MR. BERRY.  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today on behalf of Congress to commend Captain Jon Stubbs of Searcy, AR, commanding officer of Charlie Company of the 39th Infantry Brigade's 3rd Battalion for his leadership in Iraq over the past year.  Managing a delicate balance between ambassador and soldier, Captain Stubbs has served his nation by bringing hope to a country encompassed by war. He led his company with the strength necessary to win the trust of those in his command and with the compassion needed to bring aid to the Iraqis he bravely protected. 

From Searcy and Little Rock, Arkansas to Camp Taji and Adhamiyah, Iraq; amidst machine gun fire, roadside bombs, rocket propelled grenades, the loss of fellow soldiers and friends, Captain Stubbs served as a faultless example of what it means to be a soldier, a leader and an American.  Focused under pressure and diplomatic with the Iraqi people and the media, we could ask for no better ambassador in these most trying times than Jon Stubbs. His efforts led the 39th to reconstruct Iraqi schools, hospitals, irrigation and sewage systems, and new recreational projects for children; none of this would have been possible without Captain Stubbs' leadership. 

As Jon Stubbs' wife Jane and daughter Susannah welcome him back, his community has also regained a strong leader. The son of a Methodist preacher, Jon Stubbs epitomizes his faith through his involvement in church youth programs, Sunday school and his continued participation in the education of his daughter and her fellow students. While the men and women in his company willingly follow him into battle, his community can look to him again as a friendly and optimistic voice in their lives. 

On behalf of the Congress, I thank Captain Stubbs, Charlie Company and the entire 39th Infantry Brigade for their bravery, diplomacy and strength on behalf of the Iraqi people. The courage demonstrated by Charlie Company reflects considerably on their commanding officer; America's debt to Captain Stubbs' is immeasurable and will never be fully repaid.