[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 176 (Thursday, November 17, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  HONORING MARINE LANCE CPL. JOSH MISIEWICZ FOR INJURIES SUSTAINED IN 
                       OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2011

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lance Cpl. Josh 
Misiewicz, a Marine from the Third District of Illinois who was injured 
serving our country in Afghanistan. He was awarded a Purple Heart after 
he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) and lost both of his 
legs. While I am sad for his loss, I am proud he served our country 
bravely and I know he will continue to live a life of great 
achievement.
  Lance Cpl. Misiewicz's achievements before the Marine Corps were 
remarkable. A well-rounded young man, he was a standout student-athlete 
at Lyons Township High School, was recognized by the state of Illinois 
for his athletic achievement, and went on to play hockey for St. Mary's 
University of Minnesota. He knew, however, that he wanted to serve his 
country and embarked upon one of the greatest challenges an American 
can face: joining the Marine Corps. Demonstrating bravery and 
leadership, Lance Cpl. Misiewicz chose to join the infantry and rose to 
become a squad leader.
  After being deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan, his unit was 
in charge of continuing efforts to drive out Taliban insurgents and 
promote peace in the area. On July 20, 2011, in a patrol around that 
remote region, Lance Cpl. Misiewicz's life would change forever when an 
IED detonated near him and he lost both of his legs and much of his 
hearing. Four days later he was transferred to Walter Reed Military 
Hospital where he continues recuperating.
  The difficulty of recovering from such an event for Lance Cpl. 
Misiewicz and his family is beyond comprehension for many Americans. 
The outpouring of local support from friends and neighbors, however, is 
a true testament to this young Marine's character. The love and care of 
his family and the companionship of his fellow Marines will see him 
through this trying stage of his life. Our men and women in uniform are 
some of our bravest people and Lance Cpl. Misiewicz is no exception. He 
makes us all proud to be Americans.
  I ask you to join me in honoring Lance Cpl. Misiewicz for his 
bravery, commitment to his fellow man, and sacrifice. May he have a 
speedy recovery and rehabilitation. I know that this is not the last 
time we will hear from this impressive young man.

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