In Recognition of John T. Sims, Jr.

IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN T. SIMS, JR.-HON. MIKE ROGERS (Extensions of Remarks - April 21, 2004)

HON. MIKE ROGERS
OF ALABAMA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, Lance Corporal John T. Sims, Jr., 21, of Alexander City, Alabama, died on April 10, 2004 in Iraq. Lance Corporal Sims was a member of the Marine's 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based at Camp Pendleton, California, and died of a gunshot sustained during combat. He is survived by his mother Margaret Kellum, stepfather Jerry Kellum, and his sister Daphne, as well as his father, John T. Sims of Millbrook. He is also survived by his sister Wendy Smith of Alex City, his maternal grandparents William and Mary Peppers of Our Town and a paternal grandmother, Beulah Sims of Alexander City.

John Sims, Jr. was eager to serve his country as a Marine, Mr. Speaker. After graduating from Benjamin Russell High School in 2001, he joined the Marines and was known for his great sense of humor, his quick wit, and his big heart. Like every other soldier, he dutifully left behind his family and loved ones to serve our country overseas.

Words cannot express the sense of sadness we have for his family, and for the gratitude our country feels for his service. Lance Corporal Sims died serving not just the United States, but the entire cause of liberty, on a noble mission to help spread the cause of freedom in Iraq and liberate an oppressed people from tyrannical rule.

We will forever hold him closely in our hearts, and remember his sacrifice and that of his family as a remembrance of his bravery and willingness to serve.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the House's remembrance on this mournful day.

END