[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING JOSH COOLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2005

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
acknowledge Mr. Josh Cooley of Pasco County, Florida, a Purple Heart 
recipient from Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  A deputy in the Pasco County Sheriff's office since 1998, Mr. Cooley 
enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in July of 2003. A third 
generation Marine, Lance Corporal Cooley was deployed to Iraq in 
December 2004.
  While on patrol in Iraq, Mr. Cooley was the victim of a roadside 
blast. Following the attack, Mr. Cooley has required several head 
surgeries to remove pieces of scrapnel, some as large as a credit card. 
He currently remains in a local hospital recovering from his wounds 
sustained in early July.
  While at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Mr. 
Cooley was presented his Purple Heart by President George W. Bush. An 
emotional and brief ceremony with Mr. Cooley's family was a fitting 
tribute to his and their sacrifices both on the battlefield and back 
here in Florida.
  In addition to the support from his coworkers and family, the entire 
Pasco County region has helped the Cooley family. Volunteers have 
hosted fundraisers to help defray the costs of his medical bills, and 
have even reroofed his house. We are all proud to know that the good 
people of Pasco County have come together to support those who defend 
our freedoms and liberties in the United States Armed Forces.
  Mr. Speaker, true American heroes like Josh Cooley should be honored 
for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices 
in battle. I am honored to present Mr. Cooley and his family with this 
proclamation and let them know that America is grateful for the 
sacrifices of Lance Corporal Josh Cooley and that we truly consider him 
one of America's heroes.

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