S10968 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2005 timeframe. That is important to the County Technical College. Later, he at- arms fire. Allen was first evacuated to two leaders. Hopefully, we can achieve tended The Ohio State University and the 31st combat support hospital in that tomorrow. If we do, then I would Ohio Valley College, where he earned a Baghdad and then to Landstuhl Re- take the appropriate parliamentary bachelor’s degree in organizational gional Medical Center in Germany. A steps to remove from the appropria- management. He eventually went on to burn team later transported him to tions bill these matters. work for Broughton Foods in Marietta Brook Army Medical Center in Texas, So I thank the two leaders and reit- and Century 21 Realty. where he died on September 30, fol- erate the essential nature of bringing Allen loved his family more than lowing a second surgery. this bill forward. I feel very strongly anything else in the world. He and his Thankfully, Allen was able to spend about it. And I thank my colleague devoted wife, Gail, were the proud par- his last days and hours surrounded by from Alaska with whom I worked ents of five children—Roman, Kennan, loved ones. Gail and their oldest son, today. I am not suggesting—anyway, Euanna, Bobby, and Frankie. Allen was Roman, were able to be with him at the we worked it out, followed the rules, a terrific father—caring, committed, hospital. Gail’s close friend, Karmen and that is it. I thank the leadership. and supportive of his young family. He Lockhart, said that ‘‘we knew so many Mr. President, I yield the floor. protected Gail and his children as a people praying for Allen, but God NOTICES OF INTENT husband and father—and also as a sol- didn’t answer our prayers the way we Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, in accord- dier. wanted. But, I believe he answered Al- ance with rule V of the Standing Rules Allen loved his country and felt a len’s prayers, not to take other sol- of the Senate, I hereby give notice in duty to protect it and make it a better diers, but to take him. I believe he writing that it is my intention to move place for his family. He served in the gave his life so others could be saved.’’ to suspend paragraph 4 of rule XVI for Army Reserves for seven years as a Pastor Witmer was also able to be the purpose of proposing to the bill, member of the 660th Transportation with the Nolans at the Army hospital H.R. 2863, the Department of Defense Company based out of Zanesville, Ohio. in Texas. Pastor Witmer said that Appropriations Bill, the following As one of the more experienced mem- ‘‘Allen was sure of his eternity.’’ His amendment: Amendment no. 1999. bers of his unit, Allen took it upon unshakable faith is what allowed him (The amendment is printed in today’s himself to mentor the younger soldiers. to give so generously of himself and RECORD under ‘‘Text of Amendments.’’) Dan Johnson, a close friend in his make that ultimate sacrifice. Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, in ac- unit, described Allen as a ‘‘completely Young children often have a way of cordance with rule V of the Standing selfless individual. He would drop any- putting even the most tragic of events Rules of the Senate, I hereby give no- thing to help someone. He talked about into perspective for us. After learning tice in writing of my intention to move his family all the time. I feel very of his father’s death, Allen and Gail’s to suspend paragraph 4 rule XVI for the lucky that I had the chance to know son Kennan, who was nine years old at purpose of proposing to the bill, H.R. him and to work with him.’’ Johnson the time, said this about his father: 2863, the Defense Appropriations bill, further emphasized, ‘‘What I remember ‘‘The Lord must have needed him more the following amendment: No. 2025. most about Allen is that he always had than I did.’’ In those simple, selfless (The amendment is printed in today’s a ‘can do’ attitude. I never heard him words, this little boy is saying so RECORD under ‘‘Text of Amendments.’’) complain or gripe about anything. We much. His father would be very proud. Appropriately, Allen was remem- f got to be close friends.’’ SP Robert Lovell, who served with bered in a beautiful funeral service MORNING BUSINESS Allen since 1997, also cherished their held at the Faith Bible Church, the friendship, saying the following: center of his spiritual life. Nearly 500 people attended the service. Allen re- HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES Allen was always the first to volunteer. He was deeply committed to his religion. What ceived five medals posthumously: The ARMY SPECIALIST ALLEN NOLAN I miss most about Allen is that he was al- Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Mr. DEWINE. Mr. President, I rise ways there if you needed help or counsel. Meritorious Service Medal, the Army today to pay tribute to Army SP Allen Allen was one of my best friends and has Commendation Medal, and the Good Nolan, from Marietta, OH, who was se- been since we first met. Conduct Medal. His medals were pre- verely injured in Balad, Iraq, while BG Michael W. Beasley, commanding sented to Gail at his funeral, which in- serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He general of the 88th Regional Readiness cluded full military honors. died from his injuries on September 30, Command, RRC, said that ‘‘Allen was a When I think about the life of Army 2004, at the Brook Army Medical Cen- wonderful soldier. He frequently volun- SP Allen Nolan, I am reminded of ter in Houston, Texas. He was 38 years teered for the most complex and dif- something tennis great, Arthur Ashe, old. ficult missions. He was also an excel- once said about what it means to be a Throughout Allen’s life, he touched lent mentor and trainer of the younger hero. He said that ‘‘true heroism is re- countless people. His family and close soldiers.’’ Other men in his company markably sober—very undramatic. It is friends describe his loyalty and devo- described how he would lead them in not the urge to surpass all others at tion to his family, his community, his prayer before going out on a mission. whatever cost, but the urge to serve church, and his country. Allen’s strong They talked about how much comfort others at whatever cost.’’ That’s Allen religious faith was central to him. As that gave them. Nolan. He was a noble man willing to Pastor Ray Witmer III, of Faith Bible Not surprisingly, though just three serve others—his family, his fellow sol- Church in Williamstown, OH, where months away from retiring from the diers, his country—at whatever cost. Allen and his family were members, Reserves when his unit was deployed to And for that, we will never forget him. said this about Allen: Iraq in February 2004, Allen did not I know that Allen’s family and The phrase that keeps coming to mind— hesitate to fulfill his duty. He and Gail friends will forever cherish the mem- words that Allen actually had said many both considered the war in Iraq an in- ory of their son, brother, husband, and times—is that he is a father, husband, son, tegral part of the war on terror. Allen father, whose love knew no bounds. soldier, and foremost, a Christian. believed he had a mission to carry out They all remain in our thoughts and Allen Nolan was all of those things— and was ready and willing to do what- prayers. and more. Robin Nolan described her ever was necessary—whatever was ARMY CORPORAL KEVIN W. PRINCE brother-in-law as a ‘‘strong family man needed. Mr. President, this afternoon I also who enjoyed hunting and fishing.’’ She Allen had been in Iraq 9 months, wish to honor and to remember a fel- said that ‘‘he was always willing to when he was scheduled to return home low Ohioan and a brave soldier. Army help out. When my husband was ill last for 2 weeks on September 20, 2004. How- CPL Kevin W. Prince, of Plain City, winter, he was such a big help. He was ever, he was injured on September 18 OH, was killed on April 23, 2005, when a a very, very good brother and father.’’ when the fuel truck that he was driv- homemade bomb detonated under his Allen Nolan graduated from Warren ing north of Baghdad was struck by an Humvee. Corporal Prince was on patrol High School and received an associate improvised explosive device and came in Iskandariyah, Iraq. At the time of degree in business from Washington under a missile attack and a small his death, He was 22 years old.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:58 Oct 05, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.037 S04OCPT1 October 4, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S10969 Kevin was born on July 13, 1982, in even at Fort Irwin. After Kevin’s Once in the Army, Aaron volunteered Canton, OH, to loving parents, Ronald death, a friend from Fort Irwin wrote a to go to Iraq. He didn’t have to go. He and Susan Prince. When he was 2 years brief memorial for the guy who looked wanted to go. He joined the 73rd Engi- old, his family moved to Plain City, out for him and became his friend: neering Company, 1st Brigade, 24th where he grew up. As a youth, Kevin My name is Specialist Nathan Stern. I met Regiment—a unit that had sustained worked part time in his parent’s res- Kevin when I first arrived at Fort Irwin. numerous casualties. Aaron explained taurant, the ‘‘Main Street Bagel and Being a brand new [Private] mechanic, I nat- to his father that most other soldiers Deli, and attended Alder High School, urally got a hard time from a lot of the in- of his rank have families, and that he— where he played soccer and ran cross fantry guys. Kevin didn’t [give me a hard as a single man—should go in their country. Principal Phil Harris remem- time]. He helped me out a lot. We became place. Aaron went to Iraq so that some- friends over time and hung out outside of bers Kevin as a decent young man, who work every now and then. Kevin was a rare one he would never meet could stay was honest and caring. He was always person to find, and I will miss him. home with his or her family. That is standing up for the underdogs—the Kevin joined the Army to help make just how Aaron saw the world. To him, kids who were being picked on or the world a better place. And in so this was simply the right thing to do. bullied. He made sure they were okay— many ways, he did just that. Those who The other members of the 73rd some- that they were protected. knew Kevin all say he hated bullies. In times joked about Aaron’s maritime Inside and outside of school, Kevin high school, he stood up for his school- background. They tell a story about lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed mates. In the Army, he stood up for all how during live fire exercises, Aaron reading, watching movies, running, and of us. He fought for the blessings we once yelled ‘‘man overboard,’’ instead playing video games. Kevin also en- sometimes take for granted and the of ‘‘man down’’ after a mock casualty joyed playing soccer, something he had principles and ideals on which our Na- fell. Though they liked to joke and kid done since the age of 5. His grandfather tion was founded. He fought for it all, around, his fellow soldiers never ques- tells a story about one of Kevin’s ear- and he gave us his all. tioned Aaron’s resolve or his dedica- liest matches. Kevin had the ball and Today, we honor Kevin Prince. We tion to his service. Not surprisingly, while in Iraq, was running down the field—but in the will remember him always. wrong direction. Kevin’s grandfather My wife, Fran, and I continue to keep Aaron took on one of the riskiest jobs. shouted at him to turn around, which Kevin’s many friends and family—espe- As a combat engineer, or sapper, he pa- he did, but only long enough to shout cially his parents, Ronald and Susan; trolled the most dangerous roads in ‘‘Be quiet, Grampa!’’ He kept on run- his sister Kelly; and his brother and around Mosul. While most soldiers ning down the field—the wrong way. Jason—in our thoughts and in our did their best to avoid roadside bombs, Evidently, Kevin had a bit of stubborn prayers. Aaron Seesan looked for them. He was streak. part of a Stryker brigade that searched After graduating from high school, ARMY 1LT AARON SEESAN for improvised explosive devices along Kevin decided to join the military. He Mr. President, I also wish to honor a roadways. At a memorial service, LTC planned to attend college when his fellow Ohioan and brave soldier. Army Eric Kurilla, commanding officer of the term of service ended. His father, a First Lieutenant Aaron Seesan of 24th regiment, spoke of the inherent Navy veteran, tried his best to con- Massillon, OH, was gravely injured on risks involved with what Aaron was vince Kevin to become a fellow sailor, May 21, 2005, when his vehicle struck a doing: roadside bomb near Mosul, Iraq. Hav- but Kevin refused. He wanted to be a A Stryker IED Sweep, by its very name, soldier, and so, in 2001, he enlisted in ing survived the immediate blast, he implies great danger and risk. You are trav- the Army. was transported to a hospital in Ger- eling the most heavily mined and bombed Kevin went through boot camp at many, where he passed away a short roads in Iraq, not trying to avoid the mines Fort Benning, GA, where he finished in time later. Aaron was 24 years old. and bombs, but actually trying to find them. October 2002. By January 2003, he was Aaron’s dedication and sacrifice Why? So that others can travel safely with- out fear of attack. sent to Fort Irwin, CA, where he joined knew no bounds. As he lay mortally the Army’s 2nd Division, 11th Armored wounded in the moments following the Without ever giving it a second Cavalry, Echo Troop. At Fort Irwin, explosion, he thought not of himself, thought, Aaron went out and did his Kevin trained other soldiers in the ex- but of his fellow soldiers around him. job to protect others. As SGT John treme conditions of the Mojave Desert Instead of calling out for help, he or- Pavlick, also of the 73rd, said, ‘‘[Aaron] to prepare them for the heat and dust dered his troops to tend to other in- fully knew he was walking into a mess. of Iraq’s deserts. jured soldiers. Those who witnessed That says a lot about him.’’ Indeed, it On January 9, 2005, Kevin’s unit was First Lieutenant Seesan’s incredible does. deployed to Iraq, where they patrolled act of bravery remember his words: On May 22, 2005, our country lost a the area south of Baghdad. Months ‘‘Take charge Sergeant Arnold, and brave soldier and Aaron’s family lost a after Kevin arrived in Iraq, he began take care of the others.’’ This last act loving son and brother. Just hours be- April 23 like any other day. He called of selflessness defined Aaron’s char- fore he went on his last late night ex- home and spoke to his parents. He acter, his heroism, his courage. plosives sweep, Aaron waited in line chatted with his sister and brother Aaron attended Massillon Wash- until nearly midnight to make a phone over the Internet. Only a few hours ington High School where he was a call home to his family. One last time, later, a roadside bomb detonated under member of the National Honor Society, Aaron teased his two sisters and spoke his vehicle. In that tragic moment, the earned several scholarships, and be- with his parents. His last words to his Prince family lost their youngest son, came a delegate to Buckeye Boys mother were simply, ‘‘I love you.’’ and the United States lost a very cou- State. He played on the offensive line Upon his death, Aaron posthumously rageous soldier. for the Tigers football team, and threw received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, CPL Kevin Prince was more than just the shot put in track. He also partici- and Army Commendation Medal. His a good soldier. He was a good citizen. pated in the drama program, Academic father, Tom, knows that Aaron died He was a good friend. Chris Holehouse, Challenge, and the speech team. Aaron fulfilling a dream. He knows that a close friend of Kevin’s, spoke of his was, indeed, a very accomplished young Aaron wanted more than anything to honesty, selflessness, and integrity: man. protect his community and country as After high school, he enrolled in the a soldier. As he said, ‘‘[Aaron] always His handshake was his word. If he found $2,000 in a wallet, he’d give it back. He was U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. At the was interested in the military from a not like anybody else. He wasn’t apathetic to Academy, Aaron was a member of the small boy. This was always something what was going on. He wasn’t lazy, and he rifle team and served on the school’s that he wanted to do. He died doing wasn’t selfish; he was dependable. He re- honor board, which he chaired his sen- something he wanted to do.’’ minded me of those books about Camelot. He ior year. In 2003, the day he graduated Tom Heitger, Aaron’s good friend reminded me of one of those guys. with a degree in marine systems engi- since kindergarten, echoed that senti- Just as he had in high school, Kevin neering, Aaron was commissioned as a ment, saying this about Aaron’s sac- fought bullying wherever he found it, second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. rifice:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:58 Oct 05, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.025 S04OCPT1 S10970 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2005 The military was all he ever wanted; it was the Middle East during Operation with me. It was easy to see how proud his dream. He was a very hard working man. Desert Storm. While he was certainly they are of Rik and how supportive It has been both an honor and a privilege to proud to serve and to protect and de- they are of each other. As Rik’s sister call this man my friend, and I’m very proud fend freedom, Rik would undoubtedly Bonita said, ‘‘He’s a hero. He was proud of him, He made the ultimate sacrifice. say that one of the best things that to fight for his country.’’ As I conclude my remarks, I would came about from his time in the Army In closing, I would like to share an like to share the heartfelt words of one wasn’t so much about his service, but email message that was posted on an of Aaron’s fellow soldiers, PVT about meeting the love of his life, Internet tribute to Rik. It is a simple BriAnne Ackerson. In an email mes- Diana. message from Mrs. Arthur’s 4th Grade sage posted to an Internet tribute in Diana and Rik met while he was serv- Class in Nelsonville, OH. It reads as fol- Aaron’s honor, she wrote the following ing in Germany almost 20 years ago. lows: to Aaron’s family: They fell deeply in love. Friends say My class and I want to thank you Richard Aaron Seesan was an amazing officer. I they were meant for each other. Rik for helping to keep us all safe. Please know knew him well. As I served near him in Iraq and Diana eventually married and had that you will not be forgotten. and became a good friend of his in Kuwait, I two wonderful children, Richard and Indeed, Army SSG Richard Morgan realized the potential he had to become such will not be forgotten, for he answered a wonderful officer. He cared so much for so Kimberly, whom they raised in May- many. He was always asking questions, al- nard, OH. the call President Reagan talked about ways wanting to know more. He always Rik and his family were living in to preserve peace and freedom. As that smiled and did his job to the tee. Aaron will Maynard when the war in Iraq began. email message attests, he was, in fact, be missed terribly by so many. . . . I hope Having spent a few years out of the full making ‘‘a better life for generations this letter brings you blessings. I really miss time service as a retired Reservist, he to come.’’ your son. . . . He meant a lot to me. God did not want to sit on the sidelines. My wife Fran and I continue to keep Bless all of you. Rik re-enlisted in the Army, and with Richard’s family and friends in our Aaron Seesan joined the Army to the same excitement he had when he thoughts and in our prayers. protect his country. He volunteered to first enlisted so many years before. ARMY SGT KURT SCHAMBERG go to Iraq to protect families he never Rik’s sister, Bonita Girty, said this Mr. President, this afternoon I also met. And, he de-mined roads in Iraq to about Rik’s re-enlistment: wish to honor a fellow Ohioan and protect the men and women serving He just loved what he did. He wanted to go brave soldier, Army Sergeant Kurt alongside him. He never stopped giving, back. . . . I don’t think anyone could stop Schamberg, from Orwell. SGT even during the last moments of his him from going. . . . He just liked fighting Schamberg died in Baghdad on May 19, life. for his country. 2005, when a roadside bomb detonated Our Nation has lost a truly coura- Rik’s friends agreed. They said he alongside his Humvee. He was 26 years geous and selfless young man. May his ‘‘loved his country and wanted nothing of age at the time. memory endure and inspire greatness more than to serve and protect it.’’ He Kurt Schamberg held nothing back in others. was assigned to the 660th Transpor- from his service to our country. At the My wife Fran and I continue to keep tation Company of the U.S. Army Re- time of his death, Kurt was almost Kevin’s mom and dad and his sisters serves, based in Cadiz, OH. He started done with his second tour of duty in and brother in our thoughts and in our serving in Iraq in December 2003. Iraq. He already had been injured by prayers. Though thousands of miles separated shrapnel from another roadside bomb- ARMY SSG RICHARD MORGAN, JR. him from his beloved family, Rik kept ing, but, as soon as he could leave the Mr. President, I also wish to pay trib- several Internet connections open to hospital, Kurt was back on patrol with ute to a fellow Ohioan and dedicated stay in touch. His sister Bonita said his unit. Over and over, he gave of him- soldier who lost his life while serving that her brother never indicated feel- self to protect others. Sergeant in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I honor ings of nervousness and made sure Schamberg was the embodiment of en- and remember the life of Army SSG never to discuss the secret nature of durance and dedication, demonstrating Richard Morgan, Jr. his missions. Rik believed in the war time and time again that he was a When I think about the dedication of and was devoted to his mission. model U.S. soldier. all our men and women in uniform, I Rik and his family had the oppor- Kurt was born on July 16, 1978, in am reminded of something President tunity to spend time together for 2 Warren, OH. He grew up in Orwell, Ronald Reagan once said about our ob- weeks in August 2004, when he was on where he graduated from Grand Valley ligation to protect freedom. He said leave. It was time they all cherished. High School in 1997. Kurt was an ener- this: Rik and his wife celebrated their 16th getic and creative young man. He en- For with the privilege of living in . . . wedding anniversary, as well as Diana’s joyed sports—especially watching the America . . . there is a destiny and a duty, a birthday before he went back to Iraq. Pittsburgh Steelers—discussing poli- call to preserve and hold in sacred trust ‘‘He was happy to be home,’’ his sister tics, painting, and amateur film-mak- mankind’s age-old aspirations of peace and recalled. ‘‘He was happy to be here ing. Though he loved to talk about pol- freedom and a better life for generations to with his family.’’ itics and current events, when the need come. Tragically, that was be the last time presented itself, Kurt did more than Richard Morgan, Jr., answered the Rik would see them. On October 5, 2004, just ‘‘talk’’ about the issues of the day call to preserve freedom. He fought for Rik was killed when his military vehi- with his friends. He acted. He went out peace. And, he made the world a better cle hit a landmine in Latfiyah, Iraq. He into the world to make a difference. place for future generations. was 38 years of age at the time of his After the attacks of 9/11, Kurt Rik—as Richard was known to family death. Schamberg decided to enlist in the and friends—was born in Dayton, OH, Rik Morgan forever will be remem- Army and defend our country from the on December 20, 1965. He attended St. bered as a loving father, devoted hus- front lines. Clairsville High School, where he was band, attentive son, and caring broth- Kurt completed his training at Fort one of the original members of the St. er. He touched countless lives. Benning, GA, and was then assigned to Clairsville Singers and played on the Rik was given full military honors at the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Red Devil football team. After gradua- the service held in his honor and the Drum, NY, where he served as an auto- tion in 1984, Rik briefly worked at Purple Heart and Bronze Star were pre- matic rifleman. His unit fought in the Conway Central Express in sented to his family. Hundreds gath- early stages of Operation Iraqi Free- Uhrichsville, OH, before joining the ered to pay their respects to Rik, in- dom before returning home in March Army, something his friends say he al- cluding members of the St. Clairsville 2004. They again deployed again to Iraq ways wanted to do. football team and Rik’s coach from so in January 2005. Rik loved Army life. He was a dedi- many years ago, Mickey Blatnik. Kurt Schamberg was a man of great cated and dependable soldier. He par- I had the privilege of meeting several conviction, who fought for what he be- ticipated in Operation Just Cause in members of Rik’s family, and I want to lieved in, for what he felt was just and Panama from 1989 to 1990, and served in thank them for sharing their memories what he felt was right. Kurt joined the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:58 Oct 05, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.026 S04OCPT1 October 4, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S10971 war on terrorism and fought to bring bombers underscores the viciousness of community rally to remember her life, freedom to the Iraqi people because he ideological extremists. Young men and Connor’s future will be their focus. wanted to make the world a stronger, women wooed to the dark side of reli- Pam would have wanted it to be so be- safer, better place for all of us. Accord- gious fanaticism should not be fooled cause she knew that affecting the lives ing to Kurt’s mother, Pamela Lindsay: that paradise follows their suicide. At of children is the best difference we can [Kurt] among all my children was the the end of the day, there is only death make. peace lover. He was always finding a solution and destruction. f to a conflict. He would always fight the good During these turbulent times, the fight, through talking and joking. If we people of Indonesia should know that TRIBUTE TO COMMANDER KEVIN could fight wars without loss of life and limb they do not stand alone. As we share S. BRENNAN, USN . . . Kurt would have lived. But . . . he knew common principles of freedom and Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise that was not possible at this time. human rights, the world’s democracies today to recognize and pay tribute to Sergeant Schamberg loved his fam- stand with you. I encourage President an outstanding Naval Officer, Com- ily. And, he loved the U.S. Army. He Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to let mander Kevin Brennan, who has served helped a new generation of soldiers America and other nations know how so admirably and faithfully as a liaison learn how to protect themselves and best we can help in the aftermath of to our Appropriations Committee on protect our country. In an email mes- the attacks—and what assistance we Defense. I want to recognize his superb sage posted on an Internet tribute fol- can provide to counter terrorism in In- service to our Nation and the Navy as lowing Kurt’s death, SPC Richard Ells- donesia. In the war against terrorism, he leaves our Nation’s Capital to take worth, who was stationed at Fort your struggle is our struggle. command of an operational aviation Campbell, KY, at the time, wrote the I close by saying that like the Bali squadron. following: bombings in October 2002, the ripple On behalf of my colleagues on the De- [Kurt], I wanted to tell you that your job from this weekend’s attacks are felt on fense Appropriations subcommittee, I as an NCO in the Army is not over yet. You the shores of all free nations. Indonesia want to take this opportunity to thank still have to take care of your troops! I will him for his dedicated and faithful serv- be heading to Iraq for the second time very does not stand alone. shortly and I will need an outstanding NCO f ice in pursuing the best for our men and women of the Navy. to look up to. I couldn’t think of a better THE LIFE OF PAMELA WHITE soldier than you. You will be missed, but As the Navy’s primary appropria- never forgotten. Remember the soldiers’ Mr. REID. Mr. President, last sum- tions matters liaison for aviation and creed and the warrior ethos—and lead your mer, I came to the Senate floor to say weapons matters, Kevin has been an in- soldiers to victory. a few words about the untimely death valuable asset for the Secretary of the Kurt Schamberg was an accom- of a great wilderness advocate and Navy and the Chief of Naval Oper- plished and well-respected soldier. He friend named Sally Kabisch. I spoke ations, as well as a wealth of knowl- was also an energetic, loving, good- then of how one person can and does edge for my personal staff over the past humored young man, who endeared make a difference. 31⁄2 years. himself to all. Kurt’s cousin Katie It is with a heavy heart that I return In addition to providing timely and Schamberg remembers this about him: today to honor another great Nevadan accurate information on budget mat- ‘‘He was talented. He was funny. He who died too young and in tragic fash- ters and emerging war fighting require- was just everything. He loved life and ion. ments, CDR Brennan has personally es- was proud of what he was doing. . . .’’ Pam White hailed from Wyoming, corted my staff and the subcommittee Kurt lived life to its fullest, whether she spent time in California, but set- professional staff on numerous trips to he was fighting in a war or watching tled in Ely—in eastern Nevada—and be- review military operations and confirm his beloved Steelers play football or came a great Nevadan. Just last Thurs- the health and welfare of our troops, on creating his artwork or having a lively day, Pam joined me and Senator EN- the front lines as well as when they re- debate about politics. Everything he SIGN for breakfast here in the Capitol. turn home from action. He provided did, he did it with passion and zeal and She had traveled to advocate for wil- keen insight on matters of national se- with a love for life. derness in White Pine County, the curity and naval aviation’s current I would like to close my remarks place she called home. readiness status, and the direct rela- with something that Kurt’s friend Tif- Pam’s enthusiasm and conviction tionship between the two. His perspec- fany from Cleveland wrote in his were infectious. She worked doggedly tive on the needs of the Nation with re- honor: to build support for wilderness in rural spect to our sea service has provided Kurt was a wonderful, charismatic and Nevada. She served on local commit- me with the clarity and detail I needed brave individual. He had the remarkable tal- tees and advisory groups because she to make important decisions regarding ent of making people laugh. I will always re- cared about the management and pro- appropriations for the Department of member him for this. I am immensely sad- tection of our public lands. She de- Defense in pursuing the Nation’s global dened by the loss, as is everyone who was serves credit for depoliticizing the wil- war on terrorism. privileged enough to know him in this life. Kurt was loved by many and [was] a true derness debate in eastern Nevada. She In addition to the respect for the friend. My sympathy goes out to Lance and also deserves credit for supporting eco- work Commander Brennan did in rep- Kurt’s family. Farewell Kurt. You will sure- nomic development in her adopted resenting the Navy, I would like to ly be missed. home town of Ely. thank him for his congenial demeanor My wife Fran and I continue to keep What I also appreciated about Pam and great sense of humor that he Kurt’s family in our thoughts and was that she knew the importance of shared with all of us. It is his same prayers. adoption. She adopted Nevada as her sense of purpose and professionalism f State, Ely as her home, and a young that I am confident will enable him to boy named Connor as her son. be a tremendous role model for those TERRORIST ATTACKS IN Connor White has been dealt some who serve under his command. INDONESIA tough cards in his life. His birth par- It is my honor to recognize Com- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ents had serious drug problems and he mander Brennan for his distinguished come to the floor today to condemn the ended up in foster care. Pam White be- service to our Nation. My wife Lynda terrorist attacks in Bali this past came his advocate, his protector, and and I have the highest respect for those weekend that murdered over 20 people his mother. It takes a special person to who serve in uniform, and I appreciate and injured scores of others. I ask my care for a special needs child. Pam was and honor all the men and women who colleagues to keep the innocent vic- a special person who cared. It takes an have served in the defense of freedom. tims of the attacks—and their families angel to adopt a special needs child. Recalling our national anthem, to our and friends—in our thoughts and pray- The day after I saw Pam last week, veterans and Armed Forces, I say, we ers. she died in a single car crash between would not be ‘‘the land of the free’’ if The indiscriminate murder of men, Ely and Elko. Pam was and is an angel. we were not also ‘‘ the home of the women, and children in Bali by suicide As Pam’s parents, friends, family, and brave.’’

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