Jeff Fortenberry: “the conflict in Iraq weighs heavily on us all, especially when we receive casualty announcements and face the stark…”

“the conflict in Iraq weighs heavily on us all, especially when we receive casualty announcements and face the stark reality of precious lives lost far from the comfort of home and family. Today, I would like to pay tribute to First Lieutenant Jacob N. Fritz of Verdon, Nebraska, who lost his life in a brutal ambush on January 23. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Lieutenant Fritz served valiantly in the Army's 25th Infantry Division when he came under attack near Karbala, Iraq. While details are still pending, we know that a group of men wearing U.S. military uniforms infiltrated a government compound and opened fire on Lieutenant Fritz, who was standing outside his vehicle at the time of the incident. Mr. Speaker, I am so grateful to Lyle and Noala Fritz, Jacob's parents, for taking so much time to speak with me about Jacob recently. As Noala said to me, 'God got a good one.' Continuing a proud family tradition, Lieutenant Fritz's brother Daniel is currently at West Point and is scheduled to graduate in the year 2008. I want to reassure Daniel and the entire Fritz family that we are all united in our support and concern for the outstanding men and women who willingly risk their lives in Iraq under arduous circumstances that would tax the best of us. Mr. Speaker, as we take this moment to grieve, we also want to honor the Fritz family for their dedicated service to the United States.”