Congressman Cohen Reads Letter From Fallen Memphis Soldier

(Click HERE to watch the video.)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Four years ago, Army Staff Sergeant Morgan D. Kennon became the first victim of the Iraqi war from the City of Memphis. Staff Sergeant Kennon joined the army immediately after high school, hoping to earn enough money for college and eventually become a lawyer. He was guarding a bank in Mosul when he was killed. His father said he was a beautiful kid. He was a serious-minded youngster who was devoted to fulfilling his mother's wishes. His mother needed anything, instead of being put out in a park playing basketball, it was a joy to go out and do whatever he had to help her.

On 9/11 I received an email from his sister, Ms. Nicole Crawford. I read it:

I am the sister of Staff Sergeant Morgan Kennon. I just wanted to know exactly what you and the other Members of Congress and Members of the Senate were doing to bring our troops home. It's been almost four years since my brother was killed and we still do not know why he was killed. Mr. Cohen, it’s not just hard for the soldiers serving in Iraq, it’s hard for their families also who worry about them. It is especially hard for the families that have lost loved ones in Iraq. Please don't take this the wrong way, but if the Democrats don't do something soon and force Mr. Bush's hand, there will not be a Democrat in the White House next year. The people of this country voted for the Democratic Party because they want change.

Ms. Crawford, I'm for change. I'm not going to vote for any additional funds, but to redeploy our troops. I feel your pain. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.