Honoring Second Lieutenant James Michael Goins

HONORING SECOND LIEUTENANT JAMES MICHAEL GOINS -- (House of Representatives - September 07, 2004)

(Mr. BOOZMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of one of America's bravest, Second Lieutenant James Michael Goins, a Carroll County, Arkansas, native who was recently killed in action in Iraq.

Michael, a member of the Army's 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, was killed on August 15 when a militia member in Najaf attacked his tank.

By all accounts, Michael was not only a great soldier, but also a model citizen. He was high school valedictorian, captain of his high school football and basketball teams, and a recipient of the National Military Scholar Award, an honor going to only 10 percent of the ROTC cadets in the Nation.

He carried himself in a manner that earned praise and admiration from every person he touched. His ROTC professor called Michael the "finest soldier" he "has ever known" and his high school basketball coach said he "learned more about life" from Michael than he gave Michael.

Michael always wanted to be a soldier. Almost immediately upon earning his officer's commission, he selflessly put himself in harm's way in a country far away so that we could live free of terror here at home.

Mr. Speaker, Second Lieutenant James Michael Goins made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. He is a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep Michael's family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.