Darrell Issa: “I join with my colleague in supporting this naming of the Sergeant Dennis J. Flanagan Post Office. Sergeant Flanagan…”

“I join with my colleague in supporting this naming of the Sergeant Dennis J. Flanagan Post Office. Sergeant Flanagan grew up in Florida and attended high school there. He was active and enjoyed sports. He ran cross-country, played soccer, and was a cadet commander at the school's Civil Air Patrol squadron. He loved learning about American history and hoped that one day he would be a history professor. His commitment to military service began at an early age. He was an active member of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, or Junior ROTC, where he achieved the rank of first lieutenant during his junior year of high school. He began classes in Central Florida Community College, but enlisted in the Army a week after September 11. Sergeant Flanagan was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He fought with the air assault infantry that led the initial attack in 2003. Wise beyond his years, he understood that victory could not be attained without action. He knew the dangers of war and believed in serving his country. After completing his first tour of duty, he re-enlisted in September of 2005 for a second tour. As an experienced soldier, he hoped he could act as a mentor for new soldiers, and he wanted to train the Iraqi Army recruits.”