[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 182 (Monday, December 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING CORPORAL JAMESON CHAREST UPON HIS RETURN HOME FROM SERVICE IN 
                                  IRAQ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 7, 2009

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with the greatest joy that I rise 
today to join the more than 300 family and friends who have gathered to 
welcome home Corporal Jameson Charest of Wallingford, Connecticut. I 
have known Jameson's family for many years. His mother, Karen, served 
as a Congressional Aide in one of my Connecticut colleagues' District 
Office and I often had the opportunity to work with her. There are no 
words to describe how proud we all are of his outstanding service to 
our nation and, most importantly, to his fellow marines.
  Jameson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was deployed 
to Iraq, where he served a 7 month tour. During his tour, he earned 
both the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon, when the vehicle he 
was in was destroyed by an IED. Needless to say, when word spread of 
his injuries, we were all concerned for his health and safety. 
Fortunately, Jameson has recovered and is ready to return to service. 
Though home on leave for the next several weeks, Jameson will report to 
Okinawa on New Year's Day and, in May, will report to the Pentagon.
  Jameson will be the first one to tell you he is not a hero--that he 
is simply a marine, doing his job. However, in my mind, Jameson, and 
all of the men and women who volunteer to serve in our Nation's Armed 
Forces are heroes. Dedicating themselves to protecting the freedoms and 
values we all cherish, they often give up much of themselves--and that 
is particularly true for those who have served in combat. Corporal 
Jameson Charest is a very special young man who certainly deserves our 
respect, our gratitude, and our admiration. He is a source of 
inspiration to all of those fortunate enough to know him.
  For now, Corporal Jameson Charest has come home and it is certainly 
cause for celebration. I am so proud to stand today and join his 
parents, Karen and Denis, as well as all of those who have gathered 
this evening to welcome our hero home and to wish him all the best as 
he continues his service as a United States marine.

                          ____________________