[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 397]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORY OF SGT. SHAWN FITZGERALD HILL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 17, 2008

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on January 2nd of this 
year, Sergeant Shawn Hill of the South Carolina National Guard's 218th 
Brigade Combat Team lost his life when his Humvee was struck by a 
roadside bomb in Afghanistan. The community of Wellford, SC, where 
Seargent. Hill had been an all-region football player at Byrnes High 
School and worked as an electrician while serving with the National 
Guard lost a fine citizen and friend.
  Sergeant Hill's funeral was attended by almost 700 people who came to 
honor the life and sacrifice of this brave American. His commander in 
the field, BG Bob Livingston described Sergeant Hill as someone who 
``didn't have to go to Afghanistan, but he went because he thought it 
was the right thing to do.'' He further noted that it was through the 
courageous and selfless acts of Sergeant Hill and his fellow soldiers 
that parts of Afghanistan that were once considered lawless had become 
peaceful and safe for the citizens of Afghanistan. This success is a 
tribute to his life, a life that General Livingston said had ``made 
more of a difference than 99 percent of the people will make in their 
entire lifetime.''
  Our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Hill's wife, Julie Ann, 
his children, and all his family, friends, and fellow soldiers of the 
218th Combat Brigade during this difficult time. Sergeant Hill's death 
is a reminder of the tremendous sacrifice so many of our citizen-
soldiers make to protect American families. His life was a testament to 
the strength and selfless dedication so many Americans have for the 
defense of liberty. We should always remain grateful for their service.

                          ____________________