[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11] [House] [Pages 15228-15229] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF STAFF SERGEANT DUANE DREASKY Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the House. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from Michigan is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary life of Staff Sergeant Duane Dreasky of Novi, Michigan, and mourn his passing. Staff Sergeant Dreasky proudly served in the 1st Battalion, 119th Field Artillery Regiment, of the Army National Guard in Lansing, Michigan, and he devoted his life to serving our country. As a student at Walled Lake Western High School, he enjoyed studying military history and playing football, but dreamed of serving his country as a soldier. Despite being a versatile athlete who wrestled, ran track, sky dived and taught martial arts, Staff Sergeant Dreasky suffered a knee injury, which threatened to prevent him from serving in the military. In March of 2000, Staff Sergeant Dreasky married his best friend, Mandy, who served in the United States Army. When Mandy was deployed to Iraq in 2003, Staff Sergeant Dreasky transported members of her unit to Wisconsin for training and [[Page 15229]] helped loved ones communicate with soldiers overseas. Finally, after writing to elected officials about his desire to enlist, he was able to join the National Guard in June of 2003. After basic training, Staff Sergeant Dreasky served in Cuba before voluntarily deploying to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. On November 21, 2005, an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle near Habbaniyah, Iraq. He sustained severe injuries and was transported to the burn center at Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, for treatment. Wrapped in medical bandages and unable to stand, he struggled to salute President George W. Bush, who visited him in the hospital. With his father, Roger; mother, Cheryl; sister, Dawn; and Mandy by his side, Staff Sergeant Dreasky never lost his patriotism. For 8 months, Staff Sergeant Dreasky fought courageously for his life, but ultimately passed away on July 10, 2006. His legendary commitment to his family, community, and country is a testament to his enduring and selfless love. Staff Sergeant Dreasky is remembered as an inspiration to the citizens of Michigan, a soldier of unyielding dedication and a hero. He will be sorely missed. Mr. Speaker, during his 31 years, Staff Sergeant Dreasky enriched the lives of everyone around him. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning his passing and honoring his contributions to our community and our country. ____________________