Ron Wyden: “in the early stages of the conflict with Iraq, my State of Oregon is already mourning, already forced to count the cost…”

“in the early stages of the conflict with Iraq, my State of Oregon is already mourning, already forced to count the cost of this war in real and human terms. This morning I expressed my condolences to the families and friends of all of those who have given their lives in this war, but I particularly recognize the brave soldiers being mourned today by the people of Oregon. Army Reserve Specialist Brandon Tobler, who was only 19, lost his life in a humvee accident during a sandstorm. Brandon was the only son of Leo and Gail Tobler of Portland. He grew up there and joined the military to help pay for college. He was in a convoy headed to Baghdad providing engineering support to the combat troops. Private Tobler's death reminds us that a soldier doesn't have to be on the combat line to face tremendous danger and possible death. It reminds us how brave each and every person who puts on a uniform for the United States must be regardless of their particular assignment. Air National Guard MAJ Gregory Stone was a 20-year veteran of military service. He was killed in the grenade attack at the base of the 101st Airborne in Kuwait. He leaves behind two young sons today, Evan and Joshua, as well as his mother in Ontario--who I just spoke with--and others across our State who loved him dearly. Major Stone graduated from Oregon State University, and from Benson High School in my hometown of Portland. He died far from the front lines but, again, called to sacrifice in war.”