[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 35 (Thursday, March 11, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING CORPORAL CHAD WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 2010

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight to recognize Cpl Chad 
Watson of the United States Marine Corps, a true American hero.
  Corporal Watson gave up his final year of a wrestling scholarship at 
Indiana University to serve his country in Iraq with the Marine Corps 
in 2006. He was quickly assigned to be a team leader, and led his team 
on five ambushes and more than 60 combat patrols. Corporal Watson was 
popular with his team and was even voted as the one Marine his fellow 
Marines would most like to serve with in combat.
  However, after serving a little more than three months in Fallujah, 
Corporal Watson's time in Iraq was cut short when he was severely 
injured by an IED while on a mission. He spent the next 17 months in 
various forms of recovery and rehabilitation.
  Corporal Watson received the respect and praise of his colleagues 
while serving in the military, and was named Marine of the Quarter for 
his actions in Iraq. Despite his injuries and substantial recovery 
time, he continues to serve his country and his fellow servicemen 
through his work with the Wounded Warrior Project. This organization 
seeks to empower injured veterans by spreading awareness and enlisting 
the aid of the public to meet the needs of men and women who have been 
injured in service to their country. The Wounded Warrior project also 
helps severely injured service members aid and assist each other.
  Corporal Watson's devotion to his country before, during, and after 
his time in Iraq is an example of true patriotism. I want to both 
recognize him and, on behalf of the United States Congress, thank him 
for his selfless service on the frontlines in Iraq and for his 
continued dedication to serving as a tireless advocate for our nation's 
veterans.

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