[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN LEE VANDEWATER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2008

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize CPT Lee J. 
Vandewater of Winterset, Iowa who was honored by the Central Iowa 
Chapter of the American Red Cross for his heroic efforts serving in the 
Iowa National Guard overseas, earning him a Bronze Star.
  Captain Vandewater served as the 1st Platoon Leader, Company B, 168th 
Infantry of the Iowa National Guard. While serving overseas, he 
commanded a nine-vehicle convoy carrying 30 soldiers along the 
Afghanistan and Pakistan borders. Insurgents ambushed the battalion and 
Captain Vandewater commanded his team to safety and returned with three 
other men to successfully rescue four stranded soldiers. For his 
efforts, Captain Vandewater was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with 
Valor and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. The Bronze Star is the fourth 
highest award that the Department of Defense gives for bravery, 
heroism, and meritorious service. For his service he earned a promotion 
to Captain and was assigned as Commander, Company A 1st Battalion, 
168th Infantry of the Iowa National Guard.
  The bravery and sacrifice displayed by Captain Vandewater goes above 
and beyond what we are asked of as citizens of this country. I commend 
CPT Lee J. Vandewater's courageousness and service to our great Nation. 
It is an honor to represent him in the United States Congress, and I 
know my colleagues join me in wishing Captain Vandewater safety and 
success in his future service.

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