SJR91,1,42 Whereas, Army Sergeant Matthew Pionk was born on October 10, 1977, in
3Duluth, Minnesota, grew up in Oliver, Wisconsin, and died of injuries sustained on
4January 9, 2008, from enemy action in Iraq; and

SJR91,1,65 Whereas, Sergeant Pionk was a 1996 graduate of Superior High School in
6Superior, Wisconsin, and enlisted in the United States Army in 1998; and

SJR91,1,117 Whereas, Sergeant Pionk enjoyed playing basketball, hunting, and working on
8cars, including a 1970 Chevy truck he restored when he was in high school, and was
9most remembered by friends, family, and fellow soldiers as a generous and kind soul,
10a role model, and a bold leader who commanded great respect both in combat and in
11his community; and

SJR91,1,1412 Whereas, Sergeant Pionk served with distinction in the 3rd Squadron, 2nd
13Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division out of Vilseck, Germany, where he was a
14platoon sergeant, and was in his second tour of duty in Iraq; and

SJR91,2,5

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1Whereas, Sergeant Pionk's family and fellow citizens including his parents,
2Duane and Sandy Pionk, his wife of nine years, Melanie Pionk, and his three
3children, Dillon, Ashley, and Brandon, are honored by his bravery and sacrifice,
4knowing that he died doing what he wanted to do: serve the nation and fight for
5freedom; and

SJR91,2,76 Whereas, Sergeant Pionk demonstrated his valor by earning a Bronze Star
7during his first tour of duty for helping a fellow soldier who was injured; and

SJR91,2,108 Whereas, Sergeant First Class Pionk embodied the Army core values of courage
9and leadership, was highly respected by his fellow soldiers for both of these traits,
10and will be sorely missed; now, therefore, be it