[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 129 (Thursday, September 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING CENTRAL FLORIDA'S VETERAN OF THE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2010

  Mr. GRAYSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor central Florida's 
``Veteran of the Month'', a local man known for his exceptional 
accomplishments and volunteer efforts.
  Former Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Sprouse is paralyzed. Despite his 
disability, Mike has persevered to become a world-class hand cyclist. 
He holds five marathon course records, and is the world record holder 
for speed on a downhill course. Mike also organizes and runs sporting 
clinics for individuals with disabilities all over central Florida and 
south Florida.
  Military service is a family tradition for Mike. His grandfather and 
father served in the United States Marine Corps. His father made the 
ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam in 1966. Mike entered the Marine Corps 
the day after he graduated from high school. He went on to serve 6 
years as a Drill Instructor at Parris Island, the Marine Corps Recruit 
Depot in South Carolina.
  Madam Speaker, Mike Sprouse is an inspiration. Every day, he leads by 
example. Mike encourages others to overcome their disabilities. He is 
not just an exemplary veteran, he is a phenomenal person. I am proud to 
recognize him as Florida's 8th District Veteran of the Month.

                          ____________________