[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 156 (Tuesday, October 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE OF LANCE CORPORAL TRAVIS M. NELSON, USMC

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 18, 2011

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is with great respect and honor that I rise today to 
recognize the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Lance Corporal Travis 
M. Nelson.
  Lance Corporal Nelson succumbed to wounds sustained in combat 
operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on August 18, 2011. At the 
time, he was assigned as a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine 
Regiment, 2d Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
  Born in Orlando, Florida on August 5, 1992, Lance Corporal Nelson was 
a true American patriot. Drawn to military service at an early age, 
with the support of his family, he joined the Young Marines of 
Pensacola at 14. He later participated in the Naval Junior Reserve 
Officer Training Corps program at Pace High School, where he graduated 
from in 2010. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and 
upon completion of basic training in January 2011, Lance Corporal 
Nelson chose to serve in the infantry. He knew of the challenging role; 
however, he felt that the job should not be left for someone else. His 
decision to join the Marine Corps is a true testament to his 
character's strength and selflessness.
  Lance Corporal Nelson was a beloved member of his community, 
remembered as an athlete, an avid fisherman, and a friend by those who 
knew him. He is survived by his parents, Scott and Beckie; his sisters, 
Anna and Jenna; his brother, Daniel; and his fiancee, Madeline Cates.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged 
to honor the life of Lance Corporal Travis Nelson for his selfless 
service and sacrifice in defense of our nation. My wife Vicki and I 
offer our prayers for his entire family. He will be truly missed by 
all.

                          ____________________