[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15223]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIALIST JAMES A. BUTZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 11, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and deep sadness 
that I wish to commend United States Army Specialist James A. Butz for 
his bravery and willingness to fight for his country. Specialist Butz 
was a member of the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, 
North Carolina. While serving in Afghanistan as a combat medic, on 
September 28, 2011, Specialist Butz was killed while rushing to assist 
two wounded Marines when an improvised explosive device detonated, 
taking his life and the lives of the two Marines. His sacrifice will 
forever be remembered by those he fought to protect.
  A native of Porter, Indiana, James graduated from Chesterton High 
School in 2009. While in high school, James was a wrestler and football 
player. Many describe James as very outgoing, happy, smart, and full of 
energy. After graduating high school in June 2009, James enlisted in 
the Army. According to his family, James decided in high school that he 
wanted to join the military. Family and friends remember James as a 
hard worker who enjoyed military life and thrived in that environment. 
His plans were to continue his military career and become a registered 
nurse. For his selfless commitment to the Army and outstanding 
dedication to his country, James is worthy of the highest praise. For 
his courage and sacrifice, James has been honored by the military with 
the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign 
Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism 
Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO medal, the Combat 
Medic Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. Although only a young man, 
James gained immense respect from those around him, and he was admired 
in his community. He will be greatly missed and forever cherished by 
those who loved him.
  Specialist Butz leaves behind a loving family. He is survived by his 
adoring parents, John and Mary Jane Butz. James also leaves to cherish 
his memory his brothers, John and William. He also leaves behind many 
other dear friends and family members, as well as a saddened community 
and a grateful nation.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army 
Specialist James A. Butz. Specialist Butz sacrificed his life in 
service to his country, and his passing comes as a great loss to our 
nation, which has once again been shaken by the realities of war. 
Specialist Butz will forever remain a hero in the eyes of his family, 
his community, and his country. Thus, let us never forget the sacrifice 
he made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

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