[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21939]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF ARMY SPECIALIST MATTHEW HASTINGS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 2009

  Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated 
patriot and a true American hero. On August 17, 2009, our nation lost a 
brave service member when Army Specialist Matthew D. Hastings died in 
Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, from a non-combat 
related incident.
  Army Specialist Hastings lived in Claremore, Oklahoma, but his father 
resides in Jefferson, Arkansas. Although I never had the honor to meet 
Specialist Hastings, on behalf of the State of Arkansas, I extend my 
utmost condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him for this 
devastating loss.
  Army Specialist Hastings was assigned to the 582nd Medical Logistics 
Company, 1st Medical Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command, Fort Hood, 
Texas. He graduated from Broken Arrow Alternative Academy in 2005 and 
joined the military a year later as a light-wheel vehicle mechanic. 
According to those who knew him, he loved to hunt and fish, took great 
pride in his work and treasured time spent with his family and friends. 
I am sure he will be sorely missed.
  My deepest thoughts and prayers are with his mother and stepfather, 
Lawanda and Roger Lowry; his father, Chuck Hastings, Jr.; his sister, 
Michelle; and, the rest of his family, friends and loved ones during 
this difficult time.
  Today, I ask all members of Congress to join me as we honor the life 
of Army Specialist Matthew Hastings and all those men and women in our 
Armed Forces who give the ultimate sacrifice in service to their 
country.

                          ____________________