[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 4657-4658] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS AMY DUERKSEN ______ HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER of maryland in the house of representatives Thursday, March 30, 2006 Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to mourn the loss and honor the life of PFC Amy Duerksen, who died the 11th day of March 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Private Duerksen was no stranger to the United States Armed Forces. She was third-generation military. Her father is MAJ Douglas W. Duerksen, an Army chaplain at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, MD. Her grandfather, Wayne Duerksen, is a veteran of the Navy, having served in World War II. And her sister, April Duerksen, is also a member of the Army, stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. In April of last year, Amy joined the Fourth Combat Support Battalion, First Brigade, Fourth Infantry Division, based at Fort Hood, TX. Her unit was deployed on Christmas Day. On the eighth day of March 2006, Private Duerksen suffered injuries in a noncombat-related incident, and she was not able to recover from those injuries. She is remembered as a dedicated soldier who greatly loved her country and faithfully served her fellow Americans by fighting for this great nation. Private Duerksen was full of passion and life. She possessed a strong faith and willingly shared that with others. Private Duerksen risked her life to serve our country. She deserves our unending admiration and appreciation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me in honoring the life of PFC Amy Duerksen. She was a remarkable soldier and patriot. [[Page 4658]] ____________________