John Kuhl: “It is with honor and pleasure that I rise to recognize Corporal Jason L. Dunham, United States Marine Corps. Corporal…”

“It is with honor and pleasure that I rise to recognize Corporal Jason L. Dunham, United States Marine Corps. Corporal Dunham will posthumously receive our Nation's highest award for valor tomorrow, on January 11, 2007, from our 43rd President, George W. Bush. Corporal Dunham grew up in my congressional district in Scio, New York. He was known for his prowess in basketball, baseball and soccer at Scio Central School. He was also well known throughout the entire community, not just for the good-natured pranks that he pulled but for being a young man of enthusiastic yet humble spirit, someone who genuinely cared for others and could always be counted on if someone was in need. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in July of 2000, because the Marines were known to have the toughest training but also the strongest brotherhood. He also felt a personal challenge to complete basic training and to do it well. Following his first duty assignment with the Marine Corps security forces in Kings Bay, Georgia, Corporal Dunham was assigned to the Fourth Platoon, K Company, Third Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine Division. Having quickly proven himself as a capable and conscientious leader, Corporal Dunham was assigned as a squad leader and therefore was entrusted with the training, welfare and the lives of nine American sons. He soon earned the reputation for his unwavering commitment to his fellow Marines.”