[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1703-E1704] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO VORN JAMES MACK ______ HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN of south carolina in the house of representatives Thursday, September 4, 2003 Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of a courageous young man, Private First Class Vorn James Mack of Orangeburg, South Carolina who recently passed away while valiantly serving his country in Iraq. Vorn Mack was a 2002 graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg, South Carolina. While at Orangeburg- [[Page E1704]] Wilkinson, Mack, an honor student, was taught by one of my staffers who remembers him as being a very intelligent, well mannered and driven young man. While in high school Vorn had a particular interest in computers, mathematics, and serving in the military. His high school guidance counselor said ``he always had an interest in the military, because he wanted to see the world and because his father and sister had careers in the Army.'' Vorn belonged to a family known for its military service and patriotism. Six of his aunts and uncles are military retirees, and five members of his family currently serve, including his older sister Aquanette who is currently stationed in the Middle East. After his graduation from high school, Vorn enlisted in the United States Army and underwent basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. After successfully completing basic training, Vorn was sent to Fort Gordon, Georgia where he received advanced infantry training in information systems management. After this training, Vorn was assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado where he served in Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Three months after his arrival in Colorado, Vorn and his regiment were deployed to Iraq. While in Iraq, Vorn belonged to a force assigned to guard the Hadithah Dam, west of Ar Ramadi, Iraq. This dam was crucial to the United States operation because it provided electricity to a large portion of Iraq and was viewed as a possible target for terrorist acts. In his obituary, Vorn's family stated ``He had no fear, never afraid to accept a challenge, whether it was work, school, or even in the United States Army, Vorn excelled in every aspect of his short life.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in this tribute to Vorn Mack for the outstanding service and contribution he provided the Nation, the State of South Carolina and his beloved community of Orangeburg. Vorn will always be remembered for his dedication and commitment to freedom. ____________________