Congressman Cohen Honors Staff Sgt. Daniel Merriweather
January 20, 2010
A 2002 graduate of Overton High School, Merriweather has family that resides in Whitehaven.
The text of his statement follows:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a Memphis/Shelby County citizen who gave his life in service in Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Daniel Merriweather is the first soldier to die from Memphis in 2010 and the 12th since 2002. He died when his convoy ran over an improvised explosive device.
“Staff Sergeant Merriweather graduated from Overton High School in Memphis, Tennessee, where he studied broadcast journalism, played football, loved sports, cowboy hats, boots and country music and you can see from his picture, and the reflections from his friends, how much he loved life and how popular he was.
“Staff Sgt. Merriweather wanted to serve his country and he did so. He had two tours of duty, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. 25 years of age, he's survived by his wife and two children, including Daniel Merriweather Jr. who is just 3 months old. He has a sister and brother as well.
“These are the 12 soldiers that have died from Shelby County, and unfortunately staff Sergeant Merriweather joins that company.
“Let us honor the life of Staff Sergeant Merriweather.
The House holds a brief moment of silence.
“Thank you Mr. Speaker.”
“Staff Sergeant Merriweather graduated from Overton High School in Memphis, Tennessee, where he studied broadcast journalism, played football, loved sports, cowboy hats, boots and country music and you can see from his picture, and the reflections from his friends, how much he loved life and how popular he was.
“Staff Sgt. Merriweather wanted to serve his country and he did so. He had two tours of duty, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. 25 years of age, he's survived by his wife and two children, including Daniel Merriweather Jr. who is just 3 months old. He has a sister and brother as well.
“These are the 12 soldiers that have died from Shelby County, and unfortunately staff Sergeant Merriweather joins that company.
“Let us honor the life of Staff Sergeant Merriweather.
The House holds a brief moment of silence.
“Thank you Mr. Speaker.”
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________________________
Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265