[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 3, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S1016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LATOYA LUCAS

 Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. President, I wish to recognize 
Latoya Lucas of Colorado Springs, who will be awarded today with the 
2009 Tony Snow Public Service Award. This distinction was created to 
``honor extraordinary individuals who are passionate about serving 
their country while dealing courageously with debilitating intestinal 
diseases and ostomy surgery.''
  In 2003, Latoya was a new mother and an Army specialist serving in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom when her humvee was attacked by rocket-
propelled grenades. She thankfully survived the incident, but her 
injuries resulted in a colostomy and 2 years of intensive 
rehabilitation. Latoya's brave service has been recognized by such 
honors and distinctions as the Purple Heart Medal, the Meritorious 
Service Medal, and the Soroptimist International Woman of Distinction 
Award. In 2005, she became the first female recipient of the Military 
Order of the Purple Heart's Region V Patriot of the Year Award.
  After her retirement from the Army, Latoya became a motivational 
speaker and writer to share her remarkable story with others and 
encourage people to draw strength from their struggles. Latoya's book, 
``The Immeasurable Spirit: Lessons of a Wounded Warrior about Faith and 
Perseverance,'' received the Gold Medal Award from the Military Writers 
Society of America. Additionally, Latoya is the chair of the Wounded 
Warrior Welcome Home Social. She has inspired so many others to draw 
strength from adversity. As Latoya has said, ``There are so many 
soldiers who come back home with injuries and untold numbers having 
ostomy surgery. I answer questions they have and show them that they 
can lead a full life with an ostomy.''
  There are thousands of veterans and Active-Duty members who call 
Colorado home, a fact that is a source of pride for me. Coloradans like 
Latoya are a testament to the bravery and strength of our veterans and 
their remarkable ability to deal with life-changing injuries. Latoya 
has become a leader and a source of strength for fellow citizens who 
face similar injuries, and I want to thank her for her service to this 
country. I am proud to have this opportunity to share just some 
examples of Latoya's bravery and achievements, and I congratulate her 
and the other Great Comebacks Award recipients.

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