[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15345]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                   Army Specialist Christopher Kurth

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. President, I rise to honor a proud son 
of Alamogordo, NM. Army SPC Chris Kurth died on Thursday, June 4, after 
his vehicle was struck by an antitank grenade. He was 23 years old.
  In Iraq, Chris was responsible for escorting convoys. But this job 
description conveys none of the risk or the courage involved in the 
job. The military can secure a town or a base, but somebody must still 
travel the roads that cannot be secured. Christopher Kurth was 
responsible for undertaking this act of courage.
  Chris knew how dangerous his job could be when he began his last 
mission. He was on his second tour of duty, and he had just recovered 
from a neck wound that won him a Purple Heart. But for Chris, success 
was defined by keeping his fellow soldiers safe. And that is what he 
died fighting to do.
  The values reflected in this duty are as important in peace as they 
are in war. His job was to protect his fellow soldiers--to be a good 
friend in the most difficult of times. By serving them, he served his 
country.
  The characteristics that made Chris Kurth a good soldier also made 
him a good friend when he was back in Alamogordo. They made him a good 
teacher when he volunteered to tell students at his former high school 
about his life as a soldier. They made him a loving--and loved--son, 
brother, and husband.
  Chris Kurth lost his life keeping American soldiers safe. He was a 
proud soldier and a good man.
  My thoughts are with Chris's parents, with his wife, and with all 
those who knew and loved him. I ask you to join me today in remembering 
his service.

                          ____________________