[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING WESLEY UHLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before this body of Congress today 
to honor a man who has been wounded on the field of battle while in the 
service of his nation. Wesley Uhland, a 26-year-old Army Specialist, is 
a mechanic who received a bullet to the abdomen after an ambush by 
Iraqi soldiers. However, doctors have assured Wesley and his family 
that he will make a full recovery. As he recuperates, I would like to 
recognize his admirable service before this Congress and this nation 
today.
  Wesley graduated from Canon City High School in 1994 and joined the 
Army in 2000. He was stationed out of Fort Carson and was deployed in 
Operation Iraqi freedom on April 11, 2003. As a mechanic, Wesley is 
responsible for the care and maintenance of tanks, Humvees, and Bradley 
Fighting Vehicles. During the ambush in which he was shot, four of 
Wesley's companions were also wounded, though all were lucky enough to 
survive the incident. Wesley is recuperating in an Iraqi hospital and 
is to be transferred to Germany before traveling home to Colorado.
  Mr. Speaker, I cannot fully express the gratitude and respect I feel 
for Wesley Uhland. Each generation must renew its commitment to defend 
our liberties. Today in Iraq, a new generation of young Americans is 
fighting bravely for the freedom of others. I know that those who seek 
the true meaning of duty, honor, and sacrifice will find it in 
dedicated servants like Wesley Uhland. This Congress and all Americans 
should feel proud that we have soldiers like Wesley Uhland defending 
our great Nation. Thank you, Wesley, for putting your life on the line 
to honorably serve our country.

                          ____________________