Congressman Salazar Honors the Sacrifice of Fallen Colorado Soldiers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative John Salazar (CO-3) released the following statements honoring United States Marine Corp Sergeant Clinton W. Ahlquist of Creede, Colorado and Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hager of Broomfield, Colorado for their sacrifice and service to our nation. These statements were entered into the record.
Tribute to the late USMC Sgt. Clinton W. Ahlquist
March 1, 2007
“Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to address the House for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks.
“I rise today to recognize and honor United States Marine Corp Sergeant Clinton W. Ahlquist of Creede, Colorado, who was killed in the line of duty while serving his country honorably in Iraq.
“Sergeant Ahlquist wore his nation’s uniform proudly and we should all pay tribute to this brave and courageous young man.
“Every day, our men and women in uniform willingly face unknown dangers as part of the effort to promote peace and democracy throughout the world.
“Their individual stories of honor and courage must not be forgotten.
“Clinton Ahlquist moved to Creede, Colorado during his freshman year of high school. Clinton touched countless lives during his three years at Creede High School.
“Ahlquist was killed in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on Tuesday, February 20th, 2007 by an improvised explosive devise while patrolling a Medivac helicopter.
“He was 20 years old.
“My heart goes out to Clinton’s family and friends and those who’s lives he touched throughout his service to our country.
“I am humbled by their strength and perseverance in the face of such hardship.
“Sergeant Ahlquist died performing noble deeds, serving and protecting his fellow countrymen. Clinton and his family and friends have exhibited a rare form of selflessness and courage.
“I submit this recognition to the United States House of Representatives in honor of their sacrifice, so that Clinton W. Ahlquist may live on in memory.”
Tribute to the late Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hager
March 1, 2007
“Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to address the House for one minute and to revise and extend my remarks.
“I stand here today to pay tribute and recognize the loss of Staff Sergeant Joshua R. Hager. Staff Sergeant Hager was killed in action while serving his country in Iraq.
“Every day, the men and women of the United States Armed Forces face danger in the hope to bring peace and prosperity to those in need.
“We must not forget the individual stories of these soldiers who are serving our country with courage and honor.
“Joshua Hager was from Broomfield, Colorado and he is survived by his wife and child in who reside in Pueblo, Colorado.
“Staff Sergeant Hager was one of three Fort Carson soldiers who died on Friday, February 23rd.
“Hager, Private Travis Buford of Galveston, Texas and Private Rowan Walter of Winnetka, California died Friday of injuries suffered a day earlier when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.
“All three brave men were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, based at Fort Carson, which has now lost 189 soldiers since the war in Iraq began.
“Joshua Hager was 29 years old.
“My heart goes out to Joshua’s wife and child as well as all of his family and friends.
“Their courage in this time of hardship humbles us all.
“We will not forget his sacrifice, and that of the soldiers who rode along side Joshua.
“I submit this recognition to the United States House of Representatives in honor of their sacrifice, so that Joshua Hager may live on in memory.”
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