[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 172 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING CAPTAIN DANIEL C. RHODES ON BEING NAMED ``MARINE OF THE YEAR''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2009

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Daniel 
Rhodes of La Grange, Illinois on being named the 2009 Marine Corps 
Times Marine of the Year. All our service men and women make 
extraordinary sacrifices and are worthy of acclaim. But the Marine 
Corps Times has chosen a truly exemplary member of our Armed Forces for 
this incredible honor.
  Growing up in La Grange and attending Lyons Township High School, 
Daniel Rhodes always knew he would be a Marine. His strong faith and 
passion for community service are a tribute to his parents, who have 
spent the last 10 years in Lima, Peru running an orphanage. With their 
selflessness as his guide, Daniel Rhodes enlisted in the Marines in May 
2001 with an uncommon drive and certainty of purpose.
  Then First Lieutenant Rhodes served as the commander of Weapons 
Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines in Karmah, Iraq starting in August 
2008. With just two years of experience as an officer, he commanded 200 
Marines and more than 500 Iraqi militia members, functioning as both a 
warrior and a mentor. Daniel Rhodes and his men used emergency relief 
funds to commence more than 30 service projects in the area in and 
around Karmah. The results included the refurbishment of 21 schools, 
four bridges, two water treatment plants, two roads, a community 
center, and two factories, as well as the development of an adult 
literacy program. These projects helped thousands of Iraqis and are 
examples of the kinds of critical but often unsung efforts that lie at 
the heart of our military's work in Iraq.
  During his personal time while deployed, Daniel Rhodes authored a 
book on military ethics that is now used throughout his battalion. He 
also incorporated discussion of ethics and leadership into his 
company's weekly routine. Truly, Daniel Rhodes is a man of uncommon 
ability and unimpeachable character.
  Upon his return to Hawaii, Daniel Rhodes was promoted to Captain and 
named commander of Charlie Company, 1/3. There he developed a 
relationship with Aloha United Way, and continued to be involved in 
community service projects, helping to refurbish vacant public housing 
units and assisting with food drives along with his men.
  After eight years, Captain Daniel Rhodes left the service this past 
July to continue his education and to spend more time with his wife, 
Marine Captain Elizabeth Jackson. I have no doubt that he will 
accomplish more great things in life. I ask you to join me in honoring 
Captain Daniel Rhodes for his outstanding service and recognition as 
the 2009 Marine of the Year.

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