[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 186 (Tuesday, December 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING 1LT IVAN D. LECHOWICH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2011

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, 
sacrifice, and heroism of Army First Lieutenant Ivan Lechowich of 
Valrico, Florida.
  1LT Lechowich, a combat engineer, was unfortunately killed while 
conducting combat operations for Operation Enduring Freedom on 
September 28, 2011, in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.
  U.S. Army combat engineers are greatly admired for their fearlessness 
and diligence in helping to tackle rough terrain in combat situations 
and for providing combat effectiveness to maneuver forces. 1LT 
Lechowich personified this bravery and dedication while he and his team 
worked to clear a roadway of explosive devices on the day of his death. 
During his Army career, he has been awarded a Sapper Tab, the Purple 
Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and NATO medal.
  Outside of the Army, Ivan was a loving husband and new father, whose 
daughter was born during his deployment. 1LT Lechowich enjoyed reading, 
studying history, and was an avid fan of the University of Florida's 
football team.
  Mr. Speaker, though proud to have such a fine example from the Tampa 
Bay community, it is with great remorse that I rise to commemorate the 
life of 1LT Lechowich. I am in awe of the young men and women like Ivan 
Lechowich who choose to serve their countrymen in the armed forces. As 
professionals in all that they do, they exhibit honor, courage, and 
commitment in every pursuit. Their sacrifices, like that of 1LT 
Lechowich, will not be forgotten.

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