[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15404]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 A GOTHAM HEART--IN HONOR OF AN AMERICAN HERO, PFC BYRAN A. DILBERIAN, 
 JR., UNITED STATES ARMY, 1OTH MOUNTAIN DIVISION, 1ST BATTALION, 32ND 
                           INFANTRY REGIMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL G. GRIMM

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 12, 2011

  Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, on July 1, 2011 PFC Bryan Dilberian, Jr., 
while on patrol in Arghandab Valley in Afghanistan, was nearly killed 
by an Improvised Explosive Device that took both of Bryan's legs and an 
arm. His brother in arms, SPC Jimmy Waters died literally in his arms 
from the same IED explosion.
  But, because of his Gotham Heart and extraordinary will to live, and 
not just live but flourish, he is now walking less than three months 
from the day he lost his legs. His courage is a lesson to us all in the 
resilience of the human spirit. PFC Dilberian and his wonderful family 
make us all proud to be Americans; their faith, courage, and character 
throughout this trying ordeal is an inspiration, and like all Wounded 
Warriors, are shining examples for our nation. I submit this poem 
penned by Mr. Albert Caswell to honor PFC Bryan Dilberian Jr. of The 
Tenth Mountain Division from Brooklyn, New York and his fallen brother 
in arms SFC Jimmy Waters.

                             A Gotham Heart

                        (By Mr. Albert Caswell)

     A Gotham Heart!
     And from this Gotham City of great consequence!
     Has but come such a fine young Man, to all hearts to so 
           enhance!
     A Man of such heart and soul, to warm our hearts when they 
           are cold!
     Oh yes my Lord, something so special so . . . as but such a 
           sheer work of art, to behold!
     One Mountain of a Man! Tenth Mountain . . . ``The Chosen'' . 
           . . America's Son,
     who makes all of us so very proud this one!
     As One of The Band of Brothers, known as 10th Mountain Men!
     Angels put upon this earth, to but protect us all our Lord 
           has sent!
     Oh to be A Tenth Mountain Man!
     Magnificent . . . Magnificent . . . Magnificent!

     And so gallantly off to war, for all of us he so went!
     Who upon battlefields of honor bright!
     One of Brooklyn's best, who so makes all our hearts ignite!
     As so soon Bryan, you began your new fight!
     While, out on patrol . . . as you so stood at death's door 
           that night!
     Losing your two strong legs, and arm of might!
     As the tears rolled down your most precious eyes, this sight!
     And your Brother In Arms SPC James Waters, almost in your 
           arms so died!
     As the Angels cried, The Angels Cried!

     As there they found you together side by side . . .
     And Bryan, you so said to yourself, I will live! I will not 
           die!
     Armed now, with only the kind of courage that makes the 
           Angels cry!
     As Bryan you so wiped away all of those tears from your most 
           brilliant eyes!
     To so teach as all, how high a heart can rise!
     All about, what within a Gotham Heart so lies!
     Even Batman, doesn't have such a Gotham Heart as comprised!
     With such courage and faith, oh how Bryan you make us cry!
     As you were off running, for you had mountains to so climb!
     In less than three months Bryan, you would walk with your 
           head held high!
     Making your wonderful Mother Mary Jane, and your family so 
           cry!
     With your heart as big as New York City, full of courage . . 
           . as tall as any building does rise!

     Yea, The Beasty Boys aught to write a song about your life . 
           . . Word!
     Don't Sleep to Brooklyn, might be one of the lines!
     Showing us all, as to what new heights a heart can climb!
     Beseeching us all to behold, the beauty of mankind!
     As against all odds, somehow Bryan the way back you'd find!
     As you live each new day, all in honor of your Brother Waters 
           in kind!
     And that blood that binds you, forever in time!
     For in your heart your brother in arms, Machine Gunner . . . 
           this American Hero will never die!

     Yes, Strength In Honor Bryan . . . is what your most 
           courageous life defines!
     As so Gotham is your heart, so beating here now so in time!
     For all in your life, you will so teach woman and mankind!
     Because, Tenth Mountain man . . . you do, you do shine . . .
     For Bryan there is no mountain that you cannot climb!
     All over this Gotham City with your Gotham heart in time!
     Yes, arms and legs we all need . . . but we can survive!
     But, without a Gotham Heart of Gold . . . we will surely die!
     Because, up in Heaven you need not arms or legs!
     And Bryan my son, that's where your are going one day!
     And you will look into our Lord's eyes!

     And if ever I have a son?
     I wish he'd have a heart as Gotham, as your one!
     Hooah Bryan! For you have mountains to so climb!
     And you have miles to go, and hearts to heal and inspire 
           before you die!
     As Bryan, out across our Nation your Gotham Heart so cries!

                          ____________________