October 30, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 172 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1376-E1377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF JAMES OLIVER TWIST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2019

  Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize the life of 
James Oliver Twist, who passed away at the age of 27 after a lifetime 
of service to his fellow Americans. Through his extreme courage and 
selflessness, James became an indispensable part of the state of 
Michigan.
  James was born on June 30, 1992. The youngest of his siblings, James 
excelled as an athlete and obtained the rank of Eagle Scout before 
graduating from Forest Hills Central High School. Upon graduation, 
James enlisted in the United States Army. He completed his basic 
training at Fort Knox and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at 
Fort Bragg,

[[Page E1377]]

North Carolina. James served in Afghanistan in 2012, where he was 
deployed to the Kandahar Valley. Throughout his service abroad, James 
was invaluable to his brothers in uniform, and he took great joy in the 
work he did for nearby villages. Following his return home, James 
married his wife Emalyn in 2013, and joined the Army Reserve, serving 
with the 321st Psychological Operations Battalion in Grand Rapids. 
Seeking to further serve his fellow Michiganders, James entered the 
State Police Training Academy and graduated in July 2018 as Trooper No. 
1615.
  Despite his unforgettable sense of humor and unique ability to bring 
joy to others, James hid his struggle with Post Traumatic Stress 
Disorder. On October 22, 2019, James took his own life. Even after his 
death, James was dedicated to the public good as his organs and tissue 
were used to save the lives of six fellow Americans. As we look for 
solace after this tragedy, I want to express my heartfelt condolences 
to his family and friends. James' tireless devotion to the public good 
has touched the lives of countless Michiganders, and the impact of his 
work cannot be overstated.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of Michigan's First Congressional District, 
I ask you to join me in honoring the life of James Oliver Twist. His 
legacy will forever live on in his family and through the countless 
lives he bettered through his service

                          ____________________