Bart Stupak: “this Memorial Day we recognize again not only the soldiers who have died for their country over the generations--but…”

“this Memorial Day we recognize again not only the soldiers who have died for their country over the generations--but also the men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am proud of our soldiers in Iraq who are serving their country with dedication and courage. Four soldiers from Michigan's First District have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq: Staff Sergeants Thomas W. Christensen and Stephen C. Hattamer who were killed on Christmas Day; Staff Sergeant Paul J. Johnson and Private First Class Jason G. Wright. I'd like to take a few minutes to describe these good men. Sergeant Christensen, a 42-year-old from Atlantic Mine, was a reservist with the 652nd Engineer Battalion and had been overseas for about a year when he was killed. His brother described him as a quiet person who was handsome and smart. Sergeant Christensen had a passion for hunting and fishing and that is why he called the Upper Peninsula of Michigan his home. Sergeant Hattamer, a 43-year-old from Gwinn, was a member of the same Battalion as Christensen and enjoyed weight lifting, waterskiing, and was famous for his chocolate cake using his mother's recipe. He is survived by his wife and three children. Sergeant Hattamer's love of country and children will live on through the scholarship the local community established in his honor.”