[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING CORPORAL MICHAEL JOSEPH DUTCHER FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE UNITED 
                           STATES OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2011

  Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Corporal Michael 
Joseph Dutcher of Asheville, North Carolina for his valiant service in 
the United States Marine Corps. The sacrifices Corporal Michael Joseph 
Dutcher made will not be forgotten as he put his country above his own 
needs, serving to fight for freedom.
  Born on November 21, 1988, Cpl. Dutcher grew up in Asheville, North 
Carolina. At Asheville High School, Cpl. Dutcher was involved in band, 
wrestling, and ROTC. Immediately after graduation, Cpl. Dutcher 
enrolled in the Marine Corps on June 18, 2007. Cpl. Dutcher served in 
Bravo Company. He served 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine 
Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, including a tour of duty in 
Afghanistan. His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, 
Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on 
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment with three Bronze 
Stars, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service 
Medal, National Defense Service Medal and NATO Medal ISAF-Afghanistan.
  Cpl. Dutcher was a Non-Commissioned Officer of Marines, regarded by 
his unit as a selfless leader who always put the well-being of his 
fellow Marines above his own. In Afghanistan, his unit served at the 
tip of the spear in the Sangin District of Helmand Province, the site 
of some of the fiercest fighting in all of Afghanistan. On September 
15, 2011, he gave his life while leading his Marines from the front 
against enemy forces.
  Mr. Speaker, Cpl. Dutcher embodied the most essential qualities of a 
United States Marine. He was selfless, dedicated, and brave. He is 
remembered as a man who had a tremendous impact not only on his fellow 
Marines, but also on his family, friends, and community. Through his 
exemplary service in Afghanistan, Cpl. Michael Joseph Dutcher has 
brought pride to Western North Carolina. It is truly my honor to 
commemorate him and I urge my colleagues to join me today in honoring 
the life of Cpl. Michael Joseph Dutcher for the sacrifices he made for 
our country.

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