CONGRESSMAN PENCE TRIBUTE TO SCOTT ZUBOWSKI

Washington, Nov 15 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Mike Pence made the following speech today on the floor of the House of Representatives in honor of Lance Corporal Scott Zubowski. His remarks follow:

“Marines arrived at Barbara Weitzel’s doorstep this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in New Castle, Indiana, and she said, ‘My first question was which one?’ “Two of her sons are Marines, both are in Iraq, and she learned in that moment that her brave son, Lance Corporal Scott Zubowski, died in Iraq on 12 November 2005. While fighting to defend America and secure Iraq, he was the rear passenger traveling with four other soldiers near Fallujah when a roadside bomb exploded beneath their vehicle.

“Scott and his family moved to New Castle in 1991 where he attended Greenstreet Elementary School for first and second grade. His teachers quickly recognized his gifts and talents and placed him in an accelerated academic program at Sunnyside Elementary. “Scott did not grow up dreaming of a life in the military. But as is the case with younger brothers, he respected his older brother, David. Sgt. David Zubowski enlisted in the Marines and Scott noticed the growing confidence in his brother. He knew he wanted to enlist as well. “Scott joined the Marines just weeks after graduating from North Manchester High School in 2003. His two tours of duty in Iraq covered about twelve months.

“Lance Cpl. Scott Zubowski is a hero. I offer my deepest condolences to his parents, Barbara Weitzel and Richard Zubowski, his lovely and new wife, Klancey Zubowski, his two brothers, Brian and Sgt. David Zubowski, and all other family and friends who loved and admired this courageous young man. “Scott’s mother recently told the hometown newspaper, ‘He gave himself for us, and we can't forget.’ “He did give himself, Mrs. Weitzel. And no greater love has a man than he should lay down his life for his friends. And we will never forget your brave son.”