[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 44 (Friday, April 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E565-E566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF SERGEANT RICHARD F. LITTO, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2006

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that I 
rise today to pay tribute to Sergeant Richard Francis Litto, United 
States Marine Corps and a resident of South Boston, MA.
  Upon graduation from South Boston High School in 1976, Sergeant Litto 
joined the Marine Corps Active Reserve Unit. In 1990, Richie was called 
to active duty in Operation Desert Shield and assigned to the Military 
Police Criminal Investigations Division. During his tenure in Desert 
Shield, Richie received several accolades for his exemplary work ethic. 
One in particular, The Meritorious Mast, was awarded to Richie for his 
outstanding service.

[[Page E566]]

  Richie's next tour came in 2005, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom 
where he was again asked to serve his country. Richie was activated in 
June of that year as a member of the 6th Civil Affairs Group (CAG), 2nd 
Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps. During this tour 
Richie was on a 137 ``outside the wire mission,'' where he and his 
fellow members of the CAG Division worked on the streets of Fallujah, 
Amiriyah, and Zaidon protecting the citizens of Iraq from enemy 
insurgents.
  Due to his exemplary service Richie was given Gunnery Sergeant 
responsibilities with E5 status, which any Marine knows is an amazing 
accomplishment and honor. Throughout his service in the United States 
Marine Corps, Richie Litto has been decorated with numerous awards. He 
has been awarded the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, 
Good Conduct Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon and the National Defense 
Ribbon on several occasions.
  On a personal note, I have had the pleasure of counting Richie Litto 
among my dearest friends for most of my life. Recently, as part of a 
Congressional Delegation that visited Iraq and Afghanistan I had the 
opportunity to visit with Richie while he was stationed at Camp Mercury 
in Fallujah and tell him in person how proud we were of his service to 
our country.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House 
of Representatives today to join with Richie's wonderful family, 
friends, and brothers and sisters in the Marines and thank him for a 
job well done and welcome him home. I hope my colleagues will join me 
in celebrating Richie Litto's many accomplishments and all his future 
endeavors.

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