[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 169 (Thursday, November 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO COLONEL MICHAEL VACCA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2003

  Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute today to 
one of our Nation's finest young men who demonstrated exceptional 
courage and concern for our troops. Colonel Michael Vacca of the United 
States Marine Corps is to be commended for his actions, and I applaud 
him for his dedication to the American spirit.
  On the morning of August 26, 2003, one of the many brave soldiers 
from my district, Private First Class Daniel Humphreys, was injured 
while riding in a two-vehicle convoy heading north to Baghdad. When an 
Improvised Explosive Device hit the rear vehicle of this mission, the 
vehicle's tires were blown out, the engine and steering systems were 
destroyed, and Private First Class Humphreys was severely wounded along 
with other Marines. Private First Class Humphreys and his fellow 
Marines were taken to hospitals in Germany and Iraq for treatment, and 
Colonel Michael Vacca showed a tremendous amount of support for his 
Corpsmen that extended beyond the call of duty.
  Not only did Colonel Vacca make regular visits to the hospital, he 
also notified the wounded soldiers' loved ones and kept them informed 
of their progress. When a soldier was unable to send word home, Colonel 
Michael Vacca did so with hope, enthusiasm and pride.
  The men and women of our armed forces have been away from their 
families and friends defending democracy and freedom. Colonel Michael 
Vacca has not only put his life on the line for his country, he has 
also brought the spirit of his fellow Marines back home to their 
families.
  Mr. Speaker, Colonel Michael Vacca is a true American hero, and this 
Congress should celebrate his outstanding service and loyalty to the 
Marine Corps and the United States of America.

                          ____________________