[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 138 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING LANCE CORPORAL PHILLIP G. WEST, USMC, WHO WAS KILLED IN 
                    ACTION IN IRAQ NOVEMBER 19, 2004

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2004

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart 
that I rise today to pay tribute to Lance Corporal Phillip G. West, 
USMC, who was killed in action in Iraq November 19, 2004. Corporal 
West, a 19-year-old resident of Napa County, CA, answered his country's 
call and paid the ultimate price.
  Corporal West served as a rifleman with the 3rd Platoon, India 
Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division. He was on patrol in 
Fallujah when he was fatally wounded by an explosive device.
  Corporal West was born and raised in Napa County. He was a lifeguard 
at the American Canyon Aquatics Center and taught many local youngsters 
to swim. He also played football for the Vintage High School Crushers 
in Napa.
  Corporal West loved his country and he enlisted in the Marines 
immediately upon graduation from Vintage High in 2003. He was drawn to 
the Corps because, to him, it was ``the best'' and he wanted to be part 
of the best.
  Corporal West was deployed to Iraq's Al Anbar Province in June. As a 
rifleman, he was often in combat situations, either on safety patrol or 
in directly confronting insurgents. He excelled at his job, was highly 
regarded by his unit and received a commendation from the Marine Corps 
for superior performance.
  Corporal West died serving the country he loved, with comrades he 
loved and with the love of his family in his heart. Our nation is 
humbled and grateful for his sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Lance 
Corporal Phillip G. West, USMC, who gave his life in service to his 
country.

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