[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 153 (Monday, November 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING ARMY MASTER SERGEANT MITTMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 29, 2010

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate and 
honor the service of Army Master Sergeant Jeffrey Mittman for receiving 
the Osborne A. ``Oz'' Day AbilityOne Awareness Award. The prestigious 
``Oz'' Award is presented by the Committee for Purchase from People Who 
Are Blind or Severely Disabled to an employee at a federal agency who 
demonstrates exceptional service promoting the AbilityOne Program 
throughout the federal, state and local communities.
  Now, the National Account Manager for the National Industries for the 
Blind's Midwest Region, Master Sergeant Mittman supports a mission of 
employment for others with disabilities by promoting the AbilityOne 
Program through the federal procurement process in Indiana's 5th 
Congressional District. This patriot's story is a remarkable one, for 
his story does not start nor finish here with this award.
  Master Sergeant Mittman's indefatigable commitment to serve his 
fellow Americans began as a soldier in the United States Army in 1989. 
Having fought in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield, 
Operation Enduring Freedom, and in 2003, Operation Iraqi Freedom, 
Master Sergeant Mittman was the All-American hero who never turned down 
defending his country. It wasn't till his return to Iraq in 2005 as a 
special advisor to the Iraqi Department of the Interior that he came 
face to face with death changing his life forever.
  Tragically, an improvised explosive device exploded near his vehicle 
in Iraq, leaving Master Sergeant Mittman without a nose, lips, most of 
his teeth, and the majority of his vision. Since that time, he has 
endured more than 40 operations and spent over four years recovering 
physically and emotionally. To his great credit, he has traveled the 
country sharing the lessons he learned from these experiences with the 
world.
  He is noted for saying it is the veteran who has to take that very 
first step to recovering and that he realized this after attending the 
Blinded Veterans Association Conference in 2006, where he met people 
who were blinded years ago who are now attorneys, teachers and business 
executives. After realizing life can be good in spite of having a 
disability, he decided to help others who also have disabilities find 
jobs and lead meaningful lives.
  Master Sergeant Mittman, a 40-year-old decorated warrior, husband of 
17 years, father of two and outspoken military veteran was and forever 
will be an All-American hero whose determination and selflessness 
continue to serve our country and inspire our hearts. Today, we salute 
you.

                          ____________________