Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. I also want to thank the committee for putting this bill out. Lance Corporal Arredondo was a recipient of the Navy Cross with combat V and a Purple Heart. He was nominated for the Bronze Star, and he gave his life for this country on August 25, 2004. As you heard, he was on his second tour of duty in Iraq. I just want to read a paragraph that was written about one of his actions, his last action, by a lieutenant general that I think sums up what his own colleagues, his other Marines, thought of him. ``On August 25, 2004, Lance Corporal Arredondo gallantly performed the duties of a fire team leader while fighting enemy forces in the old city of Najaf. While moving with his squad to attack and clear a two- story building, the platoon became heavily engaged at close ranges by enemy small arms, machine gun, and RPG fire. He never hesitated as he led his Marines under intense fire through the building, personally clearing rooms and assuming the greatest risk as grenade explosions raised an impenetrable cloud of dust and dirt in each room. ``Lance Corporal Arredondo led his Marines clearing the objective in a superb manner, never slowing down and never showing any fear. After the exhausting attack, when the platoon had gained control of the building, Lance Corporal Arredondo personally emplaced his marines in an exemplary manner while setting up a defense and preparing for further engagements with the enemy.…”