[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 7870]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING THE FALLEN SONS OF THE SECOND DISTRICT OF INDIANA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Donnelly) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, as Memorial Day approaches, I 
rise to commemorate the men and women in the Armed Forces of the United 
States who have died in the line of duty to our country. This past 
year, three sons from the Second District of Indiana lost their lives 
to preserve and protect the American ideals that have made this country 
great. To honor the legacies of these men, I would like to share with 
this body and with the American people a little bit about our Hoosiers.
  Staff Sergeant Kenneth McAninch, of Logansport, Indiana, a proud 
member of the United States Army, died on October 21, 2010, in 
Afghanistan from injuries sustained when his unit was attacked by small 
arms fire. Kenneth attended Lewis Cass High School and enlisted in the 
United States Army in 2003. He was assigned to A Company, 1st 
Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division out of Fort 
Campbell, Kentucky. For his service, Kenneth was awarded the Joint 
Service Commendation Medal and Joint Service Achievement Medal in 
addition to many other commendations.
  His loved ones remember Kenneth as a hardworking man and dedicated 
son, husband, father, and friend. Kenneth was an avid artist and also 
enjoyed fishing and hunting. He is survived by his wife, Shawnna; four 
sons, Jeremiah, Braxton, Brayden and Colby; one daughter, Shyanne; his 
mom, Cheryl, and her husband Richard; his dad, Marvin, and his wife 
Regina; his three sisters, Kayla Ann, Katie Lee and Brianna; two 
brothers, Jason and Briar; and his extended family and friends.
  He is missed by all.
  Sergeant Marvin Calhoun, Jr., of Elkhart, Indiana, a proud member of 
the United States Army, died on September 21, 2010, in Qalat, 
Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his Black Hawk helicopter 
crashed during combat operations. Marvin died alongside eight fellow 
soldiers who were also his brothers.
  Marvin attended Elkhart Central High School where he played football 
and enlisted in the Army in 2006. He was assigned to B Company, 5th 
Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division out 
of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was on his second tour of duty as a 
gunner on the Black Hawk helicopter. Marvin's awards include the Army 
Commendation Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal in addition to many 
other commendations.
  Marvin's English teacher told folks that he exhibited leadership 
qualities in the classroom, and if any of his peers needed help, he 
would jump right in for them. He was a happy man who always wanted 
everyone else around him to be happy.
  He leaves behind his wife, Yamili; his daughter, Yohani; his dad and 
stepmom, Marvin and Susan Calhoun; his mom and stepdad, Shirin and 
Michael Reum; his sister Shanon; his brothers, Travis, Marcus, Sydney, 
Jermael and Zachary; and his extended family and friends.
  He is missed by all.
  Specialist Justin Shoecraft of Elkhart, Indiana, a proud member of 
the U.S. Army, died on August 24, 2010, in Kakarak, Afghanistan, of 
wounds sustained when his Stryker vehicle was hit by a roadside 
improvised explosive device. Justin was only 5 weeks into his first 
deployment.
  Justin graduated from Elkhart Memorial High School in 2001 and worked 
for UPS for 7 years before enlisting in the Army. He was assigned to B 
Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment out of Vilseck, 
Germany. His regiment had assumed control of Tarin Kowt in July of 
2010.
  Posthumously, Justin was promoted to the rank of Specialist. His 
awards include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and many other 
commendations. He enjoyed working on old cars and motorcycles, and 
stock car racing. He had always wanted to drive tanks for the U.S. 
Army.
  Justin will be remembered by his friends, family and fellow soldiers 
for his generosity, work ethic, and sense of humor. He is survived by 
his wife, Jessica, whom he married the day before he left for basic 
training; his parents, Carroll ``Blue'' and Donna; his brother, 
Michael, and sister, Sherry; and extended family and friends.
  He is missed by all.

                              {time}  1030

  We owe a debt of gratitude to these three great Hoosiers and to all 
the sons, daughters, moms, and fathers who have fallen while serving 
our country. It is our duty to honor and remember their sacrifice, 
patriotism, and virtue. Let us also remember those brave Americans who 
are serving right now both here and at home.
  On behalf of a grateful Nation, we want to thank our three heroes and 
all of the people who serve our country.
  God bless Indiana, and God bless the United States of America.

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