Udall Honors Army Spc. Christopher Kurth With Senate Chamber Speech

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D- N.M., today honored the life and memory of Alamogordo Army Spc. Christopher Kurth who lost his life to a grenade attack in Iraq on June 4. Below is the text of Udall's Senate Chamber tribute. Click HERE to see a video of the Udall's speech.

"I rise today to honor a proud son of Alamogordo, New Mexico. Army Specialist Chris Kurth died last Thursday, June 4, after his vehicle was struck by an anti-tank grenade. He was 23 years old.

"In Iraq, Chris was responsible for escorting convoys, but this job description conveys none of the risk or the courage involved in the job. The military can secure a town or a base, but somebody must still travel the roads that cannot be secured. Christopher Kurth was responsible for undertaking this act of courage.

"Chris knew how dangerous his job could be when he began his last mission. He was on his second tour of duty, and he had just recovered from a neck wound that won him a Purple Heart. But for Chris, success was defined by keeping his fellow soldiers safe. And that's what he died fighting to do.

"The values reflected in this duty are as important in peace as they are in war. His job was to protect his fellow soldiers-to be a good friend in the most difficult of times. By serving them, he served his country.

"The characteristics that made Chris Kurth a good soldier also made him a good friend when he was back in Alamogordo. They made him a good teacher when he volunteered to tell students at his former high school about life as a soldier. And they made him a loving-and loved-son, brother and husband.

"Chris Kurth lost his life keeping American soldiers safe. He was a proud soldier and a good man. My thoughts are with Chris's parents, with his wife and with all those who knew and loved him.

"I ask you to join me today in remembering his service. Thank you, Mr. President."