Blake Farenthold: “H.R. 3501, introduced by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Stutzman), would designate the facility of the United States…”

“H.R. 3501, introduced by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Stutzman), would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 125 Kerr Avenue in Rome City, Indiana, as the SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office. This bill was introduced on November 18, 2011, and was reported favorably from the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on February 7. Nicholas Hartge grew up in Rome City, Indiana, and during high school decided to serve his country by joining the military. Nicholas served in the Third Platoon in Charlie Company in the First Infantry Division, and his company was deployed to Iraq in August of 2006. Nicholas' commanding officer, Commander Michael Baka, took note of the young man's character and aptitude and helped him begin the process of applying to West Point. While the prospect of becoming an officer thrilled Specialist Hartge, he never deviated from his devotion to his fellow soldiers. On May 14, 2007, Specialist Hartge's unit came under heavy attack. While maneuvering through enemy fire, the Humvee carrying the specialist was struck by a roadside bomb. Nicholas Hartge received a Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement in the capture of Abu Hassan, a known IED facilitator in Baghdad. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic actions on the day that he was killed.…”