[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN SUPPORT OF SSG WILLIAM L. MURWIN AND H.R. 2998

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2003

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2998 
offered by my friend and colleague, the distinguished Chairman of the 
Appropriations Committee, Mr. Young of Florida. This vital legislation 
will benefit thousands of our men and women in uniform, including one 
brave Nevadan in particular, Staff Sergeant William L. Murwin.
  Staff Sergeant Murwin is a Marine Reservist from Nevada whose unit 
was activated for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in Iraq, he 
was injured while patrolling with his unit. Sergeant Murwin suffered 
grave injuries, and was evacuated to the United States for treatment. 
He received care and treatment for a month at Walter Reed Army Hospital 
in Washington, DC, and was then released from active duty and returned 
to Nevada. He was deeply shocked to receive a bill from the Federal 
government for more than $200 for the food he received while being 
treated for his combat injuries.
  Fortunately for Staff Sergeant Murwin, Mr. Young and his wife Beverly 
visited Walter Reed and personally paid Sergeant Murwin's bill. Then, 
motivated by his desire to make sure this did not happen to any service 
member ever again, Bill Young introduced H.R. 2998 to ban this practice 
forever. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this legislation, and urge 
every Member of the House to become a co-sponsor of this vital, non-
partisan legislation.
  On behalf of the people of Nevada, I want to thank Chairman and Mrs. 
Young for the service and compassion they have shown Sergeant Murwin 
and all of our men and women in uniform. I am proud to serve in the 
House with Chairman Young and hope that he continues his career of 
public service here for many years to come.

                          ____________________