[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 13, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H2608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE MEMORY OF LANCE CORPORAL HARRY LEW

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Chu) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Harry Lew.
  Harry Lew was a marine serving the mission of Operation Enduring 
Freedom in Afghanistan. Freedom, however, does not come without a 
price. Harry Lew died in Afghanistan on Sunday, April 3, 2011. He was 
21 years old. He was the son of Sandy and Allen Lew, the brother of 
Carmen Lew, and he was my nephew.
  Lance Corporal Harry Lew died while serving on watch duty in Helmand 
province. He had joined the Marines in August 2009 and reported to his 
unit in February 2010.

                              {time}  1010

  He was based in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd 
Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. 
His unit was deployed to the Middle East in November, where they joined 
a Marine combat team for counterinsurgency work with the Afghan 
National Security Forces. Their goal was to provide security to locals 
and to promote development in the regime.
  He was set to return home in July 2011, 3 months before his death.
  Harry was a popular and outgoing student, both at Santa Clara High 
School, where he graduated in June 2008, and at Mission College, where 
he took classes for a year. He was known for joking, smiling, and for 
wanting to keep the mood light. One of his teachers said he brought 
``life and laughter to his classroom.''
  He loved physical sports, especially ``tricking,'' a form of 
breakdancing involving kicks, flips and twists. It combines wushu, 
Chinese martial arts and gymnastics. He was so accomplished in this 
sport that as a member of the club called the Sidestep Breakdance Club, 
he performed several times in front of the high school. His friends 
said his best trick was the butterfly twist, where one spins 360 
degrees in a horizontal flip. Upon his death, his friends honored him 
with a tricking session at his high school.
  Harry's best friend, Travis Trotter said, ``Everyone here has been 
influenced by him in some way or another, whether it be through his 
dancing, his artistic talents, his tricking or just being the person he 
was, friendly with everyone.''
  Of his service, his superior in the Marines said: ``Only a small 
portion of our society volunteers to serve their country. Lance 
Corporal Lew was one of those volunteers. Within the 2nd Battalion, 3rd 
Marines, he was well liked by his fellow marines and was known for 
getting along with everyone because of his easy-going nature.
  ``He took his job seriously and performed his duties with enthusiasm. 
In Afghanistan, he volunteered for the difficult missions and 
demonstrated uncommon endurance on 4- to 8-hour foot patrols. Lance 
Corporal Lew also demonstrated his commitment and courage on two 
separate occasions when his unit came under enemy fire. One of those 
events is captured in the following:
  ``At approximately 7:30 p.m. on March 21, 2011, 3rd Squad of 3rd 
Platoon, Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, was engaged by enemy 
small arms fire while defending a position in Gawraggi village, Nawa-e-
Barazkai district, Helmand province, Afghanistan. The enemy engaged 
with several bursts of automatic weapons fire. At that time of contact, 
the majority of the squad was in a small hole in the ground, taking 
cover to eat evening chow. Lance Corporal Lew immediately identified 
the enemy position approximately 200 meters to the southeast and 
engaged the enemy position initially with an M203 grenade launcher 
located at his post. He then picked up his M240 squad automatic weapon 
and engaged the enemy with an estimated 200 rounds until they had had 
enough and broke contact. His squad then continued with their mission.
  ``This is an example of Lance Corporal Lew's service. It serves as a 
reminder of all those who today serve in harm's way. Like Lance 
Corporal Lew, they serve to protect our country, our freedom, and our 
way of life. I am grateful for the courage and sacrifice of Lance 
Corporal Lew.''
  Harry Lew was a good son and brother, a friend to many, a great 
performer and a dedicated soldier. His ready smile and warm attitude 
will be remembered by all who knew him. His sacrifice for his country 
will never be forgotten.
  For his service, Harry Lew will be honored with the National Defense 
Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the 
Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

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