Dusty Johnson: “today I pay tribute to Specialist Allen Kokesh, Jr. who died on February 7, 2006, from injuries sustained while serving…”

“today I pay tribute to Specialist Allen Kokesh, Jr. who died on February 7, 2006, from injuries sustained while serving in Iraq. He was a member of Charlie Battery, First Battalion 147th Field Artillery Brigade of Yankton. Specialist Kokesh was one of five South Dakota National Guard members involved in a roadside bomb attack on December 4, 2005, en route to Baghdad. Two soldiers were killed in the immediate aftermath, Sergeant First Class Richard Schild and Staff Sergeant Daniel Cuka. Specialist Kokesh suffered severe wounds, and after being medically evacuated out of Iraq, he was transferred to the Brook Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. Sadly, Specialist Kokesh didn't recover from his wounds and died after developing severe complications. He was a graduate of Yankton High School and is remembered as a scholar athlete. In fact, he was a member of the Yankton High School championship football team that won the 2002 Class 11AA State title. The leadership skills Specialist Kokesh demonstrated during high school were clearly evident when he joined the South Dakota National Guard that same year. He even successfully convinced a fellow classmate, and member of his football team, to join the National Guard the following year. While I am deeply saddened by the loss of any military member serving in defense of our great Nation, the loss of the brave soldiers in the 147th hits close to home.…”