Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Jason Dahlke,  29, who died August 29, 2009, while serving our nation in Afghanistan on his sixth deployment in support of the War on Terror.   Staff Sergeant Dahlke was a distinguished soldier serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.

SSG. Jason Dahlke was born on November 8, 1979, in Tampa and was raised in Jacksonville with his brother and three sisters.  Prior to joining the Army, he attended the University of Central Florida where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice and married his grade school sweetheart Niki Marie Norvell Dahlke.  Mrs. Dahlke recalls her husband as her “best friend” and “hero.”

We should all remember SSG. Dahlke’s courage and his ultimate sacrifice for our nation.  The freedom and liberty we enjoy and the peace in the world for others for which he fought are part of the great legacy that SSG. Dahlke leaves behind.  He was laid to rest at the new Jacksonville National Veterans Cemetery on September 5, 2009.  SSG Jason Dahlke is the first American killed in combat to be interred at Florida’s newest veterans cemetery.

SSG Dahlke will be remembered as a dedicated ?gservant of the country he loved.  During his time in the Army, SSG Dahlke received a Purple Heart and two Army Commendation Medals that he never mentioned to his parents.  They only learned of their son’s achievements by way of the internet.  In one of his last conversations with his parents, SSG. Dahlke told his family that he loved his job and that he would continue to do it as long as he could serve.  Col. Michael E. Kurilla, 75th Ranger Regiment commander, stated that SSG. Dahlke “embodied the Ranger Creed and all that is good, noble and honored in our Rangers."

With the passing of SSG. Dahlke, America has lost an outstanding citizen and a shining example of service to our nation.  He will be remembered as a patriotic American, a pillar of our community and a compassionate husband and a loving son.

To his wife Niki, his mother Deborah, his father Roger and his loving family and friends, we offer our deepest sympathy.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize SSG Jason Dahlke’s contributions and to ask that all Members of the U.S. House of Representatives join me in recognizing his heroic service in our nation’s Armed Forces.