[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 100 (Thursday, July 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JOSE WEEKS, RECIPIENT OF THE 2010 
                              GRUBER AWARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 7, 2011

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Sergeant 1st Class Jose Weeks of the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division 
for earning the 2010 Gruber Award as the best field artilleryman in the 
United States Army.
  The Gruber Award was established in 2002 to recognize the outstanding 
individuals who represent excellence among field artillerymen.
  Sergeant Jose Weeks dedicates himself to strengthening his unit by 
training them to be prepared for any situation. On July 14, 2010, when 
his convoy came under attack, an improvised explosive device struck the 
lead vehicle in his patrol. One of the soldiers in the patrol was 
severely injured by shrapnel. By the time the medic arrived, the 
soldiers inside the damaged vehicle had already begun emergency care 
and had applied a tourniquet to the wounded soldier's leg--a practice 
in which Weeks had repeatedly drilled his crew. Their rapid response 
saved the soldier's life and demonstrated Weeks's effectiveness as a 
trainer. Saving the life of another soldier through effective emergency 
training merits Weeks receiving the Gruber award.
  Weeks's Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Terrence Braley, 
confirmed, ``Sergeant First Class Weeks is an adaptable, flexible 
leader and a master artilleryman. . . . He can move from doing his core 
competencies to firing battery platoon sergeant . . . to conducting 
crew drills [to] IED patrol without skipping a beat.''
  Jose Weeks is an exemplary soldier who is highly deserving of this 
award. It is an honor to recognize him for his leadership and 
commitment to serving in the United States Army.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
please join me in congratulating Sergeant 1st Class Jose Weeks on 
receiving the Gruber Award as the best field artilleryman in the United 
States Army.

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