Michael Bennet: “today I pay tribute to a young Coloradan, LCpl Christopher S. Meis, who died on March 17, 2011, from wounds he received…”

“today I pay tribute to a young Coloradan, LCpl Christopher S. Meis, who died on March 17, 2011, from wounds he received while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was 20 years old. The loss of Lance Corporal Meis weighs heavily on his hometown of Bennett, CO, where he grew up dreaming of serving his country as a marine. According to his mother, Lance Corporal Meis set his mind to becoming a soldier in the eighth grade. He always preferred the Marines, she says, because of its distinct reputation for rigor and excellence. Lance Corporal Meis enlisted in January 2010 after graduating from Bennett High School. He served a tour of duty in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, earning numerous decorations. He was a machine gunner in the 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, NC. This post situated Lance Corporal Meis on the front lines of battle in Afghanistan, which for him meant an opportunity to contribute. His mother said that, when he called home, he spoke of his readiness for action and commitment to ``making a difference.'' He told his family that he ultimately wanted to pursue the Marine Corps as a career. Lance Corporal Meis's bravery and exemplary service quickly won the recognition of his commanding officers. He earned, among other decorations, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.…”