[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 10382]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     CAPTAIN MATTHEW GUNNAR NIELSON

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to a noble fallen 
warrior. CAPT Matthew Gunnar Nielson of Jefferson, IA, gave his life 
for his country on June 29, 2011, during an attack by insurgents in 
Badrah, Iraq. He was 27 years old. My prayers are with Captain 
Nielson's parents, Roger and Christine, and all his family and friends 
who are feeling his loss.
  In a statement, his family said, ``Since Matt was a small boy he 
loved anything military, so he died doing what he loved best. Serving 
others was of the utmost importance to him and how he wanted to spend 
his life. He always gave his all, whatever he was doing. Matthew was a 
beloved son, brother, friend and Soldier. He's already home, and we 
know we'll be together again someday. Apart, but forever in our hearts. 
Psalms 11.'' What can I say about such selfless service and sacrifice? 
We just celebrated 235 years of independence and liberty, which is an 
occasion to reflect on the incalculable debt we owe to Matt and his 
comrades in arms over the years who have secured that legacy for us and 
for posterity. So long as we continue to have brave patriots like 
Matthew Nielson who are willing to give their all for their fellow 
Americans, our heritage as a free people will be in safe hands.

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