
can't imagine the person that he would have become, if he would've had 
more years.''
  Sergeant Tackett's families may never know the answer to that 
question. But I think we know Joe would have tackled anything he did 
with energy and with enthusiasm, as he did throughout his life.
  Sergeant Tackett leaves behind a loving family. He is loved and 
remembered by his mother, Kathy, his father, Wendell, his brother, Sam, 
his sister, Michelle Spencer, his nieces Hailey Tackett and Shawna 
Spencer, and other beloved family members.
  Mr. President, no words we can say today will ease the pain of the 
Tackett family. I know they are still searching for answers. But I hope 
the reverence and respect this Senate shows Sergeant Tackett will 
remind them that he lived and served as a hero, and his country will 
forever honor and remember his sacrifice.
  I ask my colleagues to keep the family of SGT Joseph M. Tackett in 
their thoughts and prayers. I know they will be in mine.


                      1st Lieutenant Shaun M. Blue

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of 
gratitude that I honor the life of a brave young man from Munster. 
Shaun Blue, 25 years old, died on April 16 while deployed in Al Anbar 
Province on Operation Iraqi Freedom. With his entire life before him, 
Shaun risked everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to 
our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
  Shaun was a lifelong Hoosier, graduating among the top 10 students of 
his class from Munster High School in 2000. He joined the military 
because, as his high school principal said, ``He was one of those kids 
who did things everyone else was afraid to do.'' His valor over the 
course of his service in Iraq exemplifies Hoosier values and courage. 
His track and field coach at Munster High described Shaun as a mentally 
tough kid saying, ``The fact that he chose the career path that he did 
didn't surprise me. It was perfectly suited for him.''
  Shaun was killed by an improvised explosive device while serving his 
country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was a member of the 2nd 
Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine 
Expeditionary Force, based in Twenty-nine Palms, CA.
  Today, I join Shaun'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 Shaun, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Shaun was known for his dedication to his community and his love of 
country. Today and always, Shaun 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 Shaun'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 Shaun's actions will 
     live on far longer that any record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Shaun M. Blue in the official 
Record of the 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 
Shaun'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 Shaun.


                 Private First Class David Neil Simmons

  Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude 
that I honor the life of a brave young man from Kokomo. Neil Simmons, 
20 years old, was killed on April 8th while deployed in Baghdad, when 
his convoy encountered an improvised explosive device and insurgent 
fire. He had been in Iraq for less than 2 weeks. With his entire life 
before him, Neil risked everything to fight for the values Americans 
hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
  Neil attended Kokomo's Northwestern High School and followed the 
example set by his father and uncle by enlisting in the Army a few 
months before graduating in 2005. He enjoyed the structure of the 
military and felt a sense of duty to serve his community and country. 
His father described Neil as ``an avid outdoorsman who was happy and 
always had plenty of friends.''
  Neil was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 
He was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade 
Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, in Fort Benning, GA. Neil's father 
reflected on his son's death, asking, ``What's the odds of, among 
160,000 troops your only child is there 1 week and gets killed?'' 
Private First Class Simmons leaves behind his father, David, and uncle, 
Jim Simmons.
  Today, I join Neil'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 Neil, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Neil was known for his dedication to his family and his love of 
country. Today and always, Neil 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 Neil'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

[[Page 10486]]

certain that the impact of Neil's actions will live on far longer that 
any record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of David Neil Simmons in the 
official 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 
families like Neil'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 Neil.


                      Specialist Jason J. Beadles

  Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude 
that I honor the life of a brave young man from La Porte. Jason 
Beadles, 22 years old, died on April 11th while deployed in Baghdad on 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. With his entire life before him, Jason risked 
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, 
in a land halfway around the world.
  Jason has been a lifelong Hoosier, graduating from La Porte High 
School in 2003. He had been interested in technical engineering 
throughout high school, earning his welding certificate from A.K. Smith 
Career Center before graduating. Army Specialist Beadles enlisted in 
the Army as an engineer after the attacks of 9/11. His valor over the 
course of his service in Iraq exemplifies Hoosier values and courage. 
He decided to enlist because as his welding instructor put it, ``he was 
always concerned about other people.'' Jason enjoyed the military, and 
he believed that throughout all the hardships they faced he and his 
company were helping the Iraqi people.
  Jason died while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He 
was a member of the 887th Engineer Company, 326th Engineer Battalion, 
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), in Fort Campbell, KY.
  Today, I join Jason'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 Jason, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Jason was known for his dedication to his community and his love of 
country. Today and always, Jason 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 Jason'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 Jason's actions will live on far 
longer that any record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Jason J. Beadle in the 
official 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 
families like Jason'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 Jason.


              Private First Class Richard P. Langenbrunner

  Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude 
that I honor the life of a brave young man from Fort Wayne. Richard 
Langenbrunner, 19 years old, was killed on April 17 while deployed in 
Rustamiyah, Iraq. With his entire life before him, Richard risked 
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, 
in a land halfway around the world.
  Richard was a lifelong Hoosier, graduating from Northrop High School 
in 2006. He completed basic training this past January and was deployed 
just a few weeks later. He is remembered for his love of people, life, 
and adventure. ``He was so happy and excited about his future before he 
graduated,'' said a former classmate. ``He joined the military because 
he wanted to drive a tanker.'' Richard enlisted in the Army just before 
graduating high school. His valor over the course of his service in 
Iraq exemplifies Hoosier values and courage.
  Richard died while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He 
was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 
3rd Infantry Division, stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia.
  Today, I join Richard'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 Richard, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Richard was known for his dedication to his community and his love of 
country. Today and always, Richard 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 Richard'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 Richard's actions will live on far 
longer than any record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Richard P. Langenbrunner in 
the official Record of the 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 
Richard'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 Richard.


                     Staff Sergeant Bradley D. King

  Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude 
that I honor the life of a brave young man from Gas City. Bradley King, 
28 years old, was killed on April 2 while deployed in Al Amiriyah, 
Iraq, when a roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee. With his entire 
life before him, Bradley risked everything to fight for the values 
Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
  Bradley attended Mississinewa High School, enlisting in the National 
Guard in 1997, a year before his graduation in 1998. Bradley enjoyed 
the military and felt a sense of duty to serve his community and 
country. The day before he was deployed, Bradley told his mother that 
he felt ``called to serve in the military for his country.'' His aunt 
described Bradley as ``a responsible young man determined to do his 
best for the people he loved.''
  Bradley was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. He was a member of the 2nd Battalion,

[[Page 10487]]

152nd Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Brigade, Marion, IN. Master 
Sergeant Bill Wallen, King's supervisor, told local media, ``he was a 
heck of a human being, he's what everybody else needs to be in this 
world.'' Staff Sergeant King leaves behind his wife Adrian and 15-
month-old son, Daethan.
  Today, I join Bradley'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 Bradley, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Bradley was known for his dedication to his family and his love of 
country. Today and always, Bradley 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 Bradley'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 Bradley's actions will live on far 
longer than any record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Bradley D. King in the 
official Record of the 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 
Bradley'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 Bradley.


                       Specialist Cody A. Putman

  Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude 
that I honor the life of a brave young man from Lafayette. Cody Putman, 
22 years old, was killed on April 11th while deployed in Baghdad on 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. With his entire life before him, Cody risked 
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, 
in a land halfway around the world.
  Cody was a lifelong Hoosier, graduating from Twin Lakes High School 
in 2003. He is remembered for his love of people, life, and adventure. 
``He was someone who was always looking to have a good time with 
others,'' said a former teacher. ``He joined the military because of 
the teamwork.'' Cody enlisted in the Army after high school, and his 
valor over the course of his service in Iraq exemplifies Hoosier values 
and courage. A month before he died, Cody had been home on leave for 2 
weeks vacationing with his family in Florida. Cody is survived by his 
father, Harry Putman, and his mother, Pam Mow. He also leaves behind 
his wife, Molly Putman, 20, and 3-year-old daughter Madelyn.
  Cody died while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He 
was a member of the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade 
Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based in Fort Richardson, AK.
  Today, I join Cody'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 Cody, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Cody was known for his dedication to his community and his love of 
country. Today and always, Cody 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 Cody'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 Cody's actions will live on far 
longer that any record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Cody A. Putman in the official 
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 
families like Cody'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 Cody.


                       Specialist Eric R. Sieger

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to SPC Eric R. 
Sieger of Layton, UT, who died of injuries suffered while conducting 
operations in Iraq. He was a remarkable young man who overcame much 
adversity in his life. On March 9 of this year, he would have turned 19 
years old.
  Part of the 1st Cavalry Division, Specialist Sieger was also a member 
of a very special family. I understand that his parents, Wolfgang and 
Krista, have 15 children, 6 of whom were adopted, including the 
Specialist. Early life was not easy for the Specialist but that all 
changed when he was adopted at the age of 11 by the loving Sieger 
family.
  I have been informed that Specialist Sieger enjoyed running, being 
with his friends, building and fixing things. He had a girlfriend whom 
he met while stationed at Fort Hood, TX. Shortly before his passing, 
Specialist Sieger was able speak to his mother on the phone. His mother 
said, ``They spent most of the time laughing and joking with each 
other.''
  Specialist Sieger's father said, ``He was dutiful in wanting to do 
what is right.''
  Undoubtedly, this led him to become a member of the Civil Air Patrol 
as a teenager and enlist in the Army at 17. Military service is a 
calling for other members of the Sieger family, as well. Currently, one 
of his sisters is also deployed to Iraq, another sister is preparing to 
deploy, and a brother is a member of the Air National Guard.
  I would like to conclude my remarks by quoting the words of 
Specialist Sieger's mother and father. Krista Sieger stated, ``He felt 
since he was in the Army, since he took the oath, he has to do 
everything he was asked to do. And he did.'' Wolfgang Sieger said, ``I 
would call him a hero. He is definitely a hero in my sight. I honor him 
as a hero.''
  I do not know of any higher praise that parents could give a son in 
military service. Specialist Sieger and his family will always be in my 
prayers.


                 Sergeant First Class Douglas C. Stone

  Mr. President, I wish to honor one of Utah's fallen sons, SFC First 
Class Douglas C. Stone.
  SFC Stone had a lifelong connection to our Nation's military. His 
father served in the Air Force. Yet, SFC Douglas Stone joined the Army 
Reserve later in life. As his mother Dolores Feigley said about her 
son, ``I think he was the oldest at boot camp.''
  However, his maturity was only to be an asset to his country, which 
was affirmed when he became a full-time reservist. Over the past 6 
years, SFC Douglas Stone assisted in the preparation of reservists from 
the 96th Regional Readiness Command for deployments in support of 
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. As my good friend, MG 
Peter S. Cooke, the

[[Page 10488]]

commanding officer of the 96th Regional Readiness Command said about 
SFC Stone ``There wasn't a unit or individual sent from our 
headquarters that SFC Stone did not personally assist in preparing for 
their mobilization or deployment.''
  This was not the first time SFC Douglas Stone had gone in harm's way 
for his country. He also was a part of the fuel re-supply effort during 
the First Gulf War.
  However, his life's most important work undoubtedly was as a family 
man. Sergeant First Class Stone was husband to his wife, Mary, and 
father to two boys Nathan, 13, and Cameron, 10.
  SFC Douglas Stone was also a member of Fort Douglas's Honor Guard. I 
understand that Rick Edginton, one of his fellow Honor Guardsmen who 
participated at his friend's funeral said, ``for me, probably one of 
the toughest moments was when I was standing at the head of the casket 
and I looked over to the side and I saw a note from his sister on the 
flowers that were there. It said, `To Doug, my brother, and my Hero.'''
  No truer words have been written.
  SFC Douglas Stone was a hero. He served his country with pride and 
answered its call when it needed him most. All of Utah shall remember 
him and will be praying for this hero and his family.


                        Sergeant Brandon A. Parr

  Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to SGT Brandon A. Parr. 
Sergeant Parr was a member of the 630th Military Police Company and 
gave his life with two other servicemembers when their vehicle was 
struck by an improvised explosive device.
  There are certain pictures that define a time and a moment in our 
Nation's history. Such examples can be found in the raising of Old 
Glory over Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima. I respectfully submit that a 
picture taken during Sergeant Parr's funeral should be added to that 
category. In that photo, Sergeant Parr's wife, Shannah, is seen holding 
the hand of their young son, Nicholas. Nicholas, standing on some 
steps, is wearing the camouflage uniform of an American soldier--a 
young son's tribute to his fallen father. This is an image that I will 
remember for all my days and a fitting tribute to a true hero.
  Sergeant Parr enlisted in the Army in 2003, and this was his second 
tour in Iraq. He was involved in one of the most critical tasks in this 
war: training Iraqi police and providing security to the Iraqi people. 
By all accounts, Sergeant Parr preformed these assignments at the 
highest standards of our Nation's military.
  Shannah Parr said of her husband, ``He was very laid back and very 
funny. He made everyone feel good.''
  His mother, Teota Dangel said, ``I think he would have gone (to Iraq) 
even if he knew this was going to be the outcome.'' Words like this can 
only be spoken of a true hero and patriot.
  Sergeant Parr and his entire family will always be in my prayers.


                       Corporal Stephen Kowalczyk

  Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to CPL Stephen Kowalczyk, a 
member of the 1st Calvary Division, who recently lost his life while on 
patrol in Iraq.
  Upon learning of about his life, I was struck by all the adventures 
that Corporal Kowalczyk had undertaken. He had been the captain of the 
swim team at Macalester College, traveled extensively throughout 
Europe, the Middle East, including working as a handyman in Jerusalem. 
I understand that he even leapt from an iceberg and swam in the frigid 
waters of the Arctic Ocean. Clearly, this was a young man that seized 
all that life had to offer.
  Three years ago, at the age of 29, he began a new adventure and 
joined the Army. According to his family he loved it.
  During a recent memorial service in Iraq, one of his comrades SSG 
Richard Coombes stated: ``He was a man who taught me that there was 
still beauty in our everyday life, even in Iraq. I looked at him and 
wondered if he had already figured life out. He was in such peace and 
harmony.'' CPT Kevin Bradley would often notice that Corporal Kowalczyk 
would look from the roof-tops at the area around him. When asked why, 
he reportedly would reply, ``You should see it up here. It's 
beautiful.'' Another friend remembered him as ``a gentle, kind soul, I 
cannot think of anybody who did not love this man.''
  And yet he never forgot why he was deployed to Iraq--to help the 
Iraqi people. This commitment was reflected in the letters that he 
would write home asking for history books that he could give to Iraqis 
that he met, and pencils, notepads, and Hershey bars for Iraqi 
children.
  What a fine man. What an extraordinary life.
  I will always remember him and his family in my prayers.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Nelson of Nebraska). The Senator from 
Pennsylvania.
  Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that following my 
remarks, Senator Dorgan be recognized to speak.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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