Political Quotes

“I rise today to remember a fallen hero, U.S. Army 1LT Mark A. Noziska of Grand Island, NB. Mark was a proud member of the 1st Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division. He was active in and around Kandahar, one of the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan. Sadly, Mark was killed on August 30 by an improvised explosive device. He had dismounted from a convoy vehicle to investigate suspicious activity when he was attacked. But by taking the lead, he likely prevented many more casualties within his platoon. His death is a great loss to our Nation and to my home State of Nebraska. Mark loved life, he loved the Huskers, and he especially loved the Army. His leadership qualities became apparent early on in his life. He was recognized in Who's Who and selected to represent Nebraska in People to People while a student at Papillion High School. Before graduating, he was voted Mr. Monarch, a very high honor. Mark enlisted in the National Guard in 2004 and before long was selected as the Nebraska Army National Guard Soldier of the Year. He subsequently finished as first runner-up in the Soldier of the Year national competition. Yet Mark had even higher aspirations. He enrolled in college and ROTC to become an officer. The University of Nebraska- Omaha ROTC Program honored Mark with the Military Order of the Purple Heart Medal. After graduating with his college degree, he proceeded to the Infantry Officer Basic Course.”